Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cinnamon rolls are soft, gooey, and full of comforting flavor, with a playful bunny shape that makes them extra special. They’re perfect for holidays, family baking, or making breakfast more exciting. The dough is tender and easy to work with, and the sweet cinnamon filling paired with a light glaze creates a classic flavor everyone loves.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the dough:
flour
granulated sugar
instant yeast
salt
warm milk
butter
egg
For the filling:
brown sugar
ground cinnamon
butter
For the glaze:
powdered sugar
milk
vanilla extract
Directions
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg, then mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
Roll the dough out into a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into strips. Shape each strip into a spiral for the bunny body and use smaller pieces to form ears, attaching them gently to the top.
Place the shaped rolls onto a lined baking tray, leaving space between each one.
Cover and let rise again until puffy.
Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and cooked through.
While the rolls are baking, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze.
Once the rolls are slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 10 to 12 bunny rolls.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
Bake time: 20 to 25 minutes
Total time: about 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes
Variations
You can add raisins or chopped nuts to the filling for extra texture. Try using cream cheese frosting instead of a simple glaze for a richer topping. For a citrus twist, add a bit of orange or lemon zest to the dough or glaze. You can also use colored icing or small decorations like chocolate chips to create bunny faces for a more playful look.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven until soft and heated through.
You can freeze the rolls (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before adding glaze.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight.
How do I shape the bunny ears?
Use small strips of dough and gently pinch them into ear shapes, attaching them to the top of the roll.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, store-bought dough can save time and still give good results.
Why didn’t my rolls rise properly?
The yeast may not be active, or the dough may not have been kept in a warm environment.
Can I make these without eggs?
Yes, you can use an egg substitute, though the texture may be slightly different.
What’s the best way to keep them soft?
Store them in an airtight container and avoid overbaking.
Can I add frosting instead of glaze?
Yes, cream cheese frosting works wonderfully on these rolls.
How do I know when they are done baking?
They should be golden brown and cooked through in the center.
Can I make them smaller?
Yes, simply divide the dough into smaller portions for mini bunny rolls.
Are these best served warm?
Yes, they taste best warm when they are soft and the glaze is slightly melted.
Conclusion
Bunny cinnamon rolls are a charming and delicious way to enjoy a classic treat with a festive twist. Soft, sweet, and fun to shape, they’re perfect for holidays, special breakfasts, or baking with family. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite.
PrintBunny Cinnamon Rolls
Soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls shaped like adorable bunnies, filled with sweet cinnamon sugar and topped with a light glaze. Perfect for festive breakfasts or spring celebrations.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, softened (for filling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (for glaze)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg, then mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise until doubled in size.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface and sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into strips.
- Shape each strip into a spiral for the bunny body and use smaller pieces to form ears, attaching them to the top.
- Place shaped rolls on a lined baking tray, leaving space between each.
- Cover and let rise again until puffy.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a smooth glaze.
- Drizzle glaze over slightly cooled rolls and serve warm.
Notes
- Add raisins or chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Use cream cheese frosting instead of glaze for a richer topping.
- Add citrus zest for a fresh flavor twist.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze unglazed rolls for up to 2 months and reheat before adding glaze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
