HAZELNUT YEAST TWISTS

Steps:

• Combine 1 cup milk and yeast in a small bowl and let stand for 10 minutes until frothy.
• Mix whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour with sugar and salt in a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer. Add yeast mixture, butter, and egg yolks. Knead into a smooth, elastic dough using the kneading attachment until the dough detaches from the sides of the bowl, about 5 minutes. If the mixture seems dry, add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time. Cover and let rise for 2 hours in a warm place.
• Mix hazelnuts, sugar, rum, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and cloves in a large bowl for the filling. Add 1/2 cup milk and stir until evenly moistened.
• Beat egg whites in a glass, metal, or ceramic bowl until stiff peaks form. Fold stiff egg whites into the hazelnut mixture.
• Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
• Punch the dough down and divide into 2 equal parts. Cover 1 part with a clean dish towel and turn out the other part onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a 24x12-inch rectangle and spread 1/2 of the filling on top. Fold dough in half lengthwise to create a 24×6-inch rectangle. Pinch all the edges to seal and gently press down the dough to remove any air pockets.
• Using a ruler for even spacing, cut the rectangle into 1 1/2-inch strips with a sharp chef's knife. Make sure to cut all the way down to the bottom layer, but don't drag the knife. Twist each strip around itself 3 to 4 times. Place the strips on the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches of space between them.
• Proceed the same way with the remaining dough.
• Cover the twists with clean dish towels and let them proof in a warm place until visibly risen, about 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Beat 2 egg yolks with 2 tablespoons milk in a small bowl. Brush the twists with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
• Bake hazelnut twists in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 25 minutes. Transfer hazelnut twists to wire racks and let cool completely.