Description
Classic Japanese Melon Bread, also known as Melon Pan, is a delightful sweet bread topped with a cookie-like crust, resembling a melon.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for cookie topping)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (for cookie topping)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for cookie topping)
- 1 large egg yolk (for cookie topping)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cookie topping)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of baking powder. Mix well.
- Add 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1/2 cup of milk, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the cookie topping. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.
- Add 1/4 cup of softened butter, 1 large egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a smooth dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Take the chilled cookie topping out of the refrigerator and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Flatten each piece and place it on top of each dough ball, gently pressing down.
- Use a sharp knife to make a crisscross pattern on the cookie topping for a decorative effect.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- For a fun twist, add chocolate chips or dried fruit to the dough before shaping.
- Experiment with different flavors by adding matcha powder or cocoa powder to the cookie topping for a unique taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg