Description
Delightful “bunny buns” bring springtime cheer to Easter tables with adorable rabbit-shaped pastries. Sweet dough crafted into whimsical shapes promises a playful treat you’ll savor with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Bunny Buns for Easter
Main Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 cups (875 milliliters) all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) warm milk
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
Leavening and Sweetening Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Finishing and Decoration Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Black sesame seeds or mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Awaken the yeast by gently stirring warm milk with sugar, then sprinkle yeast across the surface. Allow the mixture to transform and become frothy for 5-10 minutes.
- Craft the dough foundation by combining flour and salt in a spacious mixing vessel. Introduce the activated yeast, luxurious melted butter, whisked egg, and fragrant vanilla extract. Blend ingredients until a cohesive dough emerges.
- Transfer the nascent dough onto a flour-dusted work surface. Knead rhythmically for approximately 8 minutes, developing a smooth, resilient texture that springs back when touched.
- Anoint a generous bowl with vegetable oil, nestle the dough inside, and drape with a pristine cloth. Position in a nurturing warm environment to expand and rise, approximately one hour, until volume doubles.
- Deconstruct the risen dough into 12 symmetrical portions. Mold each segment into an elongated oval representing the bunny’s body. Utilize kitchen scissors to delicately carve distinctive ear shapes at the top. Strategically embed sesame seeds or chocolate chips as charming eye accents.
- Arrange the whimsical bunny shapes onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Loosely cover and permit a secondary rising period of 30 minutes.
- Ignite the oven to 350°F (175°C). Tenderly brush each bunny with egg wash, ensuring a lustrous golden finish. Bake until the surfaces transform into a rich, amber hue, roughly 15-18 minutes.
- Liberate the baked bunnies onto a wire cooling rack. Serve slightly warm, accompanied by lavish spreads like butter, fruity jam, or golden honey.
Notes
- Always use fresh, active dry yeast to ensure the buns rise properly and develop a soft, fluffy texture.
- Warm milk should be around 110°F (43°C) – too hot will kill the yeast, too cold won’t activate it.
- Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, creating a stretchy and smooth bunny-shaped bun.
- For gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better structure.
- Create cute variations by adding food coloring to the dough or using different toppings like colored sprinkles or edible flowers.
- Brush buns with honey or maple syrup instead of egg wash for a vegan alternative that adds beautiful golden shine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg