Name: Bunny Buns for Easter!
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast; 3/4 cup warm milk; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional); 1 egg (for egg wash); 2 tbsp milk (for egg wash); Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional); Raisins or chocolate chips (for eyes)

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Easter is the perfect time to get a little creative in the kitchen, and these Bunny Buns are a fun way to bring some holiday cheer to your table. Soft, fluffy, and shaped like adorable little bunnies, they’re the ideal Easter treat. Whether you’re looking for a sweet addition to your Easter brunch or just want to surprise the kids with something special, these Bunny Buns will steal the show!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a cute and delicious treat for Easter, this is the perfect recipe for you. These Bunny Buns are incredibly easy to make, even though they look like you spent hours perfecting them. They’re soft, buttery, and wonderfully sweet, with just the right amount of cinnamon-sugar goodness to make them irresistible. Plus, their bunny shape adds an extra touch of fun to your Easter celebration. Who doesn’t love a little festive flair in their food?

Ingredients

Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll need to make these Bunny Buns. Of course, the full list of ingredients is below, but you’ll need:

All-purpose flour
Yeast
Butter
Sugar
Milk
Eggs
Cinnamon
Marshmallows (for bunny tails!)

Keep reading below for the full ingredient list.

Directions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by warming up the milk. You don’t want it too hot—just warm enough to activate the yeast. Add a little sugar to the warm milk, sprinkle in the yeast, and let it sit for about 5 minutes. It’ll get bubbly and fragrant when it’s ready.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine your flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Once your yeast mixture is ready, add it to the dry ingredients along with butter and eggs. Stir everything until it forms a dough, and then knead it on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Let the dough rest in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Shape the Bunny Buns

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8-10 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then shape them into little bunnies. To do this, roll out each ball into a small log, then shape it into a “Y” shape (the bottom of the Y is the bunny’s body, and the top is the ears). Pinch the ends to form little bunny ears, and leave room in the middle of the body for the bunny’s tail.

Step 4: Let Them Rise Again

Place the bunny-shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. Cover them and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they’re puffed up and ready to bake.

Step 5: Bake the Bunny Buns

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and brush the tops of the buns with an egg wash (just an egg beaten with a little water). Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and look irresistible.

Step 6: Add the Bunny Tails

Once the buns are out of the oven and cooled slightly, add the finishing touches! For the bunny tails, you can use mini marshmallows or a small dot of icing to create fluffy tails on each bunny.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Be sure to let your dough rise fully to get the soft, fluffy texture you want in these buns.
If you want your bunny buns to have a rich, golden color, brush the tops with melted butter instead of an egg wash after baking.
When shaping the buns, don’t stress if the bunny ears aren’t perfect. These are homemade treats, and a little imperfection just adds to their charm!

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Add a Sweet Twist: Before you shape the dough, sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top of the dough for a sweet, spiced finish that’ll make the buns extra cozy.
Whole Wheat: Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour if you’re looking for a slightly healthier version.
Mini Buns: Make mini bunny buns by dividing the dough into smaller pieces—these are perfect for little hands and Easter baskets.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Bunny Buns are delicious on their own, but you can take them to the next level by serving them with a little jam, butter, or honey on the side. Pair them with a nice cup of coffee or a tall glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice for an Easter brunch that everyone will love.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have any Bunny Buns left over (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until they’re warmed through and soft again.

4 FAQs

Can I make these the night before? Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge, and then shape and bake the buns in the morning.
Can I make these without cinnamon? Definitely! If cinnamon isn’t your thing, you can leave it out or substitute it with nutmeg, cardamom, or even a bit of vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.
Can I use a bread machine to make the dough? Yes, you can! Follow your bread machine’s instructions for mixing and kneading the dough, then proceed with shaping and baking as directed.
How do I prevent my Bunny Buns from getting too dry? Be sure to monitor the baking time closely and take them out of the oven as soon as they’re golden. Overbaking can cause them to dry out.

Conclusion

These Bunny Buns are the perfect way to add a little fun and flavor to your Easter celebration. They’re soft, sweet, and incredibly easy to make—plus, they’ll have everyone at the table talking about how cute and delicious they are. Whether you’re serving them at brunch, giving them as a gift, or just enjoying them with your family, they’ll bring a touch of holiday magic to your day. Happy baking, and may your Easter be as sweet as these bunny-shaped treats!

Bunny Buns for Easter!

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including rise time)
Yield: 12 bunny buns (serves 4-6) 1x
Category: Dessert, Easter Treat
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Easter
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Bunny Buns are the cutest and most delicious way to celebrate Easter! Soft, fluffy, and shaped like little bunnies, these sweet buns are perfect for both kids and adults. The dough is simple to make and bakes into a golden, tender treat. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch or just looking for a fun activity, these bunny-shaped buns will make your holiday extra special!

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough starts to form. If you’re using cinnamon, add it here too.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
Let It Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Buns: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 even pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. For each bunny, take one ball for the body and a smaller piece for the head. Attach the head to the body by pinching the dough together. Create bunny ears by rolling two small pieces of dough into ovals and placing them on top of the head.
Prepare for Baking: Place the shaped bunny buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Beat the remaining egg and milk together and brush it onto the buns for a golden finish.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
Finish and Serve: Let the buns cool slightly. Once cooled, use raisins or chocolate chips for the eyes, and dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Make-Ahead: You can make the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Storage: Store leftover buns in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer storage.