Kouign-Amann Pastries

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Kouign-Amann Pastries.

1. Step 1

   Begin by warming some water and mixing it with sugar and yeast in a large bowl.

2. Step 2

   Let this blend rest for about five minutes until it becomes delightfully foamy.

3. Step 3

   Next, introduce two cups of bread flour, a tablespoon of melted butter, and kosher salt to the yeast mixture.

4. Step 4

   Stir with a wooden spoon until you achieve a very wet and sticky dough.

5. Step 5

   Dust your work surface with the remaining half cup of flour, then turn the dough out onto this floured area.

6. Step 6

   Knead the dough, adding extra flour as necessary, until it transforms into a soft, slightly sticky, and elastic texture.

7. Step 7

   Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and allow it to rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which should take about an hour and a half.

8. Step 8

   While the dough is rising, prepare a seasoned sugar blend by mixing sugar with most of the sea salt in a bowl.

9. Step 9

   Taste and adjust the salt to your liking.

10. Step 10

    Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with the remaining tablespoon of melted butter, then spoon some of the seasoned sugar into each cup, shaking to coat.

11. Step 11

    Set this aside for later use.

12. Step 12

    Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface and press it into a rough rectangle.

13. Step 13

    Roll it out to a thickness of about one-eighth to one-quarter inch.

14. Step 14

    Grate one stick of ice-cold butter over the dough, leaving a one-inch border.

15. Step 15

    Use lightly floured hands to flatten the butter, then fold the rectangle widthwise into thirds.

16. Step 16

    Gently press the edges to square them off and place the dough onto a silicone-lined baking sheet.

17. Step 17

    Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

18. Step 18

    After chilling, roll the dough into a large rectangle again, stretching the corners as needed.

19. Step 19

    Grate the remaining stick of ice-cold butter over the surface, pat it down with floured fingers, and fold the dough into thirds once more.

20. Step 20

    Roll it out into a rectangle again and repeat the folding process one last time.

21. Step 21

    Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least an hour.

22. Step 22

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

23. Step 23

    Generously sprinkle seasoned sugar onto your work surface, then place the dough on top and sprinkle more sugar over it.

24. Step 24

    Roll the dough into a large rectangle about one-eighth to one-quarter inch thick, turning and adding sugar between rolls.

25. Step 25

    Use a pizza cutter to trim any uneven edges, then cut the dough into twelve equal squares.

26. Step 26

    Sprinkle additional sugar on top and lightly pinch each pastry into a crown shape by bringing all four corners to the center.

27. Step 27

    Place the pastries into the prepared muffin cups and sprinkle more sugar on top.

28. Step 28

    Allow them to rest for ten minutes.

29. Step 29

    Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastries are beautifully browned and puffed.

30. Step 30

    Transfer them to a cooling rack while still hot and let them cool for 15 minutes before indulging in these delightful treats.

31. Step 31

    Enjoy the warm, buttery goodness that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas!.