Cinna-Bunnies Recipe

Introduction

Cinna-Bunnies are a fun, adorable twist on the classic cinnamon rolls. Shaped like little bunnies, these cinnamon-filled treats are just as delicious as they are cute! With their soft, fluffy dough, sweet cinnamon swirl, and decadent icing, Cinna-Bunnies are the perfect combination of flavor and fun. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a holiday brunch, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these little cinnamon rolls shaped like bunnies will bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

Perfect for Easter, springtime, or any time you’re in the mood for a comforting treat, Cinna-Bunnies are a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Their unique shape and festive flair make them an excellent addition to any breakfast table, bake sale, or family gathering. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be prepared in advance, allowing you to enjoy the process without the stress of last-minute baking.

Why You’ll Love Cinna-Bunnies

• Adorable Bunny Shape: These treats are shaped like little bunnies, making them extra fun and perfect for any festive occasion like Easter or spring celebrations.
• Sweet Cinnamon Filling: The cinnamon-sugar filling adds a warm and comforting sweetness that is irresistible. Each bite delivers the perfect combination of spiced sweetness and soft, pillowy dough.
• Fluffy and Soft Texture: With a light, soft dough that’s perfect for pulling apart, Cinna-Bunnies offer a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The dough is rich but not overly heavy, making them ideal for breakfast or dessert.
• Easy to Make: While they look impressive, these Cinna-Bunnies are surprisingly easy to make, with no complicated steps involved. You don’t need to be an expert baker to create these showstopping treats.
• Customizable: You can make Cinna-Bunnies your own by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel for extra flavor and variety.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Resting Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (for dough rise)
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 12-15 Cinna-Bunnies
• Calories per Serving: Around 250-300 calories per Cinna-Bunny, depending on the size and icing.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 8-10g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 15-20g

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (or more for desired consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Bunny Faces (Optional but fun!):

• 1 tablespoon melted chocolate (for eyes)
• 1 tablespoon melted white chocolate (for tails)

Special Equipment

While Cinna-Bunnies don’t require any specialized tools, a few pieces of equipment will help you create the perfect batch with ease:

1. Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: While mixing by hand is possible, using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment makes kneading the dough much easier and quicker.
2. Rolling Pin: A rolling pin will be needed to roll out the dough into a rectangle before shaping the bunnies. A well-floured surface and rolling pin will ensure smooth rolling without sticking.
3. Baking Sheet: A standard baking sheet is required to bake the Cinna-Bunnies. Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
4. Pastry Brush: A pastry brush is useful for spreading the melted butter over the dough evenly before adding the cinnamon-sugar filling.
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the right consistency in both the dough and the filling. Using standard measuring cups and spoons ensures the recipe turns out just right.
6. Knife or Kitchen Scissors: A sharp knife or kitchen scissors are essential for cutting the dough into strips for rolling and shaping the bunny forms.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C) and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface of the milk and stir gently to dissolve. Let the yeast sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This step ensures the yeast is active and will help the dough rise properly.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the melted butter, egg, salt, and cinnamon. Add the yeast mixture once it’s ready. Stir the mixture to combine. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Use a dough hook attachment to knead the dough on low speed for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 10 minutes.

Once the dough is kneaded, shape it into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it doubles in size.

2. Make the Cinnamon Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Stir until the ingredients are fully mixed into a smooth paste. Set the filling aside until the dough is ready to roll out.

3. Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches. Use a rolling pin to achieve an even thickness across the dough.

Brush the dough with the melted cinnamon-butter filling, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly. Be generous with the filling to ensure each Cinna-Bunny is flavorful and sweet.

4. Shape the Cinna-Bunnies

Now comes the fun part—shaping the bunnies! First, slice the dough into 1-inch strips. Take one strip and form a loop at the top, like a bunny ear. Then, twist the remainder of the strip and bring it down to form the body of the bunny. Tuck the tail underneath to complete the bunny shape.

Place the shaped Cinna-Bunnies onto a lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each bunny so they can rise and bake properly. If desired, you can use a bit of the remaining cinnamon-sugar filling to add extra sweetness to the tops of the Cinna-Bunnies before baking.

5. Let the Cinna-Bunnies Rise

Cover the Cinna-Bunnies loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until they puff up and expand in size. During this time, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

6. Bake the Cinna-Bunnies

Once the bunnies have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are lightly browned and the dough is fully cooked. Keep an eye on them toward the end to avoid overbaking.

7. Prepare the Icing

While the Cinna-Bunnies are baking, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Stir until smooth, adding more milk if necessary to achieve a drizzle consistency. Set the icing aside until the Cinna-Bunnies are ready.

8. Decorate the Cinna-Bunnies

Once the Cinna-Bunnies are baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the icing over the tops of each one. If you want to get creative, you can use melted chocolate to pipe little bunny eyes onto the rolls. You can also create cute little tails by using melted white chocolate or frosting.

9. Serve and Enjoy!

Your Cinna-Bunnies are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm with a cup of coffee, milk, or tea, and enjoy the sweet, spiced flavors in each delightful bite.

Tips for Perfect Cinna-Bunnies

• Let the Dough Rise Properly: Ensure that the dough is given enough time to rise, both initially and after shaping. This will help the bunnies turn out light and fluffy.
• Use Fresh Yeast: Always check the expiration date of your yeast to ensure it’s active. If the yeast doesn’t foam when mixed with warm milk, it may no longer be effective, which will result in dough that doesn’t rise properly.
• Make the Filling Even: Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough to ensure that each Cinna-Bunny is filled with just the right amount of sweetness.
• Shape the Bunnies with Care: Don’t rush when shaping the bunnies. Take your time to twist the dough strips carefully to form the perfect bunny shapes.

Variations of Cinna-Bunnies

• Chocolate Chip Cinna-Bunnies: Add chocolate chips to the cinnamon filling for a chocolatey twist.
• Nutty Cinna-Bunnies: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the cinnamon filling for added crunch and flavor.
• Apple Cinnamon Cinna-Bunnies: Add finely chopped apples to the filling for a fruity, sweet variation.
• Maple Glaze: Swap the traditional icing for a maple glaze for a unique and flavorful alternative.

Storage and Shelf Life

Cinna-Bunnies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later. Store the cooled Cinna-Bunnies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen Cinna-Bunnies can be kept for up to 1 month. To re

heat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or bake them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Cinna-Bunnies

Pair these sweet treats with a variety of complementary foods:

• Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside fresh fruit, like berries or citrus slices, to balance the sweetness.
• Hot Beverage: Pair with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy, indulgent breakfast or snack.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream on top can add a rich and creamy element to the Cinna-Bunnies.

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Conclusion

Cinna-Bunnies bring a whole new level of fun and flavor to the classic cinnamon roll. With their fluffy dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and playful bunny shape, these treats are perfect for any occasion, from a festive brunch to a cozy dessert. Whether you stick to the traditional cinnamon filling or get creative with your own variations, these adorable bakes are sure to be a hit. So, grab your apron, gather the ingredients, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible Cinna-Bunnies!