Ingredients
To create these delightful Easter Bunny Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll need a few key ingredients for both the dough and the irresistible filling and frosting. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need, ensuring you have everything on hand to hop into baking success!
- For the Dough:
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our rolls, all-purpose flour provides the structure and chewiness we crave. You’ll need about 4 ½ to 5 cups, but it’s always best to add it gradually as humidity can affect flour absorption.
- Instant Yeast: This magical ingredient is what makes our dough rise and become light and airy. A packet (about 2 ¼ teaspoons) of instant yeast is perfect for this recipe and allows for a quicker rise.
- Granulated Sugar: Sugar not only adds sweetness but also feeds the yeast and helps with browning. You’ll need a moderate amount to balance the flavors.
- Salt: Don’t underestimate salt! It enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients and controls the yeast activity. A teaspoon is all it takes to make a difference.
- Milk: Warm milk is crucial for activating the yeast and adding richness and moisture to the dough. Whole milk is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
- Water: Warm water, along with milk, helps to create the perfect environment for the yeast to thrive.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds flavor, richness, and tenderness to the dough. It’s essential for that classic cinnamon roll texture.
- Eggs: Eggs contribute to the dough’s richness, structure, and color. They help bind the ingredients together and create a softer roll.
- For the Cinnamon Filling:
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is the base for our flavorful filling, spreading easily over the dough and creating those delicious layers.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides the sweetness in the filling, caramelizing slightly during baking and adding depth of flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds a molasses-like richness and moisture to the filling, complementing the granulated sugar perfectly. Light or dark brown sugar will work, with dark brown sugar offering a more intense flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: The star of the show! Good quality ground cinnamon is crucial for that warm, comforting cinnamon roll flavor. Use a generous amount for a truly aromatic experience.
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is the key to that tangy and decadent frosting. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter adds richness and helps to create a smooth, spreadable frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, powdered sugar provides the sweetness and structure to the frosting. Sift it to avoid any lumps for a silky smooth finish.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract enhances the flavors of the frosting, adding a warm and aromatic note.
- Milk or Heavy Cream: A little liquid helps to adjust the consistency of the frosting, making it perfectly spreadable. Milk will result in a slightly thinner frosting, while heavy cream will create a richer, thicker frosting.
Instructions
Creating these adorable Easter Bunny Cinnamon Rolls is easier than you might think! Follow these detailed instructions, and you’ll be hopping your way to deliciousness in no time. Let’s get baking!
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Whisk together to ensure the dry ingredients are well combined.
- Warm the Liquids: In a separate microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, combine milk, water, and butter. Heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm to the touch (around 110-115°F). This temperature is ideal for activating the yeast without killing it.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually pour the warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients while mixing on low speed (or by hand if you’re not using a mixer). Mix until just combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually Add Flour: Gradually add the remaining flour, about ½ cup at a time, mixing until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. You may not need all the flour; the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for 4-5 minutes on medium-low speed.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning 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 doubled in size. This is crucial for light and fluffy rolls!
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling. In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix well until everything is evenly combined and forms a spreadable paste.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches.
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the softened cinnamon filling over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border along one long edge for sealing.
- Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll up the dough jelly-roll style. Pinch the seam to seal it closed.
- Shape the Bunnies: Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the log into 1-inch thick slices. For each bunny, take a slice and place it cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. To create the bunny ears, use kitchen shears or a sharp knife to make two cuts into the top of each roll, about ¾ of the way through, forming two ear shapes. Gently pull the “ears” apart to make them distinct.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped bunny rolls loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let them rise again in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up slightly.
- Preheat Oven and Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The centers should be set, and they should sound hollow when tapped lightly.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Add vanilla extract and milk or heavy cream, and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Frost the Rolls: Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled (but still warm), generously frost them with the cream cheese frosting. You can use a spatula or a piping bag for a more decorative finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these adorable Easter Bunny Cinnamon Rolls warm and enjoy the smiles they bring! They are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 40
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Protein: 7