Melon Pan is a popular Japanese sweet bread that has a unique appearance resembling a melon. It consists of a soft and fluffy bread dough covered with a thin layer of crisp, cookie-like dough that is scored to create a pattern resembling a melon's skin. Melon Pan is often filled with various sweet fillings, such as custard, chocolate, or red bean paste. It is a beloved snack and treat in Japan, especially among children and young people. 

Here's a simplified recipe for making Melon Pan at home:

Ingredients: 

For the bread dough:

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  4. 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  5. 1/2 cup milk
  6. 1 large egg
  7. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

For the cookie dough:

  1. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  2. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1 large egg
  4. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  5. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  6. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  7. Green food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast for the bread dough.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and softened butter.
  3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough back in the bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rest in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
  6. While the dough is resting, prepare the cookie dough. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar for the cookie dough until light and fluffy.
  7. Add the egg and mix well.
  8. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt for the cookie dough.
  9. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until a dough forms.
  10. If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring to the cookie dough and mix until the desired color is achieved.
  11. Once the bread dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air and divide it into 8-10 equal portions.
  12. Shape each portion of bread dough into a smooth ball and place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each dough ball.
  13. Take a portion of cookie dough and flatten it into a thin circle slightly larger than the bread dough balls.
  14. Place the flattened cookie dough on top of a bread dough ball and use a knife to score the surface in a criss-cross pattern to resemble a melon's skin.
  15. Repeat the process for the remaining bread dough balls and cookie dough portions.
  16. Let the Melon Pan rest for another 15-20 minutes to allow the dough to rise slightly.
  17. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
  18. Bake the Melon Pan in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
  19. Remove the Melon Pan from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Enjoy the delightful taste and unique appearance of homemade Melon Pan!