Save to Pinterest These adorable bunny-shaped pastries combine flaky puff pastry with warm cinnamon sugar coating. Simply brush thawed pastry sheets with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture, twist into bunny silhouettes, and bake until golden brown. The result is a tender, sweet treat that's both visually charming and delicious.
The preparation is straightforward: cut pastry into strips, twist and shape into bunny forms with oval bodies and looped heads, then finish with egg wash and optional chocolate chip eyes. Bake at 400°F for 13-15 minutes for perfectly puffed pastries.
Last Easter Sunday, my kitchen smelled like cinnamon and butter while these adorable bunny twists emerged golden from the oven. My niece stood on her tiptoes watching through the glass door, absolutely convinced they were hopping around in there. That moment of kitchen magic made all the twisting and pinching completely worth it.
I made three batches last year because they disappeared so quickly at our family gathering. Even my father in law, who claims he does not like sweets, snuck two before brunch was even served. The way the cinnamon sugar caramelizes slightly in the oven creates this incredible crunch that keeps everyone reaching for more.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry: Thawed completely but still cold to the touch makes them easier to handle and creates better puff
- 1 large egg + 1 tbsp milk: Whisked together for that gorgeous golden sheen that makes them look bakery perfect
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted: Brushing this on before the sugar helps the cinnamon mixture cling beautifully
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar + 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: The classic combination that somehow tastes even better on flaky pastry
- Mini chocolate chips or raisins: Adding eyes brings these bunnies to life and makes them utterly irresistible
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace:
- Preheat oven to 400F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a small bowl, stir together sugar and cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Roll and season the pastry:
- Roll out puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Brush each generously with melted butter then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the surface.
- Create the strips:
- Cut each sheet into 4 long strips about 1 1/2 inches wide using a pizza cutter or sharp knife for clean edges.
- Shape your bunnies:
- Twist each strip several times then form into a bunny silhouette with an oval body and looped head, pinching gently to secure. Press small pieces of dough into ear shapes if desired.
- Add finishing touches:
- Place bunnies on prepared baking sheets. Whisk egg with milk and brush each lightly. Press chocolate chips or raisins into place for eyes.
- Bake until golden:
- Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until puffed and deeply golden brown. Let cool slightly then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Save to Pinterest These have become such an Easter tradition that my sister now requests them instead of hot cross buns. Something about seeing a plate of bunny shaped pastries makes the whole morning feel more magical and festive.
Make Ahead Magic
You can cut and shape the bunnies the night before, then freeze them on a baking sheet until firm. Transfer to a storage bag and bake directly from frozen, adding just 2 to 3 extra minutes to the baking time.
Flavor Variations
Fold orange zest into the cinnamon sugar for a bright citrus note that cuts through the richness. A pinch of cardamom creates warmth that feels sophisticated yet still approachable for brunch.
Serving Suggestions
These shine alongside a fresh fruit salad or as part of an Easter dessert spread. They are perfect with coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk.
- Serve them slightly warm when the pastry is at its flakiest
- Set up a decorating station with extra chocolate chips for kids
- Keep extra powdered sugar nearby because everyone wants more dusting
Save to Pinterest Watch how quickly these become the most photographed dish at your Easter table. Happy baking and may your kitchen be filled with warmth and wonder.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I prepare these bunny twists ahead of time?
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Yes, you can shape and freeze the unbunny twists up to 2 weeks ahead. Place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to freezer bags. Add 2-3 minutes to baking time when baking from frozen.
- → What's the best way to get defined bunny shapes?
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Work with chilled pastry and use gentle pressure when shaping. Pinch seams firmly to secure. If the dough becomes too soft, refrigerate for 10 minutes before continuing shaping.
- → Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
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Absolutely. Homemade pastry works wonderfully, though it may require slightly different baking times. Ensure it's well-chilled and rolled to similar thickness for consistent results.
- → Why did my twists lose their shape during baking?
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This happens when pastry becomes too warm before baking. Keep shaped twists refrigerated until ready to bake, and avoid over-handling. Chilling for 15 minutes before baking helps maintain shape.
- → What other coatings can I use besides cinnamon sugar?
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Try lemon zest with powdered sugar, vanilla sugar, or a dusting of cocoa powder. For savory options, skip the sugar coating and brush with garlic butter and herbs instead.
