Recipe Details

Ingredients

• 1/2 c. 

  water

• 1/2 c. 

  plus 1 tbsp. heavy cream, divided

• 6 tbsp. 

  unsalted butter, divided

• 4 tbsp. 

  plus 1 1/2 tsp. honey, divided

• 1 

  (2 1/4-tsp. packet) rapid rise yeast

• 3 1/4 c. 

  (390 g.) all-purpose flour, sifted

• 2 1/2 tsp. 

  kosher salt, divided

• Cooking spray

• 2 

  large eggs, divided

• 6 oz. 

  goat cheese, room temperature

• 2 tbsp. 

  sliced chives, plus more for topping

• 2 tsp. 

  thyme leaves, chopped, plus whole leaves for topping

• Flaky sea salt

Description

1. Step 1In a medium heatproof bowl, microwave water, 1/2 cup cream, 4 tablespoons butter, and 3 tablespoons honey in 15-second increments, stirring between each, until butter is almost melted, about 45 seconds to 1 minute. Whisk until butter is completely melted, then pour into the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment. Let cool until an instant-read thermometer inserted into mixture registers 110°, sprinkle with yeast, and gently beat to incorporate. Let sit 10 minutes while yeast blooms.
2. Step 2With mixer on low speed, add 1 egg and 1 egg yolk (reserve remaining egg white). Continue to beat until combined, about 1 minute.
3. Step 3In a medium bowl, whisk flour and 2 teaspoons kosher salt. Add flour mixture to stand mixer bowl in 5 to 6 additions, beating on low speed until combined between each, until dough begins to form. Increase speed to medium and continue to beat until dough is smooth, elastic, and sticky, about 4 minutes.
4. Step 4Spray a large bowl with cooking spray. Using a bowl scraper, scrape dough into greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Place in a warm location and let proof until risen and doubled in size, about 1 hour.
5. Step 5In a small bowl, combine goat cheese, chives, thyme, and remaining 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons honey and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Portion into 9 balls (about 1 heaping tablespoon each) and chill until ready to use.