Chocolate Manju with Kabocha Filling

1. 1

   Remove the seeds and peel from the kabocha, cut into chunks, wrap in plastic, and microwave.

2. 2

   Smash into a paste while still hot, let cool, and mix in the sugar.

3. 3

   Let the butter and egg come to room temperature.

4. 4

   Preheat the oven to 350F/180C.

5. 5

   Knead the butter until soft, then mix in the white sugar.

6. 6

   Whisk the egg.

7. 7

   Combine flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder and sift into the egg, mixing well.

8. 8

   Divide Steps 1 and 5 into 15 portions each, then wrap Step 5 around Step 1.

9. 9

   Lay on a baking paper-lined cookie sheet.

10. 10

    Decorate each with 1 kabocha seed.

11. 11

    Bake for 15 minutes at 350F/180C.

12. 12

    Once baked, transfer them on top of the parchment paper to a flat serving dish.

13. 13

    If not serving immediately, cover with cling wrap to prevent drying.

14. 14

    At my house, when making manju, we spread out the dough on a piece of cling wrap, place the filling in the center, and use the cling wrap to form the manju.

15. 15

    Of course, do whatever works best for you.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.