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Fluffy Bunny-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls

bunny-shaped cinnamon rolls - featured image

These fluffy bunny-shaped cinnamon rolls are an easy homemade recipe perfect for cozy mornings, combining soft dough, cinnamon-sugar filling, and a sweet glaze with a playful bunny shape.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 cup warm whole milk (240 ml / about 110°F/43°C)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100 g)
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted (75 g)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (480 g)
  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed (150 g)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened (75 g)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (120 g)
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk (30 ml)
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, stir the active dry yeast into the warm milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: Add sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Whisk gently to combine.
  3. Add flour: Gradually add the flour, about 1 cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or stand mixer on low speed. Once the dough starts to form, turn out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until creamy and spreadable.
  6. Roll out the dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it onto a floured surface into a 16×12 inch rectangle.
  7. Spread the filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon butter mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  8. Shape the bunnies: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 8 equal pieces (~2 inches each). Cut a small slit halfway through the top of each roll, then gently pull the two flaps apart to form bunny ears. Place each bunny roll on a parchment-lined baking sheet or round pan.
  9. Second rise: Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  10. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
  11. Make the glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth.
  12. Glaze and serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm bunny rolls right out of the oven. Serve warm.

Notes

If dough feels sticky while rolling, dust lightly with flour but avoid overdoing it to keep rolls fluffy. Use a sharp knife to cut the slit for bunny ears and pull gently to maintain shape. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and add xanthan gum. For dairy-free, substitute almond or oat milk and use dairy-free butter or coconut oil. Dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated after first rise.

Nutrition

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