1. Make the knots: In medium-sized bowl, whisk flour, sugar, salt and yeast together. In bowl of stand mixer, combine egg and milk. Add dry ingredients to egg milk mixture and mix with hook attachment on medium speed until all ingredients are combined, about 2 minutes. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.

2. Add butter to dough and mix on low speed for 12 to 15 minutes, until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

3. Rub the surface of the dough with a bit of oil and cover with a tea towel or plastic wrap. Let rise until doubled, about 1½ hours.

4. Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Beat all ingredients together in bowl of small mixer with paddle attachment. Let stand at room temperature until dough is ready to be rolled out.

5. Once dough is ready, transfer to a lightly floured surface and roll into a 12” x 20” rectangle. Using an offset spatula or rubber scraper, spread the filling over the lower ²/₃ of the dough.

5. Once dough is ready, transfer to a lightly floured surface and roll into a 12” x 20” rectangle. Using an offset spatula or rubber scraper, spread the filling over the lower ²/₃ of the dough.

6. Fold the dough letter: Fold the top ¹/₃  of the dough down to cover the middle ¹/₃, and fold the bottom ¹/₃ up to place on middle ¹/₃. Starting from one short side, cut dough into 1” strips using a chef’s knife or pizza wheel.

7. Form dough into a knot: Hold one end of a strip between thumb and middle finger (see video below). Lay the rest of the strip on the table and use your other hand to roll and twist the strip 6 to 7 times.  Wrap the twisted dough around your index and middle fingers twice. Poke the end of the strip into the center of the bundle to hide end piece. Repeat with remaining strips.

8. Set the buns 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheet and cover lightly with a tea towel or plastic wrap. Let rise until doubled again, about 45 minutes.

9. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

10. In small bowl, whisk remaining egg and brush onto the top of each bun. Sprinkle with pearl sugar (if using).

11. Bake the buns for 10 minutes. Rotate baking sheet and bake for additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool before serving.