Pin it These charming bunny-shaped pastries feature flaky puff pastry twisted into adorable rabbit silhouettes, then generously coated with melted butter and a fragrant blend of cinnamon and sugar. The result creates irresistibly golden, crisp treats with a tender, layered interior that melts in your mouth.
Perfect for Easter celebrations, spring gatherings, or whenever you want to add whimsy to your dessert table. Each twist bakes in just 15 minutes, making them an impressive yet manageable addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Serve warm for the ultimate experience, or let cool and dust with powdered sugar for a picture-perfect presentation.
My daughter's eyes went wide when she first saw these bunny-shaped twists cooling on the counter, cinnamon sugar still glistening on the golden pastry. We made them the morning before Easter brunch as a surprise, and she insisted on helping place every single chocolate chip eye. Now they've become our annual tradition, something that makes the whole kitchen smell like warm comfort.
Last year my niece accidentally made a bunny with three ears and we laughed so hard we almost cried. That little mistake became the talking point of our entire Easter celebration, and now someone always has to make one slightly wonky bunny on purpose.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry: Thaw these completely but keep them cold, and work quickly because warm pastry gets stubborn
- 1 large egg and 1 tbsp milk: Whisked together to create that beautiful golden sheen that makes them look bakery perfect
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted: Brush this on generously because butter is what makes the cinnamon sugar actually stick and caramelize
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Use regular granulated sugar rather than coarse for the best coating that distributes evenly
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Fresh cinnamon really does make a difference here since its the star flavor
- Mini chocolate chips or raisins: Purely optional but those tiny eyes give these bunnies so much personality
Instructions
- Preheat your workspace:
- Get your oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper before you even touch the pastry
- Make the magic dust:
- Whisk together the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl until completely combined
- Prep the pastry canvas:
- Roll out your thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and brush each one generously with melted butter
- Add the sweetness:
- Sprinkle that cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over both sheets, pressing it gently into the butter
- Create strips:
- Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut each sheet into 4 long strips about 1 1/2 inches wide
- Shape your bunnies:
- Twist each strip several times then form an oval body, looping one end into a head and pinching gently to secure
- Get ready to bake:
- Place your bunny shapes on the prepared baking sheets giving them room to puff and expand
- Give them glow:
- Whisk the egg with milk and brush each bunny lightly for that gorgeous golden finish
- Add personality:
- Press mini chocolate chips or raisins into the dough for eyes if you want extra cute factor
- Bake to perfection:
- Slide them into the oven for 13 to 15 minutes until they are puffed and beautifully golden brown
- Finish with flair:
- Let them cool for just a few minutes then dust generously with powdered sugar for that snow-kissed look
Pin it These became legendary in our family after my brother accidentally made one that looked like it was waving and we took about fifty photos of it. Now everyone tries to make the most expressive bunny and it has turned into our weird little Easter competition.
Make Ahead Magic
You can cut and shape the bunnies the night before and store them on parchment lined baking sheets covered tightly in the refrigerator. The cold rest actually helps the pastry puff better when they hit the hot oven.
Flavor Twists
Sometimes I add orange zest to the cinnamon sugar for a bright citrus note that cuts through all that buttery richness. A pinch of nutmeg in the sugar mixture also adds this gorgeous warmth that feels extra special.
Serving Suggestions
These are perfect alongside a fresh fruit salad or as part of a larger Easter brunch spread. They are also lovely served warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for an afternoon treat.
- Arrange them on a platter with fresh berries for a gorgeous pop of color
- Serve with extra cinnamon sugar on the side for those who want more sweetness
- Make them smaller for bite sized appetizers at your next spring gathering
Pin it Watch how quickly these disappear from the serving platter, and do not be surprised if everyone asks for the recipe.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I prepare these bunny twists ahead of time?
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Yes, shape the bunnies and refrigerate on the baking sheet up to 24 hours before baking. Brush with egg wash just before popping them in the oven for the freshest results.
- → What's the best way to get clean bunny shapes?
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Work with chilled pastry and use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean edges. Pinch firmly where the head meets the body to secure the shape during baking. Don't worry about imperfections—each bunny will have its own personality.
- → Can I freeze these cinnamon sugar treats?
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Absolutely. Freeze unbaked shaped bunnies on a tray until firm, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- → Why did my twists lose their shape in the oven?
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Puff pastry expands significantly during baking. To maintain definition, avoid over-twisting and ensure your pastry is well-chilled before shaping. A slightly chilled egg wash also helps maintain the structure.
- → Can I make these without the cinnamon sugar coating?
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Certainly. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with plain sugar, or create a vanilla sugar by scraping a vanilla bean into your sugar. You could also skip the coating entirely and glaze after cooling with a simple powdered sugar icing.
