Simple Melon Pan

1. All ingredients ready? Let's begin!
2. Set all the butter out so it can soften to room temperature.

To make the bread:

1. In a small bowl, add the milk. Put it in the microwave for 30 seconds or until it’s warm.
2. Add the yeast and sugar then stir to mix. Let sit for 5 minutes.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the flour and salt. Whisk to combine.
4. After the yeast mixture is bubbly on top, add it to the dry ingredients along with the egg. Use the dough hook attachment to mix.
5. Once the ingredients have molded into a soft dough, turn up the speed on your mixer just a bit and keep it going for 10 minutes. The dough should become smooth, sturdy, and stretchy.
6. Chop the butter into small pieces and add to the bowl of the mixer. Keep kneading for another 10 minutes.
7. Grease a bowl and transfer the dough to it before covering it with a kitchen towel. Put the bowl in a warm spot to rise for at least 1 hour. It should have doubled in size.

To make the cookie dough:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the butter and sugar. Use the paddle attachment and beat until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add the vanilla and egg. Beat until incorporated.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and beat until just mixed. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Split the cookie dough into 8 equal portions and place on a baking tray covered with parchment paper. Put the cookie dough in the fridge.

To shape:

1. Lightly flour your counter or other clean surface. Turn the bread dough onto the counter and knead a few times.
2. Divide the dough into 8 even portions and knead each piece to roll it into a ball.
3. Place the dough balls to the side and cover with a towel. Let rest for 15 minutes.
4. Reflour your surface and place the cookie dough onto it.
5. Shape each cookie dough portion into a ball then roll each out into a thin circle.
6. Take the bread dough balls and place one in the middle of the cookie dough circles with the seam facing up.
7. Fold the cookie dough around the bread dough and pinch the ends together to cover the bread.
8. Roll the top of the balls in course sugar then place on a parchment lined baking tray, leaving space between.
9. Use a sharp knife to score the top of the balls with a crisscross pattern, about 3 slices each direction.
10. Cover with a cloth and leave in a warm spot for about an hour or until doubled in size.
11. Preheat the oven to 355F and bake for 15 minutes. They should come out golden and crisp on the outside.
12. Move to a wire rack to cool before serving.