Are you ready to bring some extra cuteness to your Easter table this year? Imagine serving up fluffy, golden-brown rolls shaped like adorable bunnies—complete with colorful eggs nestled in their centers. These Easter Bunny Rolls (or should we call them Bunny Buns ?) are not just delicious; they’re practically a centerpiece all on their own. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch or looking for fun Easter party food , these sweet bread rolls will have everyone hopping for seconds.
Let’s dive into how you can make these irresistible treats and wow your guests without breaking a sweat!
Why Bunny Rolls Are Perfect for Your Easter Spread
Picture this: You walk into the kitchen after pulling these beauties out of the oven. The smell of freshly baked bread fills the air, and there they sit—soft, pillowy bunny-shaped rolls topped with sprinkles and vibrant Easter eggs. Doesn’t that sound magical?
These cute Easter desserts aren’t just about looks. They’re soft, slightly sweet, and utterly addictive. Plus, kids love helping shape the dough into little bunny ears—it’s a great way to get the whole family involved in holiday prep. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to dig into something as charming as Bunny Bread ?
What You’ll Need to Make Bunny Rolls
Before we jump into the recipe, here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup butter
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (divided)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons rapid-rise instant yeast (1 packet)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon milk
- Decorations:
- Dyed Easter eggs (uncooked—yes, really!)
- Colorful sprinkles
Equipment:
- Stand mixer with a dough hook attachment
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Silpat mat or lightly floured surface
- Plastic wrap
- Pastry brush
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now comes the fun part—making the rolls! Don’t worry if you’ve never made bread before. With a stand mixer, it’s easier than you think.
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by combining two cups of flour, sugar, yeast, zest from one lemon and one orange in a large mixing bowl. Stir everything together with a spoon and set aside. This step is like laying the foundation for your masterpiece.
Step 2: Warm the Milk and Butter
In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the milk and butter until warm—not boiling hot. Think of it as giving your dough a cozy hug. Heat it for 1 minute, then stir and continue heating in 10-second intervals until it feels just right.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the warmed milk mixture, eggs, and vanilla into the dry ingredients. Use the dough hook attachment on your stand mixer to blend everything together. At this point, the mixture should look like thick cake batter. If it doesn’t, don’t panic—you’ve got this!
Step 4: Add the Rest of the Flour
Slowly add the remaining flour while the mixer runs. Keep kneading with the dough hook for about 8 minutes. The goal is smooth, elastic dough that doesn’t stick to the sides of the bowl. If it does, sprinkle in a bit more flour—but remember, less is more when it comes to flour.
Step 5: Let It Rest
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it briefly by hand to form a ball. Place it in a clean bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rest for 15 minutes. While it rests, take a moment to admire your work so far. You’re doing amazing!
Step 6: Shape the Bunny Rolls
Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each piece into an 11-inch rope. Take two ropes, pinch them at the top, and braid them together. Form the braid into a ring and pinch the ends to seal. Repeat this process until you have 4 adorable rings.
Place the rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover them with plastic wrap, and let them rise in a warm spot for 30-60 minutes—or until they double in size. Patience pays off here!
Step 7: Decorate and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Once the rolls have risen, brush them with an egg wash made from 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of milk. Nestle a dyed Easter egg into the center of each roll and sprinkle generously with colorful sprinkles.
Pop them in the oven for 20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through for even baking. When they emerge golden brown and fragrant, you’ll know you’ve nailed it.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sweet bread rolls warm for maximum yumminess. They pair perfectly with coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk. And don’t forget—they also make fantastic Easter appetizers if you’re hosting a crowd. Just imagine setting these down on the table and watching everyone’s faces light up.
Storage Tips
If you somehow manage to have leftovers (unlikely!), store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls without the eggs inside. Simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their freshness.
Easter Bread Recipe with Colorful Egg Center – Easy Easter Dessert
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup butter
- 4 cups all-purpose flour divided
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons rapid-rise instant yeast 1 packet
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon milk
Decorations:
- Dyed Easter eggs uncooked—yes, really!
- Colorful sprinkles
Instructions
- Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- Start by combining two cups of flour, sugar, yeast, zest from one lemon and one orange in a large mixing bowl. Stir everything together with a spoon and set aside. This step is like laying the foundation for your masterpiece.
- Step 2: Warm the Milk and Butter
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the milk and butter until warm—not boiling hot. Think of it as giving your dough a cozy hug. Heat it for 1 minute, then stir and continue heating in 10-second intervals until it feels just right.
- Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Pour the warmed milk mixture, eggs, and vanilla into the dry ingredients. Use the dough hook attachment on your stand mixer to blend everything together. At this point, the mixture should look like thick cake batter. If it doesn’t, don’t panic—you’ve got this!
- Step 4: Add the Rest of the Flour
- Slowly add the remaining flour while the mixer runs. Keep kneading with the dough hook for about 8 minutes. The goal is smooth, elastic dough that doesn’t stick to the sides of the bowl. If it does, sprinkle in a bit more flour—but remember, less is more when it comes to flour.
- Step 5: Let It Rest
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it briefly by hand to form a ball. Place it in a clean bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rest for 15 minutes. While it rests, take a moment to admire your work so far. You’re doing amazing!
- Step 6: Shape the Bunny Rolls
- Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each piece into an 11-inch rope. Take two ropes, pinch them at the top, and braid them together. Form the braid into a ring and pinch the ends to seal. Repeat this process until you have 4 adorable rings.
- Place the rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover them with plastic wrap, and let them rise in a warm spot for 30-60 minutes—or until they double in size. Patience pays off here!
- Step 7: Decorate and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Once the rolls have risen, brush them with an egg wash made from 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of milk. Nestle a dyed Easter egg into the center of each roll and sprinkle generously with colorful sprinkles.
- Pop them in the oven for 20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through for even baking. When they emerge golden brown and fragrant, you’ll know you’ve nailed it.
Notes
- Storage: Once fully cooled, store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or refrigerate for 5 days. For longer storage, freeze without the eggs for up to 3 months.
- Egg Tip: The uncooked dyed Easter egg will cook to a soft-boiled consistency during baking. If you prefer not to use real eggs, replace them with chocolate eggs after baking.
- Flour Tip: Use as little extra flour as possible while kneading to ensure a soft texture.
Tips & Variations
- For Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough mixture for a warm, spiced twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for yeast-based recipes.
- Decorating Ideas: Use edible glitter or pearl sprinkles for an elegant touch instead of traditional colorful sprinkles.
- Kid-Friendly Variation: Replace the real egg with a hollow chocolate egg post-baking for a fun surprise.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge overnight, and bake fresh in the morning.
Enjoy creating this festive Easter Bread that’s sure to impress family and friends!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade Easter Bunny Rolls. Not only do they taste incredible, but they also bring joy and creativity to your celebrations. So why settle for plain old dinner rolls when you can serve up these whimsical creations instead?
Ready to give it a try? Gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and start baking. Trust me—your Easter table won’t be the same without these delightful Bunny Buns.
More Recipes to Try
- Avocado Toast Recipe
- Easter Oreo Cake Balls Recipe
- Easter Pretzels
- Easter M&M Rice Krispie Treats
- Flower Pretzel Bites
Tried This Recipe?
I’d love to hear how this Easter Bread Recipe turned out! Leave a comment or tag @foodiecreator on Instagram, and #foodiecreator on social media to show off your creation.
