Follow these detailed instructions to bake perfect Easter Bunny Bread Rolls every time. Don’t be intimidated; even if you’re new to bread baking, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and fun!

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the lukewarm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the milk and sugar mixture. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy or bubbly. This step is crucial to ensure your yeast is active and ready to make your bread rise. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old or your milk too hot or cold, and you may need to start with fresh yeast.

Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Once the yeast mixture is foamy, add the melted butter and lightly beaten egg to the bowl. Whisk gently to combine the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed with a dough hook (or by hand with a wooden spoon) until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook on medium-low speed for about 6-8 minutes. The dough should be soft and pliable. The kneading process develops the gluten, which is essential for creating the light and airy texture of the bread rolls.

Step 4: First Rise (Bulk Fermentation)

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is called bulk fermentation, and it allows the yeast to work its magic, creating flavor and lightness in the dough. A warm place can be a slightly warmed oven (turned off!), a sunny spot in your kitchen, or simply a draft-free area.

Step 5: Shape the Bunny Rolls

Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 12-16 equal pieces, depending on the desired size of your bunny rolls.

To shape each bunny:

1. Take one piece of dough and roll it into a smooth ball.
2. Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, cut about ¾ of the way through the ball from one side, creating the bunny’s ears. Make two cuts, about 1-2 inches apart, depending on how long you want the ears to be.
3. Gently pull the “ears” upwards and slightly shape them to resemble bunny ears.
4. Shape the remaining bottom part of the dough ball into a rounded bunny face.
5. Place the shaped bunny rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each roll for expansion during the second rise and baking.

Step 6: Second Rise (Proofing)

Cover the baking sheet with a clean kitchen towel or loosely with plastic wrap. Let the shaped bunny rolls rise again in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until they have become puffy and almost doubled in size. This second rise, called proofing, is crucial for achieving the final light and fluffy texture of the rolls.

Step 7: Preheat Oven and Egg Wash

While the rolls are proofing, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk or water to make the egg wash. Gently brush the tops of each bunny roll with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly shiny crust.

Step 8: Bake the Bunny Rolls

Bake the Easter Bunny Bread Rolls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your rolls. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.

Step 9: Cool and Decorate

Once baked, remove the bunny rolls from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they are still slightly warm, gently press raisins or chocolate chips into the dough to create eyes and noses for your bunnies.

Step 10: Optional Glaze (and Enjoy!)

If desired, you can drizzle the cooled bunny rolls with a simple glaze made by whisking together powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency. This adds an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Serve your adorable Easter Bunny Bread Rolls warm or at room temperature and watch them disappear!