FamilyMart in Japan has just dropped the much-anticipated news that signals the arrival of winter. The legendary ‘Butter-Scented Hotcake Bun,’ supervised by Morinaga & Co., which has held the top spot for best-selling sweet steamed bun for four consecutive years, will be released at stores all across Japan starting Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Created in collaboration with the major Japanese confectionery maker Morinaga, this beloved item is celebrating its fifth year as a winter staple.
Just Like Eating a Hotcake? A Closer Look at Its Appeal
The greatest appeal of the ‘Hotcake Bun’ is, as its name suggests, that it reproduces the taste of eating a freshly made hotcake. The dough is made with plenty of eggs and milk, characterized by its fluffy texture and gentle sweetness.
And what can be called the heart of this steamed bun is the two-layered filling that melts out from the inside. The butter-flavored filling with a hint of salt as an accent, and the rich, sweet sauce using Morinaga’s classic ‘Cake Syrup’, create an exquisite harmony. With one bite, the very taste of a hotcake, with butter and syrup melting together, fills your mouth. Enjoying this flavor in a warm steamed bun is a unique experience that can only be found at a Japanese Konbini.
An Enduringly Popular Item Entering Its Fifth Winter
Since its debut in 2021, this ‘Hotcake Bun’ has generated significant buzz every time it’s released in the winter. Notably, in 2024, it recorded the #1 highest first-week sales among all new products launched in FamilyMart’s steamed bun category for the year. This is an exceptional achievement for a limited-time sweet, demonstrating just how much it is loved by its many fans.
In Japan, it is a common culture for Konbini to release limited-edition products each season. Among them, the ‘Hotcake Bun’ has solidified its status as a quintessential item that heralds the arrival of winter.
An Advanced Move? The Forbidden ‘Famichiki’ Combination
There’s a popular way to eat this ‘Hotcake Bun’ that was discovered by fans. It’s an arrangement where you boldly sandwich another of FamilyMart’s signature products, the boneless fried chicken ‘Famichiki’, inside it.
The sweetness of the hotcake, the flavor of the butter, and the juicy umami and saltiness of the Famichiki come together to create the ultimate form of ‘sweet and salty’ flavor. While it may seem like a surprising combination at first glance, many people have become addicted to this taste, and not a few fans look forward to it every winter. If you get the chance to try it, why not take on this unique flavor experience?
Product Information
Morinaga-Supervised Butter-Scented Hotcake Bun
Price is 172 yen (185 yen including tax).
Release Date is Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
Sales Area is approximately 16,400 FamilyMart stores all across Japan.
If you’re visiting Japan this winter, be sure to find this special treat at your nearest FamilyMart.
Even More Chances to Enjoy it for Less
For those living in or on a long-term stay in Japan, FamilyMart’s official app, ‘FamiPay,’ will be distributing a coupon for 20 yen off the ‘Hotcake Bun.’ Additionally, for a limited time starting from the release date, there will be a promotion where purchasing any steamed bun gets you a receipt coupon for 20 yen off your next one. If you frequently use Japanese Konbini, this is an opportunity not to be missed.
This is a classic winter sweet born from the creativity of Japanese Konbini, packed with both fun and flavor. On a cold day, why not warm your body and soul with a hot ‘Butter-Scented Hotcake Bun’?
Source (Japanese): スイーツ系中華まん4年連続売上No.1！（※）ファミマ冬の定番「森永製菓監修バター香るホットケーキまん」12月16日（火）発売！～ホットケーキの味わいそのままに、とろっとあま～い感動のふわふわ食感～
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