I haven't been taking photos recently. Or notes.
Here's a melon pan recipe.
3 3/4 cups (450g) all purpose flour, divided (450g)
1 tsp (3g) kosher salt
3/4 cup (140g) sugar, divided, plus extra for the top
1 1/4 tsp (4g) instant yeast
1/2 tsp (2g) baking powder
2 large eggs, beaten, divided
50ml milk
50ml water
1 stick (or 95 g) unsalted butter, divided
Heat 50ml water to about 110 F. Prove yeast in water.
While waiting, combine 2 cups (250g) flour, salt, and 1/4 cup (40g) sugar in a large mixing bowl.
After the yeast has proofed, add yeast mixture, milk, and 1 beaten egg to the flour mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn out onto a floured work surface and knead until the dough is smooth and passes the window pane test. While kneading, incorporate 2 1/2 tbsp (35g) softened butter.
Form dough into a ball and place in a greased mixing bowl. Cover and set in a warm location for approximately 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
While waiting, create cookie dough by creaming remaining sugar with remaining softened unsalted butter. Add remaining egg, beaten, and stir until the mixture is homogeneous.
In a separate bowl, whisk together remaining flour and baking powder. Add to the butter mixture and stir until a cookie dough forms.
Using a kitchen scale, divide the cookie dough and roll into 10 even balls.
After the bread dough has finished bulk fermenting, divide into 10 even pieces using a kitchen scale. Form each piece into a roll. If you don't know how to do this, look it up. Using the heel of your hand, press a cookie ball into a disc that tapers slightly toward the edge. Wrap the cookie over the top of the bun, dip in granulated sugar, and use a bench scraper or pastry knife to cut a cross-hatch pattern into the top of the cookie, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Place the buns on a cookie sheet, cover, and set in a warm place for about an hour. You won't be able to tell because of the cookie, but fermentation is happening. The buns won't rise much now but they'll expand more in the oven when the cookie shell heats up.
While waiting, preheat oven to 350 F.
Bake for 13-15 minutes at 350 F, ensuring even browning.
Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature.
Melon pan is basic and easy to modify. Feel free to mix up the cookie dough, add cocoa powder, matcha powder, whatever. Put some red bean paste inside the bun. Make a melon pan eclair. Whatever.