Freshly baked matcha melon pan with a crisp, golden-brown cookie crust and a vibrant green hue, served on a wooden board.
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Matcha Melon Pan Recipe – Japanese Sweet Bread

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Matcha Melon Pan is a beloved Japanese bakery treat, featuring a crisp, cookie-like crust and a soft, fluffy interior infused with earthy matcha. Imagine stepping into a cozy Japanese bakery, the air filled with the warm scent of freshly baked bread and a hint of sweetness. Your eyes land on a beautifully golden bun with a signature crisscross pattern. You take a bite—crispy on the outside, light and pillowy inside, with the distinct richness of matcha. This classic treat is a must-try for matcha lovers and Japanese sweet bread enthusiasts alike.

I still remember the first time I tried melon pan in Tokyo. I had no idea why it was called “melon” (spoiler: it has nothing to do with melon flavor!), but the contrast between the crunchy topping and the pillowy bread had me hooked. Adding matcha to the mix takes it to another level—introducing a subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness, making it a perfect treat for both dessert lovers and tea enthusiasts.

If you’ve never made Japanese sweet bread before, don’t worry! This recipe is totally doable at home, even if you’re a beginner. We’ll break it down step by step—kneading the dough, crafting the crispy matcha cookie topping, and shaping it into that classic recipe look. Whether you want a unique homemade treat, a fun baking challenge, or just an Instagram-worthy bread moment, you’re in the right place.

Let’s get baking!

What is Matcha Melon Pan? A Look Into This Japanese Sweet Bread

The Origins of Melon Pan

Melon pan (メロンパン) is a classic Japanese sweet bread known for its crispy cookie-like top and soft, fluffy inside. Despite its name, traditional melon pan doesn’t actually contain melon! The name comes from the crisscross pattern on the surface, which resembles the rind of a cantaloupe.

What Makesthis recipes Special?

Now, take this already delicious Japanese melon pan and add the rich, earthy flavor of matcha—and you get the recipe plan! This version infuses the cookie crust with Japanese matcha powder, giving it a vibrant green color and a slightly bitter-sweet taste that pairs beautifully with the soft, buttery bread.

How is Matcha Melon Pan Different From Other Sweet Breads?

Bread TypeTextureFlavorUnique Feature
Matcha Melon PanCrispy outside, fluffy insideBitter-sweet matcha, slightly butteryCrunchy matcha cookie crust
AnpanSoft and chewySweet red bean fillingOften topped with sesame seeds
ShokupanLight, airy, fluffyMildly sweet, milkySquare loaf, great for sandwiches
Kare PanCrispy, deep-friedSavory curry fillingCoated in breadcrumbs

Key Ingredients for the Best Matcha Melon Pan

1. Bread Dough Ingredients: The Soft and Fluffy Base

  • Bread Flour
  • Cake Flour
  • Instant Yeast
  • Milk
  • Egg
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Butter
  • Cake Flour
  • Butter
  • Sugar
  • Matcha Powder
  • Egg
  • Vanilla Extract (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide to make Melon Pan Recipe

1. Preparing the Bread Dough

  1. Activate the yeast in warm milk with sugar.
  2. Mix dry ingredients and combine with the wet ingredients.
  3. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
  4. Let it rise for 60 to 90 minutes.
  1. Cream butter and sugar, then add matcha and flour.
  2. Chill the dough for 30 minutes.

3. Shaping

  1. Divide and shape the bread dough.
  2. Flatten and wrap the bread dough with the cookie topping.
  3. Score the classic crisscross pattern.
Hands shaping matcha melon pan dough, covering soft bread with a thin layer of matcha cookie dough.
Carefully wrapping the bread dough with matcha cookie topping to create the signature look of matcha melon pan.

4. Baking

  1. Proof for 30 to 40 minutes.
  2. Bake at 320°F (160°C) for 12 to 15 minutes.
  3. Let cool before serving.
A baker carefully scoring the crisscross pattern on matcha melon pan dough before baking.
The signature crisscross pattern is lightly scored on the matcha cookie topping before baking.

Pro Tips for Perfect Matcha Melon Pan

  • Chill the cookie dough before shaping.
  • Use high-quality matcha for vibrant color and taste.
  • Knead until the dough passes the “windowpane test.”

Creative Variations

  • Chocolate Chip
  • Custard-Filled
  • Vegan

How to Serve and Enjoy this recipe

  • Best served warm with tea or coffee.
  • Can be toasted or filled with ice cream.
  • Pairs well with Japanese green tea or a matcha latte.
Freshly baked matcha melon pan cooling on a rack, showcasing a crispy cookie crust and soft interior.
Fresh from the oven—crispy, golden, and perfectly fluffy inside. Enjoy your homemade matcha melon pan!

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting Matcha Melon Pan

  • Dough too sticky or dry? Adjust flour or liquid amounts.
  • Cookie crust melting? Chill before baking.
  • Bread too dense? Check proofing time.

FAQs About Matcha Melon Pan

Does a melon pan have filling?

Traditional melon pan does not, but modern versions may include custard or red bean paste.

What is the flavor of melon pan?

Mildly sweet with a crisp sugar crust. Matcha melon pan adds a bitter-sweet matcha flavor.

What is the difference between Concha and melon pan?

Conchas have a thicker, crumblier topping and a sweeter dough.

Does melon pan taste like melon?

No, the name comes from its melon-like appearance

Final Thoughts on Matcha Melon Pan

Making matcha melon pan at home is a fun and rewarding baking experience. Whether you enjoy it plain, stuffed with custard, or toasted with ice cream, this Japanese sweet bread is a must-try.

If you bake matcha melon pan, share it with friends or post your creation online. For more baking inspiration, check out these related recipes:

  • Matcha Pan Recipe – Enhance your matcha baking skills with this matcha pan recipe, a variation that highlights the versatility of green tea in bread-making.
  • Puff Pastry Dessert Recipes – If you love Japanese-inspired pastries, explore these puff pastry dessert recipes for more delightful and flaky treats.
  • Homemade Italian Bread Recipe – Mastering dough is key to perfecting melon pan. Try this homemade Italian bread recipe to refine your bread-making techniques.

Now, grab your ingredients and start baking!

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