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:
- Warm the milk until just tepid (110°F / 43°C).
- Combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a bowl. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk bread flour, matcha powder, sugar, salt, and dry milk powder.
- Add the yeast mixture and beaten eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Knead the dough, gradually adding softened butter, for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 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:
- Cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, matcha powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
- Add the egg white and vanilla extract, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Shaping and Assembling:
- Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down.
- Divide into 8 equal portions and roll each into a ball.
- Roll out the cookie topping into 8 thin circles between parchment paper.
- Drape a circle of cookie dough over each ball of bread dough, then score the tops with a crisscross pattern.
- Cover loosely and let rise for another 30-40 minutes.
Baking Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cookie topping is lightly golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.
- 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