These adorable Bunny Buns are the perfect treat to celebrate Easter! Soft, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet, they’re almost too cute to eat—almost! Whether you’re making them for a family brunch or just want to bake something festive, these little bunny-shaped rolls will steal the show.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fun to make – Shaping these into bunnies is a creative and enjoyable process, especially if you have kids helping in the kitchen.
Soft and pillowy – The dough bakes up light and airy, making these buns absolutely irresistible.
Great for Easter gatherings – These are not just delicious but also a festive addition to any Easter table.
Customizable – You can fill them with jam, chocolate, or even a bit of cream cheese for an extra treat.

Ingredients

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour
Yeast
Sugar
Milk
Butter
Eggs
Salt

Full list of ingredients and exact measurements are below.

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough

Start by warming the milk until it’s just lukewarm, then mix it with the yeast and sugar. Let it sit until frothy—this is how you know your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

2. Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add in the butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Knead everything together until a soft, elastic dough forms.

3. Let It Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This usually takes about an hour.

4. Shape the Bunnies

Divide the dough into small pieces and roll them into balls. For each bunny, shape one small ball for the head and a larger one for the body. Use tiny bits of dough for the ears and a small round piece for the tail. Press everything together gently.

5. Bake Until Golden

Place the shaped bunnies on a baking sheet, cover lightly, and let them rise again for about 20 minutes. Then, bake in a preheated oven until they turn golden brown and beautifully puffed.

6. Add the Finishing Touches

Once cooled, you can add little details like chocolate chip eyes or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra festive look.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use warm, not hot, milk – If your milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast and your buns won’t rise properly.
Knead until smooth – A well-kneaded dough will give you the fluffiest texture.
Let them cool before decorating – If you’re adding chocolate eyes, wait until the buns have cooled so they don’t melt!

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap regular flour for whole wheat if you want a heartier version.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
Brush the buns with a little honey butter after baking for a shiny, slightly sweet glaze.
Fill the bunnies with Nutella, jam, or sweetened cream cheese for an extra surprise inside.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Bunny Buns are perfect alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a full Easter brunch, serve them with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and a light salad. They also make a wonderful addition to a festive bread basket along with hot cross buns and other holiday favorites.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover Bunny Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
To keep them fresh longer, store in the fridge for up to 5 days and warm them slightly before serving.
If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze them in an airtight bag for up to 2 months. Just reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping.

2. How do I make sure my bunnies hold their shape?

Make sure you press the pieces together firmly and let them rise properly before baking. Chilling the shaped buns for a few minutes before baking can also help.

3. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely! If using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the flour.

4. What can I use for the bunny eyes?

Mini chocolate chips, raisins, or even a little dab of icing all work great!

Conclusion

These Bunny Buns are the perfect way to bring a little extra joy to your Easter celebrations. They’re fun to make, delicious to eat, and almost too cute to handle! Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying them on your own, they’re sure to put a smile on your face. Happy baking!

Bunny Buns for Easter!

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These adorable and fluffy bunny-shaped buns are a delightful addition to any Easter meal. Soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours
Yield: 12 servings (each serving is one bunny bun) 1x
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add sugar, salt, oil, and the egg to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Continue until a soft dough forms.
Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Bunnies:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
- For each piece, roll it into a rope approximately 14 inches long.
- Cut a ½-inch piece off the end of the rope and roll it into a small ball for the tail.
- Fold the rope in half and twist it twice to form the bunny’s body, leaving a loop at the bottom.
- Place the twisted dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Attach the small ball to the loop to form the tail.
- Repeat with the remaining dough pieces.
Final Rise:
- Cover the shaped bunnies with a cloth and let them rise for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush the bunnies with melted butter and sprinkle the tails with coarse sea salt.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

Notes

Ensure that the water used is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
For a sweeter variation, you can increase the sugar to 2-3 tablespoons.
These buns are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.