Cherry Almond Buns

Ingredients

• 1/4 ounce active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup sugar plus 1/4 teaspoon, divided
• 2 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 egg yolks
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced, at room temperature, plus 2 tablespoons melted
• 3/4 cup dried cherries
• 3/4 cup toasted slivered almonds
• For topping:
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon slivered toasted almonds

Directions

1. Combine the warm water, yeast, and 1/4 teaspoon sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attached. Give it 5 minutes to wake up. Add the flour, another 1/4 cup sugar, and the salt, and mix until combined. Pour in the milk and egg yolks, then beat until the dough comes together. Add the diced butter and beat on medium speed for 5 minutes. Pause to scrape the bowl, drape a dish towel over the dough, and set it somewhere warm until it has doubled, about 1 hour.
2. While the dough rises, put the cherries in a small bowl and cover them with boiling water. After 6 minutes, drain them and gently blot them dry. Dry the bowl, then mix the cherries with the almonds and the remaining 1/4 cup sugar; keep this filling aside.
3. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a 12- by 16-inch rectangle. Brush the dough with the melted butter, keeping a 1-inch edge clear all around. Scatter the cherry-almond mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Starting with a long side, roll it into a log, then pinch the seam gently so it holds.
4. Dust a very sharp knife with flour, then slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Arrange the buns on the parchment-lined baking sheet with the cut sides facing down. Cover them with a dish towel and let them rise in a warm spot until they are nearly doubled, 45 minutes. While they rise, move an oven rack to the center position and heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
5. Brush the tops with melted butter, then scatter the sugar and almonds over them. Bake until the buns are puffed and golden, about 30 minutes. Serve warm.