Description
Classic Japanese Melon Pan is a delightful sweet bread characterized by its soft, fluffy interior and a crisp, cookie-like top layer resembling a melon. Although it does not traditionally contain melon flavor, this treat is adored for its unique texture and subtle sweetness, making it a perfect snack or breakfast option.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Dough
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons dry milk powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 egg
Cookie Dough
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Granulated sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, dry milk powder, granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Add warm milk, egg, and softened butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Make the Cookie Dough: While the bread dough is rising, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing well. Then, incorporate the all-purpose flour and baking powder until a soft dough forms.
- Portion and Chill Cookie Dough: Divide the cookie dough into 8 equal pieces, roll each into balls, flatten slightly into discs, and refrigerate to chill while the bread dough rises.
- Shape Bread Dough: After the bread dough has doubled, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into smooth balls.
- Assemble Melon Pan: Place a chilled cookie dough disc over each bread dough ball, gently pressing to cover the top completely.
- Score and Sugar Coat: Lightly score the cookie dough top in a crisscross pattern using a knife and then roll each bun in granulated sugar to create its signature texture.
- Final Rise: Place the assembled buns on a lined baking sheet and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the buns finish their final rise.
- Bake: Bake the buns for 15 to 18 minutes or until the cookie tops are lightly golden and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the buns from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool before serving. Enjoy fresh for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Melon Pan is named for its appearance and typically does not contain melon flavor.
- For flavor variations, consider adding melon extract or matcha powder to the cookie dough.
- Best enjoyed fresh on the same day for optimal texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
