Sweet Japanese buns with crispy cookie crust
Melon Pan
Melon Pan
2h 15mMedium
Prep Time
40 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
2 hr 15 min
Servings
8
8 buns
Difficulty
Medium
Cost
Budget
$
Melon Pan
Sweet Japanese buns with crispy cookie crust
Soft, fluffy bread rolls encased in a crackly, sweet cookie crust scored to resemble a cantaloupe melon pattern. Melon pan contains no melon but delivers a delightful contrast of textures.
40m
Prep Time
15m
Cook Time
135m
Total Time
8
Servings
Medium
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Melon pan is one of Japan most beloved bakery items. Despite the name, it contains no melon; the scored cookie crust simply resembles a cantaloupe. The combination of crunchy cookie shell and pillowy bread is addictive.
Ingredients
- 2 cups bread flour
- 1/4 cup sugar (for bread dough)
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1/2 cup butter (for cookie dough)
- 1/2 cup sugar (for cookie dough)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for cookie dough)
Instructions
- 1
Make bread dough: mix bread flour, 1/4 cup sugar, yeast, 2 tbsp butter, 1/2 cup milk. Knead until smooth. Rise 1 hour.
- 2
Make cookie dough: cream 1/2 cup butter with 1/2 cup sugar. Mix in 1 egg and all-purpose flour. Chill 20 minutes.
- 3
Divide bread dough into 8 balls. Flatten cookie dough into 8 discs and wrap each around a bread ball.
- 4
Score the cookie crust in a crosshatch pattern with a knife. Roll lightly in granulated sugar.
- 5
Let rise 30 minutes. Bake at 375F for 12 to 15 minutes until the cookie crust is golden and crackled.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream
Substitutions
Cookie dough crustStreusel topping
Simpler crumbly topping for a quicker version
Bread flourAll-purpose flour
Slightly less chewy but still makes a good bun
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Soy Sauce
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the pantry staple matters
This style of cooking leans heavily on a few foundational condiments. A better soy sauce is usually the fastest pantry upgrade to notice.
The savory base here starts with a more useful bottle, not another gadget.
- Useful across marinades, stir-fries, and dipping sauces
- Gives the final dish a fuller savory backbone
If this cuisine shows up regularly in your kitchen, soy sauce is one of the best-value pantry upgrades.
Shop soy sauce for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Keep the cookie dough cold for easier handling; if it softens, return it to the fridge briefly.
Do not score too deeply or the cookie crust will crack apart during baking.
Storage
Best eaten the day of baking. Store in an airtight bag for up to 2 days.
Reheating
Briefly toast in an oven or toaster for 3 minutes to re-crisp the cookie shell.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (35mg) · 8 servings
Calories290
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein5g
Carbohydrates12g
Fat42g
Fiber130mg
Sugar1g
Sodium14g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is it called melon pan if there is no melon?
- The scored pattern on the cookie crust resembles a cantaloupe melon.
- Can I add melon flavor?
- Yes, add melon extract or melon syrup to the cookie dough for actual melon flavor.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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