Description
Soft, golden, bunny-shaped dinner rolls with a tender, buttery crumb and a shiny, golden crust, perfect for festive brunches or fun family snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk, warm
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons raisins or chocolate chips (for eyes)
- 1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in 1 cup warm whole milk. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter. Add the foamy yeast mixture and 1 teaspoon salt, stir to combine.
- Add 4 cups all-purpose flour gradually, mixing until a rough dough forms. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a round for the body, add a small round for the tail, and snip two ear shapes with scissors or a sharp knife to form the bunnies. Place shaped buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Press 2 tablespoons of raisins or chocolate chips into each bun for eyes. Cover and let the shaped buns rise 20 to 30 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush each bun with the egg yolk and milk wash to get a glossy, golden finish.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the buns are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. Remove from oven and cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Serve warm, plain or with butter, jam, or honey.
Notes
- Use lukewarm milk to properly activate the yeast, not hot milk which can kill the yeast.
- Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic for the lightest, fluffiest texture.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet, allow space for the buns to expand while baking.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute almond milk and coconut oil for the milk and butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: bunny buns, Easter buns, soft rolls, homemade bread, kids recipe, dinner rolls