Easter is the perfect time for festive baking, and these adorable Bunny Buns will steal the show at your holiday table. Soft, slightly sweet, and shaped like little bunnies, they’re fun to make and even more fun to eat. Whether you’re serving them at brunch or sneaking one as an afternoon treat, these buns bring a little extra joy to the season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These Bunny Buns aren’t just cute—they’re also deliciously fluffy with a hint of sweetness. They’re easy enough for a weekend baking project and a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen. Plus, they pair wonderfully with butter, jam, or even a drizzle of honey.
Ingredients
cups all-purpose flour
tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
cup granulated sugar
tsp salt
cup warm milk (about 110°F)
cup unsalted butter, melted
egg
tsp vanilla extract (optional, for a slightly sweet flavor)
tbsp vegetable oil (for greasing)
egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
Black sesame seeds or mini chocolate chips (for eyes)
Preparing the Dough
Start by warming the milk slightly—just enough to activate the yeast. Mix in the sugar and yeast, letting it sit until it becomes foamy. This step ensures your dough rises properly and gives the buns their soft texture.
Mixing and Kneading
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter, then mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size. This usually takes about an hour, depending on the room temperature.
Shaping the Bunny Buns
Divide the dough into small portions. Roll each into a ball for the bunny’s body, then shape smaller pieces for ears. Attach them gently, pressing to secure. Add raisins or chocolate chips for eyes, then place the bunnies on a baking sheet.
Second Rise and Baking
Cover the shaped bunnies and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven. Brush the buns with an egg wash for a golden finish, then bake until they turn a light golden brown.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- If your dough feels too sticky, add a little extra flour a tablespoon at a time
- Letting the dough rise in a slightly warm oven (turned off) speeds up the process
- For extra flavor, add a touch of vanilla or cinnamon to the dough
- Brush with a little melted butter after baking for a soft, glossy finish
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap out raisins for mini chocolate chips for a sweeter touch
- Use whole wheat flour for a heartier version
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a warm, spiced flavor
- If you don’t have eggs, substitute with a flax egg for a vegan-friendly option
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Bunny Buns are perfect alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee. They’re great with a smear of butter, honey, or fruit preserves. For a special Easter brunch, serve them with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and a side of bacon.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to bring back their soft texture.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! You can refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
How do I keep the ears from falling off? Press the dough pieces together firmly and use a little water to help them stick. You can also slightly overlap the ears with the body for better hold.
Can I make these without yeast? Yeast gives the buns their soft, fluffy texture, but if you’re in a hurry, you could try a quick bread dough instead.
How do I make the bunnies extra golden? Brushing them with an egg wash before baking will give them a beautiful golden shine.
Conclusion
These Bunny Buns are a must-try for Easter! Soft, sweet, and absolutely adorable, they’re the perfect addition to any holiday table. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save a few for later, they’re sure to bring smiles all around.
Print
Bunny Buns for Easter
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 10 bunny buns 1x
- Category: Bread, Easter Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These adorable bunny-shaped buns are soft, fluffy, and perfect for Easter! They make a fun addition to your holiday table, whether served with butter, jam, or as a side for dinner. Kids and adults alike will love these cute and tasty treats!
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for a slightly sweet flavor)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for greasing)
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
- Black sesame seeds or mini chocolate chips (for eyes)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over it. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Grease a large bowl with vegetable oil and place the dough inside. Cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Bunnies: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an oval shape for the bunny body. Use scissors to snip two small ears at the top of each piece. Poke two sesame seeds or chocolate chips into the dough for eyes.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped buns onto a lined baking sheet, cover lightly, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Egg Wash & Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush each bun with egg wash and bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool & Serve: Let the buns cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy with butter, jam, or honey!
Notes
- If you want a sweeter version, add an extra tablespoon of sugar.
- These can be made ahead! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze and reheat before serving.
- Add a tiny dough ball as a “bunny tail” for extra cuteness!
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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