Easter Bunny Rolls

These delightful Easter Bunny Rolls are soft, buttery, and shaped like adorable bunnies, making them a perfect addition to your Easter celebration. They are not only visually appealing but also taste delicious, especially when served with butter and jam. Shaping these rolls can be a fun and engaging activity for the whole family. While it requires a bit of effort, the joy and smiles they bring to the table are well worth it. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or as a festive snack, these bunny rolls are sure to become a beloved Easter tradition.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3.5 tablespoons (50g) softened butter
• 20g fresh yeast or 7g instant yeast
• 1/4 cup (60ml) warm milk
• 2 1/3 cups (290g) all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt
• 3.5 tablespoons (40g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk

For brushing:

• 1 egg mixed with 1 tablespoon milk

For decoration:

• Pearl or granulated sugar

Directions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the softened butter, vanilla extract, egg, egg yolk, and the yeast mixture.
• Mix until the ingredients are roughly combined, then knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This should take about 7-10 minutes by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.

First Rise:

• Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 2 hours.

1. Shape the Bunnies:

• Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions (about 65g each). For each portion:
• Divide into a larger piece for the body, a smaller piece for the head, and three tiny pieces for the tail and ears.
• Shape the body into a thick log, the head into a small ball, and form the ears and tail accordingly.
• Assemble the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to resemble a bunny.
• Second Rise:

1. • Cover the shaped bunnies with plastic wrap and let them rise for an additional 20 minutes.

2. Bake:

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
   • Brush the bunnies with the egg and milk mixture. Sprinkle the tails with pearl or granulated sugar.
   • Use a toothpick to poke holes for the eyes.
   • Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
   • Transfer to a wire rack to cool before serving.

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Kcal: Approximately 225 kcal per roll | Servings: 8 rolls

Easter Bunny Rolls: The Perfect Easter Treat for Your Family

Easter is a time of joy, celebration, and delicious food. One of the most delightful and festive recipes you can make for this occasion is Easter Bunny Rolls—soft, fluffy, and beautifully shaped bread rolls that resemble adorable bunnies. These homemade rolls are not only fun to make but also a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re serving them for Easter breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack, these bunny-shaped buns will bring a smile to everyone’s face.

In this article, we will dive deep into the background of these charming rolls, their benefits, why this recipe stands out, tips for making them perfect, and how to serve them for an unforgettable Easter celebration.

The Background of Easter Bunny Rolls

The tradition of baking special breads for Easter has existed for centuries. In many cultures, Easter breads symbolize renewal and rebirth, representing the resurrection of Christ. These breads often include rich ingredients such as butter, milk, and eggs—symbolic of abundance and new life.

The Easter Bunny itself is a well-known symbol of the holiday, originating from German folklore. The story tells of an “Easter Hare” that would lay colorful eggs for children to find, similar to how Santa Claus delivers gifts. Over time, the bunny became a central figure in Easter celebrations, leading to various bunny-shaped treats, including these delightful Easter Bunny Rolls.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless Easter bread recipes, but this one stands out for several reasons:

1. Adorable Presentation

These rolls are shaped like little bunnies, making them an instant favorite for children and guests. They add a playful touch to your Easter table and look stunning when served in a basket.

2. Soft and Buttery Texture

Thanks to the perfect balance of butter, milk, and yeast, these rolls turn out incredibly soft, fluffy, and rich in flavor. They melt in your mouth with every bite!

3. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

This recipe uses pantry staples like flour, yeast, sugar, and milk. Yet, the combination of these simple ingredients creates a delicious, slightly sweet roll with a golden crust.

4. A Fun Baking Project for Kids

Shaping the dough into bunny figures is a fantastic activity to do with kids. It’s an engaging way to get them involved in baking while creating special Easter memories.

5. Versatile and Customizable

You can enjoy these rolls plain, with a bit of butter, or add fillings like chocolate chips, raisins, or jam for an extra treat. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a sweeter touch.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Easter Bunny Rolls

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 3.5 tablespoons (50g) softened butter
• 20g fresh yeast or 7g instant yeast
• 1/4 cup (60ml) warm milk
• 2 1/3 cups (290g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
• Raisins or chocolate chips (for bunny eyes)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough

   • In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add softened butter, the egg, and vanilla extract. Pour in the yeast mixture.
   • Knead the dough until smooth and elastic (about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer).

2. Let the Dough Rise

   • Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

3. Shape the Bunny Rolls

   • Divide the dough into small pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and twist it to form the bunny body. Use a small dough ball for the tail.
   • For bunny faces, shape the dough into ovals and use a knife to cut ears. Press raisins or chocolate chips into the dough for eyes.

4. Final Rise and Baking

   • Place the shaped rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them rise for another 30 minutes.
   • Brush the rolls with an egg wash for a golden finish.
   • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.

5. Serve and Enjoy

   • Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them with butter, jam, or honey!

Tips for the Best Easter Bunny Rolls

• Use fresh yeast for the best rise and flavor. If using instant yeast, mix it directly with dry ingredients.
• Don’t skip the second rise—it ensures soft, fluffy rolls.
• Brush with egg wash before baking for a shiny, golden crust.
• Experiment with flavors by adding cinnamon, orange zest, or nutmeg to the dough.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for later use.

How to Serve Easter Bunny Rolls

These adorable rolls are perfect for various occasions:

• Easter Breakfast or Brunch – Serve with coffee, tea, or fresh juice.
• Afternoon Snack – Enjoy with butter and jam for a light, sweet treat.
• Easter Dinner Side – Pair with honey butter or cinnamon sugar for a festive touch.
• Kids’ Easter Party – Serve them as a fun, edible centerpiece.

For a beautiful presentation, place the rolls in a basket lined with a pastel napkin and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Conclusion

This Easter Bunny Roll recipe is a winner because it’s both delicious and fun to make. Unlike store-bought pastries, these homemade rolls are free from artificial ingredients and preservatives, ensuring you get the freshest, most flavorful treat. Plus, they bring an element of creativity and tradition to your Easter celebrations. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a special Easter brunch, or just want a delightful baking project, these bunny-shaped rolls will not disappoint. The combination of soft, buttery dough and the cute bunny design makes them a must-try recipe for the holiday season!