Classic Kouign-Amann

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Make the dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, add the warm water and sprinkle in the yeast. Add 2 tablespoons/15 grams flour from the measured amount and stir to combine. Let stand until foamy, about 6 minutes.

2. Step 2

   Add the remaining flour and the salt, and, using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir the mixture just until it forms a shaggy dough. Add the butter and sesame oil (if using), and turn the mixer to the lowest speed. Mix, scraping down the dough hook as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic, 5 minutes. Transfer the dough to a bowl or freezer bag. Cover or seal and transfer to the refrigerator. Allow the dough to slowly rise until doubled in size, 5 hours and up to 12.

3. Step 3

   While the dough rises, prepare the butter for lamination: In the bowl of the stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the butter, sugar and salt on low speed until incorporated, about 3 minutes. Transfer the butter mixture to a sheet of parchment paper and, using an offset or rubber spatula, spread into a 10-inch round. Cover with another sheet of parchment, wrap and transfer to the refrigerator to chill while the dough rises.

4. Step 4

   Make the syrup: In a small pot over low heat, combine the sugar, ½ cup/110 grams water, orange zest, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and cloves. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely while the spices steep and infuse the syrup. Strain out the solids before use. At this point, the syrup can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.

5. Step 5

   Generously butter the bottom and sides of the inside of a 12-inch ovenproof nonstick skillet. Ladle 2 tablespoons/40 grams cooled syrup onto the bottom of the pan and swirl.

6. Step 6

   About 15 minutes before you’re ready to start rolling your dough, remove the butter round from the refrigerator. Transfer the dough from the refrigerator to a lightly floured work surface. Flour the top and use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a 12-inch round.

7. Step 7

   Unwrap the butter round and center it on the dough round. Fold 2 sides of the dough, along with the butter over itself so the dough meets in the center of the butter layer. Using your fingers, tap down lightly on the folded edges, just enough to adhere the dough to the butter. Fold the remaining 2 sides so they meet in the center, sealing the butter like an envelope. Press down on the folded edges again to adhere. At this point, you should have what looks like an 8-inch-square dough package.

8. Step 8

   Flour the work surface beneath the dough, and lightly flour the top of the dough. Roll the dough out into a 12-by-18-inch rectangle.

9. Step 9

   Fold the top short side of the dough a third of the way down the length of the dough. Fold the bottom of the dough up and over the remaining two-thirds of the dough so the short sides meet. Using your fingers, tap the folded edge just enough so it adheres. This is the first fold.

10. Step 10

    Turn the dough so that the short sides are parallel to you. Lightly flour the surface and top of the dough again. Roll the dough into a 12-by-18-inch rectangle. Fold the top short side of the dough one-third of the way down the length of the dough. Fold the bottom of the dough up and over the remaining two-thirds of the dough so the short sides meet. Using your fingers, tap the folded edge just enough so it adheres. This is the second fold. Return the folded dough, wrapped in a sheet of parchment, to chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes if you find the butter is beginning to melt between steps.

11. Step 11

    Turn the dough so that the short sides are parallel to you. Roll the dough out into a 14-inch square. Fold the edges on the top half of the dough over in such a way that the top 2 corners meet in the center of the dough, forming what looks like a triangle at the top. Fold the bottom in such a way that the 2 corners meet in the middle. You should have a square dough with a cross cutting through the center to the edges. Roll it into a 14-inch square.

12. Step 12

    Lift and pull the corners in to round out the edges. Flip the dough so that the cross side is down. Pat the dough down to even out the round shape, you should have a roughly 12-inch circle at this point. Using your hand to support the bottom, transfer the dough cross-side down to the prepared skillet. Using the tip of a paring knife, poke holes, 1-inch apart, all around the dough. Ladle 2 tablespoons/40 grams of syrup over the top and spread across the surface of the dough using your fingers. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and allow to rest at room temperature until the surface springs back slightly when you press it with a finger, about 30 minutes.

13. Step 13

    Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Dimple the dough by pressing down all over the surface with your fingers. Bake until light golden brown, 45 minutes.

14. Step 14

    Flip the kouign-amann onto a board or the underside of a baking sheet without a lip. Pour 2 tablespoons/40 grams syrup over the bottom of the skillet and slide the kouign-amann back into the pan, cross side up. Brush some syrup over the top, sprinkle with a pinch of fine salt and return to the oven. Bake until you can hear the butter bubbling at the edges and the surface is golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let sit in the pan for 5 minutes. Run an offset spatula or a knife along the edges to release them. Set a baking rack in a baking sheet, and flip the kouign-amann onto it, brush with the remaining syrup, sprinkle the top with a pinch of fine salt, and allow to cool slightly. Slide to a serving platter with the cross side down.

15. Step 15

    Serve the kouign-amann in wedges while still warm. Use an offset spatula or a knife along the bottom of the pastry to release and lift each wedge from the plate. The kouign-amann will last, wrapped, at room temperature, for 1 to 2 days, or frozen for up to 2 weeks. Toast slices in a 400-degree oven for a few minutes before serving.