Bunny Buns Recipe

Fluffy Bunny Buns Recipe: Adorable Easter Treats for Everyone

Soft and fluffy bunny buns bring whimsy to your breakfast table with their adorable shape and delightful taste.

Pastry chefs love creating these cute bread rolls that spark joy in both children and adults.

Playful dough transformations turn simple ingredients into charming rabbit-shaped treats.

Baking becomes an artistic adventure when you craft these delicate, ear-adorned breads.

Delicate egg wash gives these bunny buns a golden, inviting sheen that makes them irresistible.

Warm from the oven, these little bread friends promise to delight and surprise everyone at your morning gathering.

Hop into the kitchen and create magic with this enchanting recipe that will make breakfast feel like a celebration.

Everything You Need to Make Bunny Buns

Bread Base:
  • Flour: Provides structure and texture for soft, fluffy bunny buns.
  • Yeast: Creates rise and develops light, airy bread texture.
  • Sugar: Feeds yeast and adds subtle sweetness to the dough.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Milk, Warm: Activates yeast and helps create smooth dough consistency.
  • Butter, Melted: Adds rich flavor and keeps buns tender.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and provides golden color and richness.
Finishing Touches:
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the bread.
  • Raisins, Chocolate Chips: Optional decorative eyes for bunny face.
  • Egg Wash: Creates shiny, golden-brown exterior when baked.

How to Shape and Bake Bunny Buns

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

Mix these ingredients in a large bowl:
  • Warm milk
  • Active dry yeast
  • Sugar

Let the mixture sit and become frothy, watching bubbles form and dance for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Create Soft Dough

Combine these ingredients into the yeast mixture:
  • Remaining sugar
  • Melted butter
  • Egg
  • Salt

Slowly incorporate flour until a soft, pillowy dough emerges.

Step 3: Knead and Nurture Dough

Work the dough on a flour-dusted surface, massaging and stretching for 8-10 minutes until smooth and springy. Transfer to a greased container, cover, and let rest in a cozy spot until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Transform Dough into Bunnies

Gently deflate the dough and divide into 12-14 portions. Shape each piece into a round body. Roll small dough strips into ear-like ropes. Create adorable bunny faces using:
  • Raisins
  • Chocolate chips

Carefully press eyes into each bunny.

Step 5: Final Rising

Arrange bunny shapes on a lined baking sheet. Cover and allow them to puff up for 20-30 minutes.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Heat oven to 350°F. Brush bunnies with egg wash for a beautiful shine. Bake until they turn a stunning golden brown, around 15-18 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Allow bunnies to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature, delighting everyone with their cute appearance.

Bunny Buns Tips for Better Results

  • Knead with Confidence: Work the dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking and develop gluten for soft, tender buns.
  • Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure milk is warm (not hot) around 110°F to help yeast bloom without killing the active cultures.
  • Create Adorable Shapes: Roll ears gently and attach securely to prevent separation during rising and baking.
  • Temperature Matters: Use a warm, draft-free spot for rising to help dough double in size and develop rich flavor.
  • Customize with Alternatives: Swap raisins with mini chocolate chips or use colored candies for playful bunny eyes that kids will love.

Bunny Buns: How to Store and Reheat

  • Store cooled bunny buns in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Place baked buns in a freezer-safe bag or container. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 weeks. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes until soft and warm.
  • Remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Warm in the oven at 300°F for 8-10 minutes for best texture.

Dishes That Pair with Bunny Buns

  • Creamy Hot Chocolate
  • Rich, velvety hot chocolate perfectly complements these adorable bunny buns. The warm, sweet beverage balances the soft bread's subtle sweetness and provides a comforting drinking experience.
  • Strawberry Spread
  • Vibrant strawberry jam adds a tangy, fruity dimension when spread over these cute bunny-shaped rolls. The bright red preserve creates a delightful contrast against the golden bread surface.
  • Almond Butter Drizzle
  • Smooth almond butter drizzled over warm bunny buns enhances their richness and adds a nutty depth. Its creamy texture complements the soft bread's delicate crumb and provides a protein-packed topping.
  • Chamomile Herbal Blend
  • Delicate chamomile tea's gentle floral notes beautifully accompany these whimsical bunny buns. Its light, soothing character matches the bread's soft texture and brings a relaxing element to snack time.

