Cracked-Wheat Topknots Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups boiling-hot water
• 1/2 cup medium bulgur (also called cracked wheat)
• 1 tablespoon table salt, divided
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 2 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast (a 1/4-ounce package)
• 1/4 cup warm water (105-115°F)
• 1 tablespoon mild honey or sugar
• 1 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
• 3 cups all-purpose flour plus more for kneading and dusting
• 1 large egg white beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
• 1 1/2 tablespoons flaky sea salt (preferably Maldon)