Classic Kouign-Amann

Combine 2 Tbsp. warm tap water in a medium bowl and whisk in the yeast to dissolve. Set aside until the mixture is cloudy and slightly puffed, about 5 minutes.

Add ⅓ cup room temperature water to the bowl, then add the flour, melted and cooled unsalted butter, sugar, and salt. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until you have a shaggy dough. Knead the dough by hand in the bowl several times to bring it together, then turn it out onto a clean work surface and continue to knead by hand, adding a sprinkle of flour only if the dough is sticking to your hands and/or the surface, until you have a very smooth, supple, and soft dough, 6 to 8 minutes.

Gather the dough into a ball and dust lightly with flour. Place it inside the same bowl and take a photo so you can gauge how the dough rises over time. Cover it with a damp kitchen towel and let sit it in a warm spot until the ball has nearly doubled in size, 1 to 1¼ hours.