These adorable, soft, and slightly sweet bunny-shaped buns are perfect for springtime baking or festive Easter celebrations. Made with simple ingredients, they’re fun to shape, delicious to eat, and can even be filled with your favorite sweet surprise.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and fun – Perfect for Easter, spring brunches, or kids’ parties.
- Soft and fluffy texture – Light, tender rolls every time.
- Versatile filling options – Add chocolate, jam, or cream cheese.
- Creative shaping – A great edible craft for kids and adults alike.
- Make-ahead friendly – Prepare ahead and reheat beautifully.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- Optional fillings: chocolate chips, jam, or cream cheese
- For decoration: raisins or currants (for eyes), sliced almonds (for ears)
Directions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each bunny with an oval for the body, a small ball for the tail, and two rope-like pieces for ears.
- Add desired fillings inside the body before shaping if using.
- Arrange shaped bunny buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise again for 20–30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush each bun with egg wash for a shiny finish.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown. While still warm, press in raisins for eyes and sliced almonds for ears.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Rising Time: 90 minutes
Baking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 190 kcal
Servings: 12 buns
Variations
- Add color: Tint the dough with natural food coloring for pastel bunny buns.
- Stuffed surprise: Fill with Nutella, fruit preserves, or sweetened cream cheese.
- Savory twist: Skip the sugar and stuff with cheese or herbs.
- Glaze it up: Drizzle with a light icing or honey butter glaze after baking.
- Mini bunnies: Make smaller bite-sized versions for a party platter.
Storage/Reheating
- Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or briefly in the oven at 300°F.
- Freeze: Freeze baked (and cooled) buns for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before serving.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
Yes, just mix it directly into the flour without proofing first.
What kind of filling works best?
Chocolate chips, jam, or sweetened cream cheese are great options.
Can I shape these in advance?
Yes! Shape the buns, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next day.
How do I get the bunny shape to hold?
Keep the shapes compact and press the ears in firmly. Chilling briefly before baking helps too.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter.
Do I have to use egg wash?
No, but the egg wash gives a shiny, golden finish.
What’s the best flour to use?
All-purpose flour works well, or use bread flour for a chewier texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just make sure to use multiple trays or bake in batches.
Will kids enjoy making these?
Definitely! It’s a fun, hands-on project for all ages.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Use a trusted 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute and monitor the dough consistency.
Conclusion
These Fluffy Bunny Buns bring together creativity and comfort in the most adorable way. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply want to brighten someone’s day, these soft and festive rolls will hop right into everyone’s heart.
Print
Fluffy Bunny Buns
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 buns 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft, slightly sweet bunny-shaped buns are perfect for spring or Easter! Fun to make, tasty to eat, and great with a hidden sweet surprise.
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 45°C)
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
Optional fillings: chocolate chips, jam, or cream cheese
For decoration: raisins or currants (eyes), sliced almonds (ears)
Instructions
Activate Yeast:
In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
Add melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
Shape the Bunnies:
Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces.
Shape each bun with an oval for the body, a small ball for the tail, and two thin ropes for ears.
If using a filling, tuck it inside the oval body before shaping.
Place shaped buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Second Rise:
Cover and let shaped buns rise for 20–30 minutes.
Bake:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brush buns with egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp milk) for a glossy finish.
Bake 15–20 minutes or until golden brown.
Decorate:
While still warm, gently press in raisins or currants for eyes and sliced almonds for bunny ears.
Notes
- These are perfect for Easter brunch or gifting.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for later.
- Let kids help shape the bunnies—it’s a great family activity!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes -Rising Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
