Description
Easter Bunny Cinnamon Rolls are an adorable and delicious treat, perfect for celebrating Easter morning or any springtime gathering. These soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls are shaped like bunnies, making them a fun and festive addition to your holiday table. With warm cinnamon sugar filling, a golden-brown exterior, and a sweet icing drizzle, these bunny-shaped pastries are sure to delight kids and adults alike. Whether you’re serving them for Easter brunch or as a fun baking activity with family, these cinnamon rolls bring joy to the holiday season.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredient Highlights
- Yeast: Instant yeast helps the dough rise quickly and efficiently, making it soft and fluffy.
- Brown Sugar & Cinnamon: These create the rich, gooey filling that gives cinnamon rolls their signature flavor.
- Warm Milk: Helps activate the yeast and adds moisture to the dough.
- Powdered Sugar Icing: A simple, sweet glaze that enhances the cinnamon rolls without overpowering them.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the Dough: Add melted butter, egg, vanilla, and salt. Stir in the flour gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape and Fill the Rolls:
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar filling over the dough.
- Cut and Shape the Bunnies:
- Roll the dough into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces.
- Take each roll and uncoil one end slightly to form two bunny ears. Pinch to shape.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 20-30 minutes.
Bake and Glaze:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Make the Icing: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle the Icing: Once the rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle the icing over the bunny rolls.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 5g