Melonpan
Melonpan is a soft, sweet Japanese bread roll topped with a crisp cookie crust. This recipe creates a delightful contrast in textures, with a fluffy interior and a slightly sweet, crunchy exterior. It's a popular snack or breakfast item, perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 2 hr 45 min
- Serves
- 6
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 387 kcal
Allergen information: may contain eggs, gluten, and milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
dough
- 250 gbread flour
- 30 ggranulated sugar
- 3 gsalt
- 3 gactive dry yeast
- 150 mlmilk, lukewarm
- 20 gunsalted butter, softened
cookie dough
- 100 gall-purpose flour
- 50 gunsalted butter, softened
- 50 ggranulated sugar
- 0.5 pcsegg, beaten
- 0.5 tspvanilla extract
topping
- 2 tbspgranulated sugar
Equipment
plastic wrap · baking sheet · large bowl · wire rack · parchment paper · medium bowl · knife · oven
The method
Step by step
- 1
In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, granulated sugar, salt, and active dry yeast for the dough.
About 1 min
- 2
Pour in the lukewarm milk and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
About 1 min
- 3
Add the softened unsalted butter to the dough and knead on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: The dough should pass the windowpane test when ready.
- 4
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
About 1 hr 30 min
Cook’s note: A warm oven with the light on can create an ideal proofing environment.
- 5
While the dough is rising, prepare the cookie dough: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
About 3 min
- 6
Beat in the beaten egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Save the remaining half of the beaten egg for another use.
- 7
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Do not overmix the cookie dough.
- 8
Divide the cookie dough into 6 equal portions, flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
About 30 min
Cook’s note: Chilling the cookie dough makes it easier to handle.
- 9
Once the bread dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air.
About 1 min
- 10
Divide the bread dough into 6 equal portions and shape each into a smooth ball.
About 3 min
- 11
Take one chilled cookie dough disk and place it between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Roll it out into a circle large enough to cover a bread dough ball.
About 1 min
- 12
Carefully peel off one side of the plastic wrap, place a bread dough ball in the center, and wrap the cookie dough around it, sealing the edges underneath.
About 1 min
- 13
Repeat this process for all remaining dough balls.
About 5 min
- 14
Lightly coat the outside of each cookie-covered bun with granulated sugar.
About 2 min
- 15
Using a knife, gently score a crosshatch pattern onto the surface of the cookie dough, being careful not to cut through to the bread dough.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: This creates the characteristic 'melon' pattern.
- 16
Place the prepared buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them.
About 1 min
- 17
Let the buns rest for 20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
About 20 min
- 18
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookie crust is golden brown and the bread is cooked through.
About 15 min
Cook’s note: Baking time may vary depending on your oven.
- 19
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 386.8kcal
- Protein
- 7.6g
- Carbs
- 64.2g
- Fat
- 10.8g
- Fibre
- 1.8g
- Sugar
- 19.9g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover melonpan in an airtight container at room temperature.
Lightly toast in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to warm.
More recipes
All recipesbreakfast
Kai Jeow (Thai Omelette)
This quick and fluffy Thai-style omelette is a staple for breakfast or a light meal. It's characterized by its crispy edges and soft interior, often served over rice. This vegetarian version uses a common substitute for fish sauce.
10 min 240 kcalsnack
Classic Currywurst
This classic German street food features pan-fried sausages generously coated in a sweet and tangy homemade curry ketchup. It's a satisfying and flavorful snack that comes together quickly.
25 min 489 kcalmain course
Classic Kibbeh
This recipe makes traditional fried kibbeh, featuring a crispy bulgur and meat shell filled with a savory spiced meat and onion mixture. It's a flavorful and satisfying dish, perfect as a main course or part of a larger meal.
1 hr 20 min 942 kcalmain course
Chole Bhature
Experience the vibrant flavors of North India with this classic Chole Bhature. Tender, spiced chickpeas simmered in a rich, tangy gravy are perfectly complemented by fluffy, golden-fried bhature bread. This hearty and aromatic dish offers a delightful contrast of textures and spices, making it an unforgettable meal.
5 hr 15 min 727 kcalside dish
Homemade Naan
Experience the authentic taste of India with this homemade naan, featuring a soft, chewy interior and beautifully charred, bubbly exterior. Cooked in a hot cast iron skillet to mimic a traditional tandoor, each piece is brushed with garlic butter and fresh cilantro for an irresistible aroma and flavor, perfect for pairing with your favorite curries or enjoying on its own.
1 hr 35 min 303 kcalmain course
Risotto al Nero di Seppia
This classic Venetian risotto features tender cuttlefish and a striking jet-black color from its ink. The creamy rice absorbs the savory seafood flavors, creating a rich and unique main course.
1 hr 10 min 451 kcalmain course
Chuletón de Ávila
A classic Spanish dish featuring a thick-cut, bone-in ribeye steak, seared to perfection. This recipe highlights the natural flavor of the beef with minimal seasoning and a simple preparation.
40 min 1,147 kcal