Easter is all about fun, celebration, and delightful treats, and nothing says “festive” like adorable Cinnamon Sugar Easter Bunny Twists. These charming little pastries are not just tasty; they’re practically made for making memories with your family. Whether you’re looking for an easy dessert for your Easter brunch table or a fun baking activity to do with kids, these cinnamon sugar bunny twists check all the boxes.
What makes them even better? They’re made from simple puff pastry sheets, so you don’t have to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. Just roll, twist, bake, and enjoy! The flaky, buttery pastry with a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating is irresistible. And when you top them off with a cute little frosting tail, they become the most lovable treat of the holiday.
I can’t count the number of times I’ve whipped these up on a cozy weekend morning just to bring a smile to everyone’s faces. They’re so easy to make but feel like something truly special. And the smell of cinnamon baking in the oven? Absolutely magical. It fills the entire kitchen and brings everyone running to see what’s cooking.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner looking for a no-fuss recipe, these bunny twists are foolproof. Plus, they’re fun to decorate, making them the perfect Easter baking project for kids. Let’s dive into how to make these sweet, flaky treats that everyone will fall in love with.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore these Cinnamon Sugar Easter Bunny Twists, but let’s break down the highlights:
- Super Simple to Make: This recipe uses store-bought puff pastry, so there’s no need to fuss over making dough from scratch. All you need to do is thaw, roll, sprinkle, twist, and bake. It’s as easy as that.
- Adorably Festive: Shaping these twists into bunny shapes makes them perfect for Easter, but honestly, they’re fun to make all year round. And that little frosting tail? Adorable and delicious.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Getting the kids involved is easy and rewarding. They’ll love twisting the pastry strips and decorating them with frosting tails. It’s a family-friendly activity everyone will enjoy.
- Quick and Convenient: From start to finish, these treats are ready in under an hour. They’re perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you just want to whip up something special without a lot of prep.
- Deliciously Flaky & Sweet: The combination of buttery puff pastry, sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, and creamy frosting is pure heaven. It’s like having a cinnamon roll’s playful cousin on your dessert plate.
- Versatile: While they’re fantastic as a breakfast pastry or dessert, they also make for an adorable addition to Easter baskets or as part of a festive brunch spread.
Health Benefits
Alright, let’s be real. We’re not making a health food here. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy these Cinnamon Sugar Bunny Twists as part of a balanced lifestyle. Here’s a closer look at what they offer:
- Energy Boost: Thanks to the carbohydrates from the puff pastry and sugar, these twists can provide a quick burst of energy, making them a delightful treat to kick off your Easter morning.
- Mood-Enhancing: The combination of warm cinnamon and sweet frosting offers comfort food at its best. Cinnamon is known for its mood-boosting properties and is often linked to better cognitive function and emotional well-being.
- Rich in Antioxidants (Cinnamon): Cinnamon isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body. While the amount in this recipe is small, it’s still a plus.
- Versatility for Dietary Needs: You can make adjustments to fit certain dietary preferences. For example, you can use gluten-free puff pastry or a low-sugar frosting if you prefer a lighter option.
- Portion Control: These twists are easy to make in smaller sizes, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat without overindulging. And since they’re portioned individually, they’re perfect for sharing.
- Potential Heart Health Benefits (Cinnamon): Some studies suggest that cinnamon may help reduce blood sugar levels and improve cholesterol, though obviously, moderation is key.
Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information
Preparing these delightful Cinnamon Sugar Bunny Twists couldn’t be easier. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need to consider:
Preparation Time:
- Thawing Puff Pastry: 45 minutes
- Active Preparation: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 18 minutes
- Cooling & Decorating: 20 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour and 45 minutes
Servings:
This recipe makes approximately 16 bunny twists.
Nutritional Information (Per Bunny Twist):
- Calories: 170
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Sugars: 6g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
Ingredients List
To make these charming Cinnamon Sugar Easter Bunny Twists, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients. They’re mostly pantry staples, which makes this recipe even easier to pull together.
- 1 package frozen puff pastry sheets (17.3 oz, contains 2 sheets): Puff pastry is the backbone of this recipe, giving the twists their buttery, flaky texture. Make sure to thaw them properly for easy handling.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere to the pastry.
