Nazook (Armenian flaky brioche)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, dissolve the yeast with a little sugar and two spoonfuls of lukewarm milk, then let it rest for 10 minutes.
2. Mix the flour, salt and sugar. Add the smetana, one egg, the dissolved yeast and the vanilla, then knead until you have a soft dough.
3. Work in the softened butter little by little, kneading for another 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Let it rise covered for 1 hour, until doubled in size, then roll it out into a thin rectangle.
5. Sprinkle the surface with sugar and sesame seeds, then roll the dough up tightly. Cut thick slices about 2 cm wide.
6. Place the slices on a tray lined with baking paper, brush them with beaten egg mixed with the milk and bake at 180 °C for 20 to 25 minutes, until well golden.