New Twists on Classic Bunny Buns

  • Gluten-Free Bunny Buns: Replace wheat flour with a blend of rice flour, almond flour, and xanthan gum to create a celiac-friendly version with similar soft texture.
  • Vegan Carrot Bunny Buns: Substitute milk with almond milk, butter with coconut oil, and egg with mashed banana or flaxseed mixture. Add grated carrots to the dough for extra flavor and moisture.
  • Whole Wheat Wellness Bunnies: Use whole wheat flour instead of white flour to boost fiber content and create a nuttier, heartier bread with added nutritional benefits.
  • Savory Herb Bunny Buns: Incorporate dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley into the dough. Replace sugar with a pinch of salt and add grated parmesan cheese for a savory version perfect for dinner.

Bunny Buns Questions Answered

  • What skills do I need to make Bunny Buns?

Basic baking skills like kneading dough, knowing how to activate yeast, and understanding simple shaping techniques are helpful. No advanced pastry experience is required.

  • Can kids help make these Bunny Buns?

Yes! Kids can help shape bunny ears, place raisin eyes, and help with mixing ingredients. Adult supervision is recommended for oven and hot surfaces.

  • How do I know if my yeast is active?

The yeast mixture should become foamy and bubbly within 5-10 minutes when mixed with warm milk. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be expired or the milk was too hot or cold.

  • What if my dough doesn't rise properly?

Ensure your rising area is warm (around 75-80°F), draft-free, and cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel. If the room is cold, you can place the bowl in a slightly warm oven (turned off) to help rising.

Bunny Buns That Bring the Fun

  • Perfect for making cute bunny-shaped bread that delights kids and adults.
  • Simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe accessible for novice bakers with minimal complicated techniques.
  • Shaping bunny ears and adding chocolate chip eyes turns bread-making into a fun, interactive experience that brings everyone together in the kitchen.
  • Enjoy these soft, warm buns as a festive breakfast, sweet snack, or charming addition to holiday gatherings with minimal prep time.
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Bunny Buns Recipe

Bunny Buns Recipe


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4.9 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Fluffy bunny buns hop straight from grandma’s German bakery into your kitchen, promising adorable Easter charm. Delicate pastry shapes with sweet chocolate details will delight children and adults alike, creating memorable moments of culinary joy.


Ingredients

Scale

Bunny Buns Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Sweeteners and Leavening:

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Decorations:

  • Raisins (for eyes)
  • Mini chocolate chips (for eyes)
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Awaken the yeast by whisking warm milk, yeast, and a hint of sugar in a spacious mixing vessel. Allow the mixture to transform and become frothy over 5-7 minutes.
  2. Incorporate remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt into the activated yeast mixture. Gradually introduce flour, blending until a cohesive, soft dough emerges.
  3. Transfer the dough onto a lightly dusted surface and massage thoroughly for approximately 8-10 minutes, developing a smooth and elastic consistency. Nestle the dough into a greased container, drape with a cloth, and permit rising in a cozy environment until volume doubles, roughly 60-75 minutes.
  4. Deflate the risen dough and partition into 12-14 equal segments. Craft each portion into a rounded body, then fashion delicate ear shapes using thin dough ropes. Delicately embed raisins or chocolate chips as eyes, pressing gently to secure.
  5. Arrange the bunny-shaped creations on a lined baking sheet, providing space between each. Shroud with a cloth and allow a secondary rise for 20-25 minutes.
  6. Heat the oven to 350F (175C). Delicately brush each bunny with egg wash to achieve a lustrous exterior. Bake until a golden hue develops, approximately 15-18 minutes.
  7. Allow bunnies to rest momentarily after removing from oven. Serve while warm or at ambient temperature for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

  • Activate yeast precisely by ensuring milk temperature is between 100-110°F to prevent killing active cultures.
  • Use bread flour for chewier texture and better rise, providing more protein structure than all-purpose flour.
  • Create adorable variations by experimenting with different eye decorations like sliced almonds, candied fruit, or colored sugar pearls.
  • Enhance bunny shape definition by slightly separating ears during second rise to maintain distinct bunny features.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 163
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 2 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 24 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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