Easter Bunny Bread Rolls

Name: Easter Bunny Bread Rolls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 23 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 100-110°F; 1/4 cup honey; 2 teaspoons active dry yeast; 4 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1 egg yolk (no white); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 3 3/4 cups bread flour; For Assembling Bunnies; 1 egg, beaten with a splash of water; 1 tablespoon mini white nonpareils; 4 tablespoons butter, melted; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon heavy cream

Recipe By:

Martha

Posted:

February 7, 2025

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Easter’s around the corner, and that means it’s the perfect time to whip up some sweet Easter Bunny Bread Rolls. These adorable, fluffy rolls are not only lovely to look at, but they also fill your home with a rich, warm aroma that’ll make everyone’s mouths water. Imagine gathering around the table with family and friends, sharing laughter and warmth, all over a plate of these charming bunny-shaped rolls! The kids will get a kick out of helping to shape the dough, and you might just find that making them becomes a beloved holiday tradition. So, grab your apron and let’s hop right into this delightful recipe that brings a little magic to your Easter celebration.

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Why You’ll Love This Easter Bunny Bread Rolls

Preparing Easter Bunny Bread Rolls is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday and make memories that will last a lifetime. They’re soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re serving them at a festive brunch or giving them as gifts, their whimsical design adds an extra touch of joy. Plus, the kids can join in, shaping their little bunnies and decorating them as they please. There’s something special about blending creativity with cooking, making it not just a meal, but an event to remember. This recipe is simple enough for all skill levels, so don’t worry if you’re a beginner—everyone can make these!

What is an Easter Bunny Bread Rolls

Easter Bunny Bread Rolls are delightful, fluffy rolls shaped like bunnies. These rolls are often enriched with honey and a hint of sweetness, making them a lovely addition to your Easter feast. They bring a festive flair to your table and can be enjoyed plain or dressed up with flavorful toppings. The combination of warm bread and charming shapes creates a festive atmosphere, making every bite feel like a celebration!

Ingredients for Easter Bunny Bread Rolls

To get started, gather the following ingredients:

1 cup whole milk, warmed to 100-110°F
1/4 cup honey
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 large egg
1 egg yolk (no white)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3 3/4 cups bread flour
For Assembling Bunnies
1 egg, beaten with a splash of water
1 tablespoon mini white nonpareils
4 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon heavy cream

Preparing the Dough for Bunny Bread Rolls

Combine Milk and Honey

Start by getting your stand mixer out, as it will help make the process easier. In its bowl, whisk together the warm milk and honey. Once that’s done, sprinkle the yeast over the top and set it aside for about 5 minutes. You’ll want to wait until it gets nice and foamy. This step is crucial as it gets the yeast ready to work its magic in the dough!

Mix in Remaining Ingredients

After the yeast has bloomed, it’s time to add the remaining ingredients. Pour in the melted butter, the whole egg, the egg yolk, and the kosher salt. Whisk everything together until they’re well combined.

Form the Dough

Now, it’s time for the fun part! Add in 3 cups of the bread flour and mix it on low speed using the dough hook. You’ll gradually add the remaining 3/4 cup of flour until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Once it’s looking good, knead it on low speed for another 2-3 minutes.

Let the Dough Rise

After kneading, transfer the dough to a lightly-oiled bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and pop it in a warm spot. Let it rise until it doubles in size, which should take about 1 1/2 hours. This rising step is essential, as it will give your bunny rolls that lovely fluffy texture everyone loves.

Assembling the Bunny Bread Rolls

Preheat Oven and Prepare Workspace

Once your dough has risen beautifully, it’s time to preheat that oven to 350°F. This will ensure it’s nice and hot when your bunny rolls are ready to bake. Punch down the risen dough, and then transfer it to a lightly-floured board to prepare it for shaping.

Shape the Bunnies

Now comes the adorable part! Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. For each piece, cut off 1/3 of it. Roll the larger portion into a log about 3 inches long and 3/4 inch wide for the bunny’s body. Roll the smaller piece into two balls—one for the head and one for the tail.

Create Ears and Assemble

For the ears, divide the remaining piece of dough into halves. Roll each half into long ropes, shaping them into “U”s. Then, pinch together the body, head, and tail, and place them on a prepared baking tray. They might look a little funny for now, but that’s all part of the magic!

Brush with Egg Wash

Take your beaten egg wash and lovingly brush each bunny with it. Don’t forget to sprinkle their sweet little tails with nonpareils or pretzel salt for that extra sparkle!

Bake the Bunny Rolls

Pop those adorable bunnies in the oven and bake for 20-23 minutes until they turn golden brown. Your kitchen will smell incredible, like your very own bakery!

Finish with Honey Butter and Icing

While your bunnies bake, whisk together the melted butter and honey for a beautiful glaze. In a separate bowl, mix the powdered sugar and heavy cream to create a luscious frosting. Once the rolls are done, brush them with the honey butter, and then decorate them with frosting to create cute bunny features.

Serving Suggestions

These Bunny Bread Rolls are perfect for every occasion. They pair wonderfully with seasonal vegetable sides or make a delightful addition to an Easter brunch alongside a refreshing fruit salad. Serve them warm with a drizzle of honey butter for an added touch of sweetness that everyone will adore.

Tips for Success

Make sure to check the milk temperature carefully; it plays a huge role in activating the yeast.
Don’t overcrowd the baking tray; give each bunny a bit of space to rise and bake evenly.
Allow the buns to cool completely before decorating; this way, the frosting won’t melt off!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider swapping out the honey for maple syrup for a unique flavor twist. You can also toss in dried fruits or chocolate chips into the dough for a sweet surprise. The possibilities are endless!

Storage Tips

Got some leftovers? No problem! Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to save them for later, freeze the baked rolls for up to a month. Just reheat before serving, and they’ll taste as fresh as when you first made them.

Pairing Ideas

For a well-rounded Easter meal, serve these rolls with a light salad. You could also pair them with a fruity tea to enhance that festive spirit. A perfect match!

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can switch to instant yeast. Just use the same amount and skip the foaming step!

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
Look for at least double in size—your dough should feel slightly puffy, indicating it’s ready to shape.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and refrigerate until ready to use.

What if my bunny rolls are too gooey?
Simply add a touch more flour while kneading until everything is smooth and not sticky.

Is it necessary to frost the bunny rolls?
Frosting is optional but adds a fun, festive touch that everyone loves.

Easter Bunny Bread Rolls bring not just a delightful taste, but they fill your holidays with laughter and creativity. As you shape and decorate these enchanting rolls, you create memories that will last long after the last bite. Plus, they make for a wonderful centerpiece on your Easter table. So gather your family, get those hands messy, and enjoy this sweet tradition that turns cooking into a joyful celebration. Happy baking!

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