Description
Bunny Buns are soft, fluffy sweet rolls shaped like adorable little bunnies, perfect for Easter brunch or springtime snacks. Made with a tender yeast dough enriched with butter and egg, these delightful buns can be customized with raisins or mini chocolate chips for eyes and offer a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with a drizzle of icing or a citrus twist.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
For Finishing
- 2 tablespoons milk (for brushing)
- Optional: raisins or mini chocolate chips for eyes
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, salt, egg, and 3 ½ cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Knead by hand or with a dough hook for about 5–7 minutes, adding more flour as needed until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the bunnies: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball for the bunny body. Pinch off small pieces to roll into ear shapes and attach at the top. Add raisins or chocolate chips as eyes, pressing gently into the dough.
- Second rise: Place the shaped bunnies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 20–30 minutes.
- Preheat and brush: Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush each bun with milk for a beautiful golden finish.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Let the buns cool slightly before serving. Optionally, drizzle with icing for extra sweetness.
Notes
- Perfect for Easter brunch or springtime snacks.
- Add orange or lemon zest to the dough for a citrus flavor.
- Drizzle with icing after baking for sweet bunny buns.
- Ensure milk is warm but not hot to activate yeast properly.
- Use a light hand while attaching ears to prevent tearing the dough.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
