Soft, pillowy, and delightfully whimsical—Matcha Milk Bread Turtles are as fun to make as they are to eat. These Japanese-inspired sweet rolls are shaped into adorable turtle buns with a subtly sweet matcha green tea dough and a creamy, buttery texture thanks to the milk bread base. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or simply as a creative baking project that impresses every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Lightly sweet with a gentle matcha aroma.
Super soft and fluffy texture thanks to the tangzhong method.
Fun and kid-friendly, yet elegant enough for foodies.
Totally unique and Instagram-worthy.
Perfect for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients for Matcha Milk Bread Turtles
This is where flavor begins—right here with these kitchen staples.
All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your dough, providing structure and texture.
Bread flour: A higher protein content gives the bread a chewier texture, making it perfect for our turtles.
Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the earthy matcha flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps control yeast activity.
Instant yeast: This is your leavening agent, helping the dough rise quickly and easily.
Whole milk: Warmed milk adds richness and moisture to the dough, making it soft and tender.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter contributes to a rich flavor and a tender crumb.
Large egg: Acts as a binding agent, adding moisture and richness to the dough.
Matcha powder: The star of the show! This green tea powder gives the bread its unique flavor and vibrant color.
Room temperature water: Helps bring the dough together and adjust the consistency as needed.
Chocolate chips: Optional, but they make adorable eyes for your turtle creations!
For those looking to switch things up, consider adding a tablespoon of honey for extra sweetness or substituting matcha with cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist. You can find all the exact measurements at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Matcha Milk Bread Turtles
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making these adorable Matcha Milk Bread Turtles! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to creating a delightful treat that’s sure to impress.
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Combine the all-purpose flour, bread flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Mix them well with a whisk or a spoon. This step is crucial as it ensures that the yeast is evenly distributed, giving your turtles a nice rise.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, softened butter, egg, and matcha powder until smooth. The warmth of the milk helps the butter melt and blend seamlessly. This mixture will add richness and flavor to your dough, making it irresistibly soft.
Step 3: Combine and Knead the Dough
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough begins to form. Once it’s combined, add the room temperature water. Now, it’s time to knead! Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes. You want it to be smooth and elastic, like a soft pillow.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. You’ll know it’s ready when it has doubled in size. This is the magic of yeast at work!
Step 5: Shape the Turtles
Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a small ball. For each turtle, flatten a ball slightly and use a small piece of dough to form the head and legs. Attach them using a little water to help them stick. Get creative—each turtle can have its own personality!
Step 6: Final Rise and Bake
Place your turtle creations on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30 minutes. While they’re rising, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the turtles for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. The smell will be heavenly!
Step 7: Decorate the Turtles
Once baked, remove the turtles from the oven and let them cool slightly. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler. Use the melted chocolate to create adorable eyes on your turtles. This final touch brings them to life and makes them even more fun!
Tips for Success
Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
Don’t skip the kneading; it develops gluten for a better texture.
Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour.
Experiment with different shapes for your turtles to make them unique.
Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary!
Equipment Needed
Mixing bowls: A large bowl for mixing dough and a smaller one for wet ingredients.
Whisk or spoon: For combining dry and wet ingredients.
Floured surface: A clean countertop or cutting board for kneading.
Baking sheet: Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Kitchen towel: To cover the dough while it rises.
Variations
Chocolate Turtles: Swap out the matcha powder for cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
Nutty Addition: Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for added crunch and flavor.
Fruit Infusion: Add dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins to the dough for a sweet surprise.
Vegan Option: Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg and use plant-based milk and butter.
Herbal Twist: Experiment with other tea powders like chai or hibiscus for a unique taste.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with Tea: Serve your Matcha Milk Bread Turtles with a warm cup of green tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
Fresh Fruit: Add a side of fresh fruit like strawberries or oranges for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Presentation: Arrange the turtles on a colorful platter, garnished with mint leaves for a pop of color.
FAQs about Matcha Milk Bread Turtles
Can I use regular green tea instead of matcha powder?
While matcha powder gives these turtles their unique flavor and vibrant color, you can experiment with regular green tea. Just brew a strong tea and incorporate it into the wet ingredients. However, the texture and color will differ.
How do I store leftover Matcha Milk Bread Turtles?
To keep your turtles fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just thaw and warm them up before serving!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then shape the turtles and refrigerate them overnight. Just allow them to come to room temperature before the final rise and baking.
What can I substitute for the chocolate chips?
If chocolate isn’t your thing, try using raisins, dried cranberries, or even small pieces of fruit for decoration. You can also leave them off entirely for a more traditional look.
Are Matcha Milk Bread Turtles suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure that any additional ingredients you use, like chocolate chips, are also vegetarian. Enjoy these delightful turtles without worry!
Final Thoughts
Creating Matcha Milk Bread Turtles is more than just baking; it’s an experience filled with joy and creativity. Each turtle you shape becomes a little work of art, bringing smiles to those who see and taste them. The delightful combination of matcha and soft bread creates a unique flavor that’s both comforting and refreshing. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these adorable turtles are sure to make lasting memories. So roll up your sleeves, embrace the fun, and let your kitchen be filled with laughter and delicious aromas!
A unique and fun recipe for Matcha Milk Bread Turtles that combines the flavors of matcha with a delightful bread texture.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup bread flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1/2 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
2 tablespoons matcha powder
1/4 cup water (room temperature)
1/4 cup chocolate chips (for decoration)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Mix well to combine the dry ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, softened butter, egg, and matcha powder until smooth.
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough begins to form.
Add the room temperature water and knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a small ball.
For each turtle, flatten a ball slightly and use a small piece of dough to form the head and legs. Attach them to the body using a little water to help them stick.
Place the turtles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the turtles for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Melt the chocolate chips and use them to create eyes on the turtles.
Notes
For a sweeter version, add a tablespoon of honey to the wet ingredients.
You can substitute the matcha powder with cocoa powder for a chocolate version of the turtles.
