Bunny Buns

These Bunny Buns are the perfect addition to your Easter table! 🐰🥖 Soft, slightly sweet, and shaped like adorable bunnies, these homemade bread rolls are both fun to make and delicious to eat. Whether you’re using homemade dough or a shortcut with pre-made bread dough, these festive rolls are sure to impress family and friends. Perfect for Easter dinner or a springtime brunch!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For Homemade Dough:

  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1 tablespoon yeast
  • 4½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Âź cup sugar, divided
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tablespoons butter

For Pre-Made Dough:

  • 2 cans refrigerated Pillsbury French Bread (or any refrigerated bread dough)
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Directions

For Homemade Dough:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a small bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and remaining sugar. Add the yeast mixture and mix using a dough hook on low speed.
  4. Add in the egg and butter, then knead on medium speed for 5 minutes.
  5. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise until doubled (about 1½ hours).
  6. Divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 10-inch rope.
  7. Form a “U” shape, twist the ends twice, and pinch to resemble bunny ears. Repeat to make 6 bunny forms.
  8. Roll remaining dough into small balls for bunny tails and attach them.
  9. Let rise for another 20-30 minutes, then bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
  10. Brush warm buns with butter and enjoy!

For Pre-Made Dough:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cut dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a 10-inch rope.
  3. Shape into bunny forms as described above, adding small dough balls as tails.
  4. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes until golden brown.
  5. Brush with butter and sprinkle with sugar for a touch of sweetness.

Nutrients

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Sugar: 5g

Why You’ll Love These Bunny Buns

There are plenty of reasons why these Bunny Buns should be part of your Easter celebration:

1. Adorable and Festive

The highlight of these Bunny Buns is their playful shape! They’re carefully twisted into little bunny forms, complete with ears and a tiny tail. This makes them not just delicious, but also a delightful decoration for your Easter table. If you’re hosting a spring brunch, these buns will surely be the center of attention.

2. Soft, Fluffy, and Slightly Sweet

These rolls have a light, airy texture with a hint of sweetness, making them a wonderful complement to both savory and sweet spreads. You can enjoy them on their own, with butter and honey, or even alongside your Easter ham or roasted lamb.

3. Kid-Friendly and Fun to Make

If you’re looking for a fun Easter activity, this recipe is perfect for baking with kids! Let them help roll out the dough, shape the bunnies, and brush the warm rolls with butter. It’s a great way to get the whole family involved in the kitchen.

4. Works with Homemade or Store-Bought Dough

Short on time? No problem! This recipe includes options for both homemade dough and pre-made refrigerated dough. If you have time to prepare dough from scratch, the homemade version gives you the best flavor and texture. But if you need a quick solution, store-bought French bread dough works just as well.

5. Perfect for Any Meal of the Day

While these Bunny Buns are a fantastic addition to Easter dinner, they’re also perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack. You can serve them warm with jam, as mini sandwiches, or even drizzled with honey for a touch of sweetness.

Key Ingredients That Make These Bunny Buns Special

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in creating the soft texture, light sweetness, and golden brown exterior of these Bunny Buns.

1. All-Purpose Flour – The Foundation of Softness

Using all-purpose flour ensures that the buns have a light and airy texture. It provides just the right amount of gluten development to make the dough easy to work with while still keeping the rolls soft.

2. Yeast – The Key to Fluffiness

The yeast in the homemade dough allows the buns to rise and become pillowy soft. If using store-bought dough, it already contains yeast, making it a time-saving option.

3. Sugar – A Hint of Sweetness

A small amount of sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the bread’s buttery flavor. You can also sprinkle sugar on top for a little extra crunch and sweetness.

4. Butter – Richness and Golden Color

Butter not only adds flavor but also helps the buns turn golden brown when brushed on top. It gives the rolls a soft crumb and enhances their slightly sweet taste.

5. Warm Milk – A Secret for Extra Softness

Using warm milk instead of water in the dough keeps the Bunny Buns extra soft and tender. Milk adds a subtle richness and helps the bread stay fresh for longer.

How to Shape the Bunny Buns

The most fun part of this recipe is shaping the dough into little bunnies! Here’s how to do it:

  1. Roll each piece of dough into a rope about 10 inches long.
  2. Create a “U” shape with the rope.
  3. Twist the ends over each other twice to form the ears.
  4. Pinch the ends together so the ears stay in place.
  5. Roll a small ball of dough and attach it as the bunny’s tail.
  6. Let the buns rise again before baking to ensure they become fluffy.

These simple steps result in an adorable bunny shape that’s easy to achieve, even for beginner bakers.

Ways to Customize Your Bunny Buns

While the classic version of these buns is delicious on its own, here are some fun ways to customize them for even more variety:

1. Make Them Sweet

  • Sprinkle the tops with cinnamon sugar for a sweet and spiced version.
  • Drizzle with honey or icing after baking for extra sweetness.

2. Turn Them Savory

  • Brush the buns with garlic butter for a flavorful twist.
  • Add a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese for a cheesy version.

3. Add Fillings

  • Stuff the buns with chocolate chips or raisins for a fun surprise.
  • Fill them with herbed cream cheese for a more decadent experience.

Serving Suggestions for Bunny Buns

Bunny Buns are incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways depending on the occasion:

  • For Breakfast: Serve warm with butter, honey, or jam alongside coffee or tea.
  • For Brunch: Pair with scrambled eggs, bacon, and fruit for a well-rounded meal.
  • As a Side Dish: Serve with Easter ham, roast chicken, or soup for a complete dinner.
  • As a Snack: Enjoy them on their own or with cheese and dips for a light snack.
  • For Kids: Pack them in lunchboxes with nut butter or cream cheese for a fun lunch treat.

Tips for the Best Bunny Buns

To make sure your Bunny Buns turn out perfectly soft and golden, follow these simple tips:

  • Let the dough rise properly: If making homemade dough, make sure to give it enough time to double in size. This will result in light and fluffy rolls.
  • Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the buns while they’re in the oven. They should be lightly golden but not too dark.
  • Brush with butter: Right after baking, brush the warm buns with butter to give them extra flavor and a beautiful shine.
  • Store properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them and reheat them when needed.

Conclusion – A Fun and Delicious Easter Treat

These Bunny Buns are the perfect way to celebrate Easter or springtime with a delicious, festive twist. Whether you make them from scratch or use store-bought dough, they’re incredibly fun to shape, soft in texture, and full of flavor. With their adorable bunny ears and tails, they bring a playful element to any meal.

Not only do they taste amazing, but they’re also a great activity for kids, making Easter baking even more special. Serve them with butter, jam, or alongside your favorite dishes, and enjoy a treat that’s as delightful to eat as it is to look at! 🐰✨

Leave a Comment