Description
A cozy treat featuring soft bread with a creamy honeydew filling and a crunchy cookie top, perfect for those bakery cravings at home.
Ingredients
Bread Dough
- 3 cups Bread flour (For a stretchy, fluffy texture.)
- 1 cup Warm milk (Not hot to keep the crumb tender.)
- 2 teaspoons Instant yeast (Easy and reliable.)
- 3 tablespoons Sugar (Adds sweetness to the dough.)
- 1 Egg (For richness and better structure.)
- 3 tablespoons Butter (Softened to enrich the dough.)
- 1 pinch Salt (Enhances flavor.)
Honeydew Custard Filling
- 1 cup Honeydew puree (Fresh blended or store-bought.)
- 1 cup Milk (For the custard base.)
- 2 tablespoons Sugar (For sweetness.)
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (To thicken the custard.)
- 1 whole Egg (Can use just the yolk for richness.)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (To enhance flavor.)
Cookie Topping
- 5 tablespoons Butter (Softened for easier mixing.)
- 1/2 cup Sugar (For the topping sweetness.)
- 1 large Egg (Adds richness.)
- 1 cup All-purpose flour (Base for the cookie topping.)
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder (To help the topping rise.)
- 1 pinch Salt (Enhances flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (Adds flavor.)
Instructions
Prepare Dough
- Mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add an egg, then mix in bread flour and salt to form a shaggy dough.
- Knead the dough for 8 to 12 minutes, adding softened butter gradually until stretchy and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 60 to 90 minutes.
Make Honeydew Custard
- Blend honeydew into a smooth puree.
- In a saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch, and egg. Heat on low, whisking until thickened.
- Whisk in honeydew puree and vanilla, then cool fully before using.
Make Cookie Topping
- Cream softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, then mix in flour and baking powder.
- Chill the dough for 20 to 30 minutes, then shape.
Shape and Fill Buns
- After the first rise, punch the dough down and divide into 8 pieces. Shape into balls.
- Flatten each ball, add honeydew custard in the center, and seal well.
- Flatten cookie topping dough into a thin circle and drape over the bun. Score lightly in a crisscross pattern.
Bake the Buns
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Enjoy with iced matcha latte or pair with fresh honeydew. Store buns in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Cuisine: Japanese