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A close-up shot of matcha melon pan displaying its characteristic cracked cookie crust.

How to Make Matcha Pan – The Perfect Japanese Sweet Bread


  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 buns 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Matcha Pan is a delicious Japanese sweet bread featuring a soft, fluffy interior and a crisp, matcha-infused cookie crust. Inspired by traditional melon pan, this bread combines the earthy bitterness of matcha with a lightly sweet, buttery flavor, making it a must-try for pastry lovers.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

  • 3 cups bread flour
  • 1 tablespoon matcha powder
  • 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons dry milk powder
  • 2 beaten eggs
  • 1/4 cup softened butter

For the Cookie Crust:

  • 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon matcha powder
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1 egg white
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preparing the Dough:

  1. Warm the milk until just tepid (110°F / 43°C).
  2. Combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a bowl. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk bread flour, matcha powder, sugar, salt, and dry milk powder.
  4. Add the yeast mixture and beaten eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  5. Knead the dough, gradually adding softened butter, for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.

Making the Cookie Topping:

  1. Cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, matcha powder, and salt.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
  4. Add the egg white and vanilla extract, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Shaping and Assembling:

  1. Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down.
  2. Divide into 8 equal portions and roll each into a ball.
  3. Roll out the cookie topping into 8 thin circles between parchment paper.
  4. Drape a circle of cookie dough over each ball of bread dough, then score the tops with a crisscross pattern.
  5. Cover loosely and let rise for another 30-40 minutes.

Baking Instructions:

 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cookie topping is lightly golden.
  3. Let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.
  4. Enjoy while still slightly warm for the best texture contrast!

Notes

  • For a more intense matcha flavor, increase the matcha powder in the cookie crust.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • You can reheat matcha pan slightly before serving to restore its crisp texture.
  • Dairy-free options: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter.
  • Gluten-free variation: Use a blend of gluten-free flours for both dough and cookie crust.
  • Prep Time: 2 hours (including rise time)
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Bread, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bun
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 10g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Matcha pan, Japanese sweet bread, matcha melon pan, green tea bread, matcha bun, matcha pastry, melon pan, Japanese bakery