Bunny Buns

Bunny Buns are adorable, fluffy rolls shaped like bunnies—perfect for Easter, spring gatherings, or just a fun baking project with kids. These soft and slightly sweet buns not only look festive but also taste delicious, making them a delightful addition to any brunch or holiday table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun and festive for holidays or themed parties
• Great baking activity for kids and families
• Soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet bread
• Perfect for serving with butter, jam, or honey
• Customizable with sweet or savory fillings
• Can be made ahead and reheated
• Freezer-friendly
• A creative and memorable alternative to traditional dinner rolls
• Makes a cute edible gift or basket addition
• Guaranteed to impress guests with minimal effort

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Milk (warm)
• Active dry yeast
• Granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Egg
• Salt
• Optional: raisins or chocolate chips for eyes
• Egg wash (beaten egg with a splash of water)

directions

1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, egg, and butter to the yeast mixture and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Punch down the dough and divide it into equal pieces, depending on how many buns you want to make.
5. Shape each piece into a bunny: form a round body, a smaller head, ears by snipping with scissors or shaping with hands, and a small dough ball for the tail. Press in raisins or chocolate chips for eyes if using.
6. Place bunnies on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 20–30 minutes.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Brush with egg wash and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 12 bunny buns
• Prep time: 30 minutes
• Rising time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook time: 15–18 minutes
• Total time: About 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Sweet filling: Add Nutella, jam, or cinnamon-sugar inside each bun before shaping.
• Savory version: Stuff with cheese or herbs for a dinner-roll twist.
• Vegan option: Use plant-based milk and butter, and a flax egg substitute.
• Decorative touch: Add a sugar glaze or dust with powdered sugar once cooled.
• Whole wheat: Use half whole wheat flour for a more hearty bun.

storage/reheating

Store cooled bunny buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds. Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise before shaping.

Can I freeze the shaped, unbaked buns?

Yes, freeze after shaping, then thaw and let rise before baking.

What can I use for the eyes?

Raisins, chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even black sesame seeds.

Can I use a stand mixer?

Absolutely. Use the dough hook attachment to knead for 5–6 minutes.

How do I get the ears to hold their shape?

Snip with kitchen scissors and slightly twist or separate the ears before baking.

Can I make mini bunny buns?

Yes, just divide the dough into smaller portions and reduce the baking time by a few minutes.

Do these taste like dinner rolls or sweet rolls?

They’re slightly sweet and soft, similar to Hawaiian rolls.

Can I add spices to the dough?

Yes, cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a hint of cardamom work beautifully.

How do I make a glaze for the buns?

Mix powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice and drizzle over cooled buns.

Are Bunny Buns good for gifting?

Definitely! Wrap them in clear bags or place in baskets for a cute edible gift.

Conclusion

Bunny Buns are as delightful to eat as they are to look at—soft, festive, and full of charm. Whether you’re baking them for Easter, a spring brunch, or just for fun, these whimsical rolls are sure to bring smiles to everyone around the table. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, Bunny Buns are the perfect mix of cute and delicious.

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