Easter is a time for family gatherings, delicious meals, and of course, adorable festive treats! These Bunny Buns are a must-have addition to your Easter table. Soft, slightly sweet, and shaped like cute little bunnies, they bring charm and fun to any Easter brunch or dinner. Whether you make them from scratch or use pre-made dough for a quick and easy alternative, these Bunny Buns will be a hit with kids and adults alike!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through both homemade and pre-made dough methods, along with expert baking tips, serving suggestions, and storage instructions to ensure your Bunny Buns turn out perfect every time.
Why You’ll Love These Bunny Buns
- Adorable and Festive: These bunny-shaped bread rolls are perfect for Easter celebrations.
- Soft and Slightly Sweet: A lightly sweetened dough makes these buns irresistible.
- Versatile: Serve them as dinner rolls, with butter and jam, or even as a sweet treat brushed with butter and sugar.
- Two Ways to Make Them: Choose from a homemade dough recipe or a quick and easy pre-made dough option.
- Great for Kids: Fun to shape and bake, making them a great Easter baking activity with children.
Ingredients for Bunny Buns
For Homemade Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 tablespoon yeast
- 4½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup sugar (divided)
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons butter
For Pre-Made Dough:
- 2 cans refrigerated Pillsbury French Bread (or refrigerated bread of choice)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
How to Make Bunny Buns from Scratch
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and remaining sugar.
- Add the milk and yeast mixture to the flour mixture and mix on low using a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- Slowly add in the egg and butter, mixing until combined.
- Turn the mixer to medium speed and knead the dough for 5 minutes.
- Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise until doubled in size (about 1½ hours).
Step 2: Shape the Bunny Buns
- Lightly flour a work surface and place the risen dough onto it.
- Divide the dough into 12 even pieces by cutting in half repeatedly.
- Roll each piece into a 10-inch rope on an oiled surface.
- Form a U-shape with the dough rope, leaving a small circle at the bottom.
- Overlap the ends, twist once, and pinch the tips to form bunny ears.
- Cut the remaining two dough pieces into 6 small balls and attach them to the bunny forms as tails.
- Place the bunny buns onto a greased baking sheet.
- Cover and let them rise again for 20-30 minutes.
Step 3: Bake the Bunny Buns
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter.
- Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of sugar for a hint of sweetness.
How to Make Bunny Buns Using Pre-Made Dough
Step 1: Shape the Dough
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- Remove pre-made dough from the cans and place on a non-stick surface.
- Follow the same shaping process as above to form bunny shapes.
Step 2: Bake the Bunny Buns
- Place the shaped bunny buns onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush with melted butter and optionally sprinkle with sugar for sweetness.
Tips for Perfect Bunny Buns
- Use Fresh Yeast: If making homemade dough, make sure your yeast is fresh for proper rising.
- Let the Dough Rise Fully: Don’t rush the process—allowing the dough to double in size ensures soft, fluffy rolls.
- Oil Your Hands: Prevent sticking while rolling and shaping the dough.
- Watch the Baking Time: Every oven varies, so keep an eye on your buns to avoid overbaking.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add cinnamon, vanilla extract, or nutmeg for a unique twist!
How to Serve Bunny Buns
- As Dinner Rolls: Serve warm with butter alongside Easter dinner.
- With Jam and Honey: Pair with fruit preserves or honey for a delicious treat.
- Sweet Bunny Buns: Brush with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a dessert-like version.
- Stuffed Bunny Buns: Add a chocolate or cream cheese filling before baking for a fun surprise inside!
How to Store Bunny Buns
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheat before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap each bun individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour?
Yes, but the texture may be denser. Try a 50/50 mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for the best results.
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and the environment is warm enough for proper rising.
Can I Add Other Decorations?
Yes! Use small chocolate chips for eyes or a tiny pink sprinkle for a bunny nose.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the dough, shape the bunnies, and refrigerate overnight before baking fresh the next day.
Final Thoughts
These Bunny Buns are a delightful and festive way to celebrate Easter. Whether made from scratch or with pre-made dough, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles to your holiday table. Soft, slightly sweet, and oh-so-cute, these buns will quickly become a family favorite. Try them this Easter and watch everyone hop to grab one!
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🐰 Adorable & Fluffy Bunny Buns for Easter! 🍞✨
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 Bunny Buns 1x
Description
These Bunny Buns are the cutest addition to your Easter table! Soft, slightly sweet, and shaped like little bunnies, they bring a festive touch to any celebration. Watching them puff up in the oven and turn golden brown is pure joy! Whether you’re making them from scratch or using pre-made dough, these bunny-shaped rolls are guaranteed to impress. 🌸💛
Ingredients
For Homemade Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 tbsp yeast
- 4½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ cup sugar, divided
- 1 egg
- 3 tbsp butter
For Pre-Made Dough:
- 2 cans refrigerated Pillsbury French Bread (or bread of choice)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions
🔹 For Homemade Dough:
1️⃣ Activate yeast: Combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar in a small bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2️⃣ Mix: In a large bowl, whisk flour, salt, and remaining sugar. Add yeast mixture, egg, and butter.
3️⃣ Knead: Use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium for 5 minutes.
4️⃣ Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for 1½ hours.
5️⃣ Shape the bunnies: Divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll into ropes (about 10”) and form into a U-shape. Twist the ends twice to create ears. Use remaining dough to make small balls for tails.
6️⃣ Final rise: Let shaped bunnies rise for 20-30 minutes.
7️⃣ Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Brush with butter.
🔹 For Pre-Made Dough:
1️⃣ Cut & Shape: Divide dough into 12 pieces, roll into ropes, and twist into bunny shapes. Add tails.
2️⃣ Bake: Place on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes.
3️⃣ Sweet Finish: Brush with butter and sprinkle with sugar (optional).
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 210 per bunny
- Sugar: 5g per bunny
- Fat: 6g per bunny
- Carbohydrates: 34g per bunny
- Protein: 5g per bunny