These Easter Bunny Cinnamon Rolls are adorable and yummy! Fluffy dough swirled with sweet cinnamon, they’re perfect for your holiday brunch.
Plus, who wouldn’t love a cute bunny shape? I love watching everyone smile when they see them. They’re not only tasty but also super fun to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Milk: Warm milk is crucial for activating the yeast. If you’re lactose intolerant, try almond milk or any non-dairy milk, just make sure it’s warm—not hot—when mixing with the yeast.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives control over the saltiness of your rolls. If you prefer, replace it with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, but it may change the flavor slightly.
Active Dry Yeast: This is what helps our dough rise! If you can’t find active dry yeast, instant yeast is a great substitute, and you can mix it directly with the flour without proofing.
Brown Sugar: While brown sugar gives a lovely sweetness and depth, you can use white sugar or even coconut sugar if you want a slight caramel flavor.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is key for that warm, cozy flavor. If you want a twist, feel free to mix in nutmeg or cardamom for extra spice.
How Can I Get My Dough to Rise Properly?
Getting the dough to rise is essential for fluffy rolls. The key is a warm environment. Here are some tips:
- Make sure the yeast is fresh! If it doesn’t foam after 5-10 minutes in warm milk, it may be expired.
- Keep your dough covered with a towel while it rises to maintain warmth and humidty.
- If your kitchen is cool, try placing the dough in an oven that’s turned off but warm, or use a microwave with a cup of hot water inside.
How to Make Easter Bunny Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration:
- Mini pastel-colored candy-coated chocolate eggs (for eyes and nose)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation, plus 1.5 to 2 hours for the dough to rise. You’ll need another 20-25 minutes to bake the rolls. Overall, set aside about 2.5 to 3 hours, including the time for everything to come together and bake.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by warming the milk in a small bowl—just warm enough to feel comfortable to your touch (not too hot!). Sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy. This means your yeast is active!
2. Mix Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Once your yeast mixture is foamy, add it to the bowl. Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Then, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—about 1 to 1.5 hours.
4. Prepare the Filling:
While your dough is rising, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until well combined. This will be the delicious filling!
5. Roll Out the Dough:
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air, then roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches in size.
6. Add the Filling:
Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the entire dough surface, making sure to cover every bit!
7. Roll Up the Dough:
Carefully roll the dough from the long side into a tight log. Take your time to ensure it stays tight.
8. Cut into Sections:
Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 8 equal sections. Each piece will be a bunny roll!
9. Shape the Bunnies:
For each cinnamon roll, take the top edge and cut two small ears by slicing a little section off and gently pulling them apart to look like bunny ears.
10. Prepare for Baking:
Place the rolls on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a few inches of space between each roll. Cover them with a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
11. Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are rising. Once they’re puffy, bake them in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown on top.
12. Make the Icing:
While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
13. Decorate Your Rolls:
After your rolls are out of the oven and have cooled slightly, drizzle the icing over the top of each roll. Finish by decorating them with the mini candy-coated chocolate eggs to give them cute little bunny eyes and a nose!
14. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your festive Easter Bunny Cinnamon Rolls warm, and enjoy this delightful treat with your family and friends!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
You can certainly use whole wheat flour, but it might make the rolls denser. Consider using a mix of half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a lighter texture while still adding some nutritional value.
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, first check the yeast. It should be fresh and active. Make sure the milk isn’t too hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast. If your kitchen is cold, try creating a warm environment by placing the bowl in an oven that’s turned off but has a warm light on or near a heating pad.
How to Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place in a microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven wrapped in foil.
Can I Make These Cinnamon Rolls Vegan?
Yes! To make these cinnamon rolls vegan, substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative, use plant-based butter, and replace the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. The rolls will still turn out delicious!
