These adorable Bunny Buns are a sweet and festive treat perfect for Easter or spring celebrations. Made with a soft, spiced dough, raisins for a chewy bite, and decorated with mini chocolate chip eyes and a coconut “tail,” they are as fun to make as they are to eat.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the yeast mixture:

1/2 cup whole milk
4 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast (two 1/4-ounce packages)
Pinch of granulated sugar
Pinch of all-purpose flour

For the buns:

1/3 cup (5 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 large egg plus 1 yolk
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3/4 teaspoon fine salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup raisins
24 mini chocolate chips

For the glaze:

1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons whole milk
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1 drop light pink gel food coloring
1/4 cup shredded coconut

Directions

Prepare the yeast mixture: Heat milk and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan over low heat until it reaches about 100°F (do not exceed 110°F). Remove from heat and sprinkle yeast, sugar, and flour over the surface. Let sit for 30 minutes until foamy.
Make the dough: Whisk melted butter, vanilla, and egg yolk into the yeast mixture. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Make a well in the center and stir in the yeast mixture to form a thick dough. Stir in raisins.
Knead the dough: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Shape the buns: Roll dough into a 14×10-inch rectangle. Cut a 2-inch strip for ears. Divide remaining dough into 12 pieces and roll each into a ball. Arrange in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Shape the reserved strip into 24 “ears” and attach to the buns. Let rise for 45 minutes.
Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F. Beat the remaining whole egg with 1 tablespoon water and brush over the buns. Bake for 22-25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for 20 minutes.
Decorate: Insert mini chocolate chips as eyes. Mix glaze ingredients and pipe pink glaze inside the ears. Pipe white glaze on the back for tails and sprinkle with shredded coconut.

Nutrients (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 250 kcal
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 120mg

Why You’ll Love These Bunny Buns

Bunny Buns are more than just a cute Easter treat—they’re also incredibly flavorful and satisfying. Here’s why you should give them a try:

Soft and Fluffy Texture: Thanks to the yeast dough, these buns are light, airy, and perfectly soft.
Warm Spices: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger gives the dough a comforting, slightly spiced flavor.
Festive and Fun: Shaped like bunnies, these rolls make a perfect holiday centerpiece for Easter.
Kid-Friendly: Children will love both making and eating these cute bunny-shaped buns.
Versatile: They can be enjoyed as breakfast, dessert, or a fun snack.

The Key Ingredients That Make Bunny Buns Special

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in creating the perfect Bunny Buns.

Active Dry Yeast: The key to achieving a soft and fluffy texture, yeast allows the dough to rise and develop a light, airy structure.
Warm Milk: Helps activate the yeast and provides moisture for a tender dough.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor while keeping the buns soft.
Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger): These warming spices give the buns a cozy, aromatic taste that makes them extra special.
Raisins: Provide bursts of sweetness and a chewy texture that complements the soft dough.
Mini Chocolate Chips: Used for the bunny’s eyes, these add a slight chocolatey touch to each bun.
Shredded Coconut: Creates a fluffy “tail” for an extra adorable touch.
Vanilla and Lemon Zest: Enhance the flavor of the glaze, adding a subtle citrus brightness.

How to Achieve the Perfect Dough for Bunny Buns

Making a yeast-based dough may seem intimidating, but with the right techniques, you can achieve a perfectly soft and fluffy texture every time. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

Use Warm Liquid for Yeast Activation: The milk and water should be between 100-110°F to properly activate the yeast. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising.
Allow the Dough to Rise Properly: Let the dough rest in a warm place until it doubles in size. This can take about 1.5 hours, depending on the temperature of your kitchen.
Knead Until Smooth and Elastic: Kneading develops gluten, which helps the dough maintain its shape and rise properly. Aim for about 8 minutes of kneading until the dough becomes smooth and stretchy.
Don’t Overload with Flour: Adding too much flour can make the dough dense instead of light and fluffy. Stick to the recommended amount and add extra only if the dough is too sticky.

Shaping Bunny Buns: A Step-by-Step Guide

The most exciting part of this recipe is shaping the dough into adorable bunnies. Here’s how to do it:

Divide the Dough: After the first rise, roll out the dough and cut it into equal portions. Each piece will become a bunny.
Shape the Body: Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a baking sheet.
Create the Ears: Cut a thin strip of dough and shape it into two bunny ears. Attach the ears to each bun, pressing them slightly to ensure they stay in place.
Second Rise: Allow the shaped buns to rest for another 45 minutes before baking. This final rise ensures they stay soft and fluffy.
Bake Until Golden: Brush with egg wash for a shiny, golden finish and bake until lightly browned.

Decorating the Bunny Buns

Once the Bunny Buns are baked, it’s time to bring them to life with some fun decorations.

Chocolate Chip Eyes: Gently press mini chocolate chips into each bun to create cute bunny eyes.
Pink Glaze for the Ears: A light pink glaze made from confectioners’ sugar, milk, and food coloring adds a delicate touch to the inside of the ears.
Fluffy Coconut Tail: Pipe a small circle of white glaze on the back of each bun and sprinkle shredded coconut to create a cute, fluffy tail.

Serving Suggestions for Bunny Buns

These delightful buns are perfect on their own, but they also pair well with other treats and beverages for a complete Easter celebration.

Easter Brunch: Serve alongside fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and coffee for a festive breakfast spread.
Afternoon Tea: Enjoy with a cup of tea or hot cocoa for a cozy and comforting treat.
Dessert Platter: Pair with other Easter-themed desserts like carrot cake, sugar cookies, or chocolate eggs.
Kid-Friendly Snack: Serve with a glass of milk or a fruit smoothie for a fun and nutritious snack.

How to Store and Reheat Bunny Buns

If you have leftovers, Bunny Buns can be stored and reheated easily while maintaining their soft texture.

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze unglazed buns for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm them in the oven before decorating.
Reheating: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their softness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them rubbery.

Customizing Bunny Buns for Different Occasions

While these buns are perfect for Easter, you can easily customize them for other celebrations or personal preferences.

Chocolate Bunny Buns: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate twist.
Nutty Buns: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Fruit-Filled Buns: Replace raisins with dried cranberries or chopped apricots for a fruity variation.
Savory Bunny Buns: Reduce the sugar and spices, then fill them with cheese or herbs for a savory version.

Conclusion

Bunny Buns are a delightful, festive treat that combines soft, spiced dough with sweet raisins and fun decorations. Their cute bunny shape makes them a perfect addition to Easter brunch or springtime celebrations, and their warm, comforting flavors ensure they’ll be loved by both kids and adults.

With a little patience and creativity, you can easily bring these adorable treats to life. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or saved for a special moment, these Bunny Buns are guaranteed to bring joy to your holiday table. Try making them this Easter and create a fun, delicious tradition that everyone will look forward to year after year!

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