Description
Delightfully soft and fluffy Bunny Buns, perfect for festive occasions or as a cute treat. These sweet yeast buns are shaped like bunnies, complete with ears and chocolate chip eyes, and baked to golden perfection with a shiny egg wash finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For Egg Wash & Decoration
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
- Mini chocolate chips or raisins (for bunny eyes)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt to combine evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour melted butter, whole egg, and the yeast-milk mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring to combine into a rough dough.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- First Proof: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Divide Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air and divide it into 12 equal portions for individual buns.
- Shape Buns: Roll each portion into a smooth ball to form the bunny’s body, then use a knife or kitchen scissors to cut two small slits at the top to make bunny ears, shaping the ears gently.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place all shaped buns on a lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them to expand during proofing and baking.
- Add Bunny Faces: Press mini chocolate chips or raisins gently into the dough on each bun to create eyes for the bunnies.
- Second Proof: Cover the buns loosely and let them rise again for another 20 minutes to become puffier.
- Preheat Oven: While the buns are proofing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk, then gently brush this mixture over the surface of each bun to give them a glossy, golden finish once baked.
- Bake: Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes until they turn golden brown and feel light and fluffy.
- Cool: Remove the baked buns from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack for best texture.
- Optional Dusting: Lightly dust with powdered sugar if desired for an extra touch of sweetness and a festive look before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the milk used for activating yeast is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Use fresh yeast for best results and a good rise.
- Kneading time affects dough texture; proper kneading develops gluten for soft, fluffy buns.
- If you prefer, substitute raisins with mini chocolate chips or vice versa for the bunny eyes.
- For a shiny finish, do not skip the egg wash step before baking.
- These buns are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days.
- Reheat gently before serving to restore softness.
