Matcha Milk Bread – Soft, Addictive, with a Rich Green Tea Flavor

Matcha Milk Bread – Soft, Addictive, with a Rich Green Tea Flavor is a medium Japanese recipe that serves 8. 260 calories per serving. Recipe by Lena Can Cook on YouTube.

Prep: 44 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr 24 min

Cost: $11.36 total, $1.42 per serving

Ingredients

  • 500 g High-Gluten Flour (sifted)
  • 5 g Dry Yeast (instant or active dry)
  • 6 g Salt (fine sea salt)
  • 50 g Granulated Sugar
  • 1 large Egg (room temperature)
  • 330 g Cold Milk (whole or 2% milk, chilled)
  • 40 g Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into cubes)
  • 20 g Matcha Powder (high‑quality culinary grade)
  • 12 g Milk (liquid milk, used for matcha paste)
  • 60 g Unsalted Butter (softened for filling)
  • 30 g Granulated Sugar
  • 24 g Egg (beaten, approx ½ large egg)
  • 80 g Milk Powder
  • 20 g Almond Slices (optional topping, toasted)
  • 1 large Egg (for egg wash, lightly beaten with a splash of water)

Instructions

  1. Mix Dough Base

    In the mixing bowl combine high‑gluten flour, dry yeast, salt, and sugar. Add the egg and cold milk, then mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms, then increase to medium speed for 8–9 minutes until a thick membrane with jagged tears appears.

    Time: PT9M

  2. Incorporate Butter

    Add 40 g softened butter to the dough. Mix on low to combine, then medium speed for 3–4 minutes until a thin, stretchy film with smooth edges forms.

    Time: PT4M

  3. Divide Dough

    Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and split into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Prepare Matcha Paste

    In a small bowl whisk together 8 g matcha powder with 12 g milk until smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Make Matcha‑Infused Dough

    Add the matcha paste to the second dough ball. Knead on low speed until the green color is evenly distributed, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  6. First Rise

    Place both dough balls in lightly oiled containers, cover, and let rest at room temperature (or refrigerate if the kitchen is warm) until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

    Time: PT0M

  7. Prepare Matcha Filling

    Beat 60 g softened butter with 30 g sugar until fluffy and pale (≈3 min). Add 24 g beaten egg in two batches, mixing after each addition (≈2 min). Finally stir in 12 g matcha powder and 80 g milk powder until smooth (≈2 min).

    Time: PT7M

  8. Shape and Rest

    Gently press out any large air bubbles from each dough ball. Divide each ball into two equal pieces (four balls total) and shape each into a smooth ball. Let the balls rest, covered, for 20 minutes.

    Time: PT0M

  9. Roll and Assemble

    On parchment paper, roll a white dough ball into an oval about 25 cm × 15 cm. Spread half of the matcha filling evenly. Roll the matcha dough into the same size shape, place it on top of the filling, and press gently to seal.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Cut, Twist, and Form Loaf

    Cut the layered dough into 8 strips, keeping the top edge attached. Twist each strip, flatten the bottom, then roll each strip up into a tight coil. Place the coils side‑by‑side into the loaf pan. Let rise until the pan is about 80 % full (≈30‑45 min).

    Time: PT10M

  11. Second Rise and Steam

    Preheat the oven to 200 °C bottom heat and 160 °C top heat. Place a pan of hot water on the lower rack to create humidity. Brush the loaf with egg wash and sprinkle toasted almond slices on top.

    Time: PT0M

    Temperature: 200°C bottom, 160°C top

  12. Bake

    Bake the loaf for 30 minutes. The bread should turn golden, and a tap on the bottom should sound hollow.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 200°C bottom, 160°C top

  13. Cool

    Remove the loaf from the oven, tap the tray to release steam, and transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
260
Protein
6 g
Carbohydrates
40 g
Fat
8 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Contains nuts

Allergens: Wheat, Egg, Dairy, Tree nuts

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Matcha Milk Bread – Soft, Addictive, with a Rich Green Tea Flavor

Recipe by Lena Can Cook

A soft, fluffy Japanese milk bread infused with vibrant matcha flavor and a sweet matcha‑milk filling. The loaf is brushed with egg wash, topped with crunchy almond slices, and baked with steam for a tender crumb and glossy crust.

MediumJapaneseServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
44m
Prep
30m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 24m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$11.36
Total cost
$1.42
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Kneading until a thin, stretchy film forms after adding butter.
  • Ensuring the matcha paste is fully incorporated for even color and flavor.
  • First rise until the dough doubles in size.
  • Twisting and rolling the strips while keeping the top edge attached.
  • Second rise with steam to achieve a soft, glossy crust.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot oven and steam carefully to avoid burns.
  • Use a sharp knife or bench scraper when cutting the dough strips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Matcha Milk Bread in Japanese cuisine?

A

Matcha Milk Bread blends two beloved Japanese staples: soft, fluffy milk bread (shokupan) and ceremonial matcha tea. While milk bread was introduced from Europe in the early 20th century, matcha has been used in sweets for centuries, making this loaf a modern homage to traditional flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of matcha‑flavored milk bread in Japan?

A

In Kyoto, matcha milk bread often uses locally grown Uji matcha and may include red bean paste. In Tokyo, a lighter version with milk powder is popular. Some regions add yuzu zest for a citrus twist.

cultural
Q

How is Matcha Milk Bread traditionally served in Japan?

A

It is typically sliced thick and enjoyed toasted with butter or jam for breakfast, or served alongside a cup of hot green tea as an afternoon snack. The soft crumb pairs beautifully with the earthy matcha flavor.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Matcha Milk Bread associated with in Japanese culture?

A

While not tied to a specific holiday, it is a popular treat for tea‑time gatherings, school events, and seasonal festivals where green tea desserts are featured.

cultural
Q

What other Japanese dishes pair well with Matcha Milk Bread?

A

It pairs nicely with savory dishes like Japanese curry, miso soup, or a simple tamago kake gohan (raw egg over rice). The sweet matcha notes also complement salty snacks such as roasted seaweed.

cultural
Q

What makes Matcha Milk Bread special or unique in Japanese bakery tradition?

A

The combination of a high‑hydration milk‑bread dough with a vibrant matcha‑milk filling creates a striking green interior while maintaining the signature pillowy texture of shokupan, offering both visual appeal and flavor contrast.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Matcha Milk Bread?

A

Common errors include over‑kneading which can make the crumb tough, using hot milk that kills the yeast, and not creating enough steam during baking, which leads to a dry crust.

technical
Q

Why does this Matcha Milk Bread recipe use a two‑stage kneading process instead of a single knead?

A

The first knead develops the gluten network in the plain dough, while the second, after adding butter, creates a softer, more extensible dough that can be rolled thin without tearing, essential for the layered matcha filling.

technical
Q

How do I know when the dough is ready during the thin stretchy film stage?

A

When you pull a small piece of dough, it should stretch into a thin membrane without tearing and the surface should be smooth and glossy. This indicates the gluten is fully developed and the butter is fully incorporated.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Lena Can Cook specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Lena Can Cook focuses on approachable home‑cooking tutorials, especially baked goods and comfort foods, with clear step‑by‑step instructions and a friendly, encouraging style.

channel
Q

What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Lena Can Cook?

A

Lena Can Cook emphasizes simple techniques, ingredient accessibility, and making classic recipes achievable for everyday cooks, often adding personal twists like matcha or seasonal flavors.

channel

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