Greek Easter Bunny Bread is a charming and festive bread that brings a playful touch to your Easter table. Made from a soft and slightly sweet dough, this bread is shaped into adorable bunny figures that delight both kids and adults. With its golden crust and tender crumb, Greek Easter Bunny Bread is perfect as a holiday centerpiece or a delicious treat served with butter, jam, or alongside your Easter meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Adorable and Festive: These bunny-shaped breads add a whimsical touch to your Easter celebration.
- Soft and Flavorful: The dough is slightly sweet and buttery, making each bite irresistible.
- Fun for Kids: Shaping the dough into bunnies is a great activity to do with kids.
- Versatile: Serve them with sweet or savory spreads or enjoy them on their own.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake fresh for Easter.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- Raisins or currants (for eyes)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into small pieces. Shape each piece into a bunny by rolling dough into ropes for the body, forming small balls for tails, and shaping ears. Use raisins or currants for the eyes.
- Place the shaped bunnies on the baking sheet. Brush with the beaten egg to give them a shiny, golden crust.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 8-10 bunny breads
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Rise Time: 1-2 hours
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 2-3 hours
Variations
- Sweet Option: Add a bit of vanilla extract or orange zest to the dough for extra flavor.
- Savory Twist: Mix in herbs or grated cheese for a savory bread option.
- Whole Wheat Version: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
- Decorative Additions: Use sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or colored sugar on top before baking.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before serving.
FAQs
How do I shape the dough into bunny shapes?
Roll dough into a long rope, form the body into a spiral, and add smaller pieces for the head and tail. Shape small ropes into bunny ears and attach them.
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, bread flour will give the bread a slightly chewier texture, which works well for this recipe.
How can I make the bread sweeter?
Increase the sugar to 1/2 cup or add a sweet glaze after baking.
What can I use instead of raisins for the eyes?
You can use chocolate chips, currants, or small pieces of dried fruit.
Can I add flavors to the dough?
Yes, you can add vanilla extract, citrus zest, or even cinnamon for a flavored bread.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Yes, you can let the dough rise overnight in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.
What if my dough isn’t rising?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and the rising environment is warm. You can place the bowl in a warm oven (turned off) to help it rise.
Can I make mini bunny breads?
Yes, just divide the dough into smaller portions and reduce the baking time accordingly.
What should I serve with Greek Easter Bunny Bread?
Serve with butter, jam, honey, or alongside traditional Easter dishes like lamb and salads.
Can I color the dough for a festive look?
Yes, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the dough while mixing to create colorful bunny breads.
Conclusion
Greek Easter Bunny Bread is a delightful and festive addition to your Easter celebrations. These cute and delicious bread bunnies not only taste great but also add a playful element to your holiday table. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is perfect for making with kids and creating special Easter memories. Enjoy this soft, slightly sweet bread with your favorite spreads or as part of your Easter feast!
PrintGreek Easter Bunny Bread
Greek Easter Bunny Bread is a fun and festive twist on traditional Greek Easter bread, also known as Tsoureki. This sweet, soft, and aromatic bread is shaped like a bunny, making it the perfect centerpiece for your Easter celebration. The bread features hints of orange and anise, offering a delightful flavor with a whimsical presentation!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 1 large bunny bread 1x
- Category: Bread, Holiday
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ⅓ cup warm water (110°F)
- ½ cup sugar
- 5½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1 cup milk
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 1 teaspoon anise seeds (optional)
- Raisins or currants (for eyes)
- Sliced almonds (for teeth)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing)
Instructions
-
Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
-
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining sugar, flour, salt, orange zest, and anise seeds (if using).
- In a separate bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla.
- Add the yeast mixture and the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
-
Knead the Dough:
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1½ hours or until doubled in size.
-
Shape the Bunny:
- Punch down the dough and divide it into pieces to form the bunny:
- Body: Form a large oval for the body.
- Head: Make a smaller round ball for the head.
- Ears: Roll two long pieces for the ears and shape them into loops.
- Cheeks: Make two small balls for the cheeks.
- Nose: Form a tiny ball for the nose.
- Tail: Roll a small ball and flatten slightly.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into pieces to form the bunny:
-
Assemble the Bunny:
- Arrange all the pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet to resemble a bunny.
- Use raisins or currants for eyes and insert sliced almonds for the teeth.
-
Second Rise:
- Cover with a clean towel and let rise for 30 minutes.
-
Preheat and Egg Wash:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water and brush over the dough for a golden finish.
-
Bake:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Let the bread cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Flavor Variations: Add 1 teaspoon of ground mahleb or mastic for a traditional Greek flavor.
- For Extra Sweetness: Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
- Storing: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.