Description
Delightful bunny-shaped cinnamon rolls perfect for Easter brunch, filled with sweet cinnamon and brown sugar, and topped with a vanilla glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: cream cheese, chopped nuts, raisins, citrus zest
Instructions
- Warm the milk and bloom the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and a teaspoon of sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms; knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled (about 60–75 minutes).
- Roll and fill: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 12 by 18 inches. Brush melted butter across the surface, sprinkle an even layer of brown sugar and cinnamon, and press gently.
- Shape the bunnies: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Slice into 12 even pieces. Pinch one side of each round to form ears, or cut and pinch to create two ear lobes. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish.
- Second rise: Cover and let the shaped rolls rise 20–30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake 15–20 minutes until golden brown on top and the centers are set.
- Glaze and finish: While warm, drizzle a vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and vanilla.
Notes
For a dairy-free option, substitute with non-dairy milk and butter. Can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 275mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Easter, cinnamon rolls, brunch, baking, festive dessert