Bunny Buns Clara quick dinners

Bunny Buns are adorable, fluffy rolls shaped like bunnies—perfect for Easter, spring gatherings, or just a fun baking project with kids. These soft and slightly sweet buns not only look festive but also taste delicious, making them a delightful addition to any brunch or holiday table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fun and festive for holidays or themed parties
Great baking activity for kids and families
Soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet bread
Perfect for serving with butter, jam, or honey
Customizable with sweet or savory fillings
Can be made ahead and reheated
Freezer-friendly
A creative and memorable alternative to traditional dinner rolls
Makes a cute edible gift or basket addition
Guaranteed to impress guests with minimal effort

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Milk (warm)
Active dry yeast
Granulated sugar
Unsalted butter (softened)
Egg
Salt
Optional: raisins or chocolate chips for eyes
Egg wash (beaten egg with a splash of water)

directions

In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 510 minutes until frothy.
Add flour, salt, egg, and butter to the yeast mixture and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 810 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide it into equal pieces, depending on how many buns you want to make.
Shape each piece into a bunny: form a round body, a smaller head, ears by snipping with scissors or shaping with hands, and a small dough ball for the tail. Press in raisins or chocolate chips for eyes if using.
Place bunnies on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 2030 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Brush with egg wash and bake for 1518 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 bunny buns
Prep time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook time: 1518 minutes
Total time: About 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Sweet filling: Add Nutella, jam, or cinnamon-sugar inside each bun before shaping.
Savory version: Stuff with cheese or herbs for a dinner-roll twist.
Vegan option: Use plant-based milk and butter, and a flax egg substitute.
Decorative touch: Add a sugar glaze or dust with powdered sugar once cooled.
Whole wheat: Use half whole wheat flour for a more hearty bun.

storage/reheating

Store cooled bunny buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a 300°F oven for 57 minutes or microwave for 1520 seconds. Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise before shaping.

Can I freeze the shaped, unbaked buns?

Yes, freeze after shaping, then thaw and let rise before baking.

What can I use for the eyes?

Raisins, chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even black sesame seeds.

Can I use a stand mixer?

Absolutely. Use the dough hook attachment to knead for 56 minutes.

How do I get the ears to hold their shape?

Snip with kitchen scissors and slightly twist or separate the ears before baking.

Can I make mini bunny buns?

Yes, just divide the dough into smaller portions and reduce the baking time by a few minutes.

Do these taste like dinner rolls or sweet rolls?

They’re slightly sweet and soft, similar to Hawaiian rolls.

Can I add spices to the dough?

Yes, cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a hint of cardamom work beautifully.

How do I make a glaze for the buns?

Mix powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice and drizzle over cooled buns.

Are Bunny Buns good for gifting?

Definitely! Wrap them in clear bags or place in baskets for a cute edible gift.

Conclusion

Bunny Buns are as delightful to eat as they are to look at—soft, festive, and full of charm. Whether you’re baking them for Easter, a spring brunch, or just for fun, these whimsical rolls are sure to bring smiles to everyone around the table. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, Bunny Buns are the perfect mix of cute and delicious.

Description

These Bunny Buns are soft, slightly sweet dinner rolls shaped like adorable bunnies. Made with simple ingredients and baked to golden perfection, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. Serve them with butter and jam or alongside your Easter meal.

Activate the yeast:
In a large mixing bowl, stir the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar together. Let sit for 510 minutes, until foamy.
Mix the dough:
Add the rest of the sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine. Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
Knead and rise:
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape the bunny buns:
Punch down the dough and divide it into 1214 pieces. For each bun, form a round body. Then roll a small piece of dough into a rope and shape it into bunny ears. Use raisins or chocolate chips for eyes, gently pressing them in.
Second rise:
Place shaped bunnies on a lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for another 2030 minutes.
Bake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush each bun with egg wash for a shiny finish. Bake for 1518 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool and serve:
Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

You can fill the buns with a little jam, Nutella, or cream cheese before baking for a surprise inside.
For a sweeter version, add a glaze or dust with powdered sugar after baking.
Kids love helping shape these — it’s a fun family activity!