These adorable bunny-shaped pastries combine flaky puff pastry with a classic cinnamon sugar coating. The dough gets brushed with melted butter, sprinkled with spiced sugar, then twisted and formed into charming bunny silhouettes. After a quick egg wash and 15 minutes in the oven, they emerge golden, puffed, and irresistibly fragrant. Perfect for Easter brunch or spring celebrations.
Last Easter, my kitchen became a temporary bunny factory. The kids were running around with flour on their noses, and these twists disappeared faster than I could shape them. Something about watching puff pastry puff up into little rabbit shapes just makes everyone smile before they even take a bite.
My sister texted me at midnight asking for the recipe after serving these at her brunch. She said her brother in law ate four before anyone else even sat down. Thats the thing about these twists somehow they make every gathering feel like a celebration.
Ingredients
- Puff pastry sheets: Thaw them completely but keep them cold while working warm pastry loses its flaky layers
- Unsalted butter: Melted brush helps the cinnamon sugar cling to every inch of pastry
- Granulated sugar: Creates that satisfying crunch in the cinnamon coating
- Ground cinnamon: 1 1/2 teaspoons gives warmth without overpowering the delicate pastry
- Egg and milk: Whisked together for a golden finish that makes these look professionally made
- Mini chocolate chips or raisins: Totally optional but those little eyes make them impossibly cute
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper trust me the cleanup is worth it
- Make the magic dust:
- Whisk together the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl until perfectly combined
- Prepare the pastry canvas:
- Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface then brush generously with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar like youre dusting snow
- Cut into strips:
- Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice each sheet into 4 long strips about 1 1/2 inches wide
- Shape your bunnies:
- Twist each strip several times then form into bunny silhouettes with oval bodies and looped heads pinching gently to secure
- Give them a glow:
- Whisk egg with milk and brush each twist lightly then add chocolate chip eyes if using
- Watch them transform:
- Bake 13 to 15 minutes until golden brown and puffed then let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar
My neighbor smelled these baking and actually knocked on my door to investigate. Now we make them together every Easter Sunday morning and her kids look forward to it more than the egg hunt.
Make Ahead Magic
You can cut and twist these bunnies the night before and freeze them raw. Pop them straight from freezer to oven just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time. Ive saved many holiday mornings this way.
Flavor Variations
Sometimes I swap the cinnamon sugar for lemon zest and vanilla sugar for springtime freshness. Or try almond extract instead of vanilla in the sugar mixture for a nutty twist that pairs beautifully with coffee.
Serving Suggestions
These shine on a brunch board alongside fresh fruit and maybe some deviled eggs for sweet and savory balance. They are also perfect for packing into Easter baskets as edible decorations.
- Serve warm if possible the cinnamon sugar is extra crispy that way
- Pair with hot coffee or cold milk for dipping
- Store in an airtight container but know they are best the first day
Hope these little bunnies hop their way into your Easter traditions and bring as much joy to your kitchen as they have to mine.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I prepare these bunny twists ahead of time?
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Yes! You can shape and freeze the raw twists on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes. Alternatively, prepare through step 5 and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- → What's the best way to get clean bunny shapes?
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Work with chilled puff pastry and flour your surface lightly. Twist the strip firmly but gently, then pinch the dough securely where the head meets the body. Use small scraps of dough to form ears, attaching with a dab of egg wash.
- → Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
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Absolutely! Homemade rough puff pastry works beautifully here. Just ensure it's well-chilled before rolling and cutting. The flavor will be even richer, though prep time will increase significantly.
- → How do I store leftover twists?
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Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze baked twists and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. They're best served fresh or slightly warmed.
- → Can I make these without the egg wash?
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You can substitute with heavy cream or melted butter for brushing. The finish will be slightly less shiny but still golden. For a vegan version, use plant-based milk mixed with a splash of maple syrup.