Cozy Bunny Cinnamon Rolls
These cozy kid-friendly bunny cinnamon rolls are soft, buttery, and shaped into adorable bunnies, perfect for family breakfasts or special occasions. The recipe is easy to follow and uses simple pantry staples.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (360g)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (one packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk (240ml), warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (57g), melted plus extra for brushing
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (100g)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (120g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by combining warm milk (110°F / 43°C), granulated sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently and let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add melted butter, egg, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir until dough starts to come together.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic (or knead with a stand mixer on low speed for 5-6 minutes).
- Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Melt about 2 tablespoons of extra butter for spreading.
- Punch down risen dough and roll out on a floured surface into a 12×16 inch (30×40 cm) rectangle. Brush evenly with melted butter, then sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture over the top, pressing gently to stick.
- Cut dough into 12 strips. Fold ends inward on each strip to create two ‘ears’ and pinch the base to form the bunny’s ‘head.’ Place bunny rolls on a baking sheet spaced apart.
- Cover shaped rolls and let rise another 30-40 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- While baking, whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls immediately after baking.
Notes
Use warm milk (not hot) to activate yeast properly. Knead dough until elastic and smooth for soft rolls. Don’t skip the second rise for light, airy rolls. If rolls brown too fast, tent with foil. Drizzle glaze while rolls are warm for best results. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum. For vegan, substitute plant-based milk, coconut oil or vegan margarine, and flax egg.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bunny cinnamon rol
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Protein: 4
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