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon: Provides that warm, aromatic flavor that makes these twists so delicious.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Sweetens the cinnamon filling and creates a delightful caramelization as the twists bake.
- White frosting (for bunny tails; homemade or store-bought): Adds a cute finishing touch that’s both decorative and delicious. You can use a piping bag for precision or simply dollop a bit on top.
Optional Ingredients:
- Powdered sugar for dusting.
- Additional cinnamon-sugar mixture for sprinkling over finished twists.
- Vanilla extract or almond extract mixed into the frosting for extra flavor.
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
Making these Cinnamon Sugar Easter Bunny Twists is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have adorable, flaky treats ready to impress your friends and family.
- Thaw the Puff Pastry:
- Remove the puff pastry sheets from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 45 minutes. They should be soft yet still cool to the touch.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry Sheets:
- Unfold both pastry sheets carefully on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking.
- Brush the melted butter evenly over both sheets, leaving a 1/2-inch border along all edges.
- Add Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar until well combined.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over one of the pastry sheets, avoiding the 1/2-inch border.
- Seal the Pastry Sheets:
- Lightly brush the exposed edges of the pastry sheet with water.
- Place the second pastry sheet on top of the first one, buttered side facing down.
- Gently press the edges to seal and lightly press down the top sheet to help the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere.
- Cut and Shape the Twists:
- Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice the layered pastry into 16 even strips.
- Take each strip and twist it twice to form a bunny shape. The twists should have an open circle at the bottom and the ends pointing upward like bunny ears.
- Carefully place the twisted strips onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Bake the Bunnies:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the bunny twists for 17–18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and beautifully puffed.
- Cool and Decorate:
- Allow the twists to cool for about 20 minutes.
- Using a piping bag or small spoon, add a dollop of white frosting to the lower part of each twist to form the bunny’s fluffy tail.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the bunny twists immediately, or store them in an airtight container if not eating right away. They’re best enjoyed fresh but will keep well for up to two days.
How to Serve
Serving these Cinnamon Sugar Bunny Twists is almost as fun as making them. They’re cute, festive, and just begging to be displayed on a beautiful tray. Here are some creative ways to serve them:
- On an Easter Brunch Table: Arrange the twists on a decorative platter surrounded by colorful Easter eggs or fresh flowers for a vibrant presentation.
- As Part of a Dessert Spread: Pair them with other sweet treats like cupcakes, cookies, or a fruit salad for a balanced dessert buffet.
- With Dipping Sauces: Serve with small bowls of cream cheese frosting, caramel sauce, or even chocolate ganache for added indulgence.
- Gifting: Wrap a few twists in cellophane bags and tie them with pastel-colored ribbons to make adorable Easter gifts.
- Kid-Friendly Snack: Pair with a glass of milk or hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy treat.
Pairing Suggestions
To enhance your Cinnamon Sugar Bunny Twists experience, try pairing them with:
- Hot Beverages: A cup of coffee, chai tea, or warm vanilla milk complements the sweetness of the twists beautifully.
- Cold Drinks: Iced lattes, vanilla milkshakes, or even fresh orange juice offer a refreshing balance.
- Fruit Salads: Serve alongside a bowl of mixed berries or fruit salad for a bright, tangy contrast.
- Savory Counterparts: Pair with a spread of cheese, fruit preserves, and crackers for a sweet-and-savory brunch board.
- Whipped Cream: Offer a side of lightly sweetened whipped cream for dipping or spreading over the bunny twists.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
If you have leftovers (though that’s rarely the case!), here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your bunny twists to keep them as delicious as possible:
Storage:
- Store cooled bunny twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to four days, but note that they might lose some crispness.
Freezing:
- Arrange baked twists in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about an hour).
- Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag and store for up to two months.
Reheating:
- To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the twists for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.
- You can also microwave them for 10–15 seconds, but the texture will be softer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this recipe is simple, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure perfect results every time:
- Not Thawing Puff Pastry Properly: If it’s still too cold, the pastry will crack when you unfold it. If it’s too warm, it’ll be sticky and hard to handle.
- Overstuffing with Cinnamon-Sugar: Using too much filling can cause the pastry layers to separate and make it difficult to shape the twists.
- Skipping the Edge Sealing: Failing to brush water along the edges and crimp them together can result in the two sheets coming apart during baking.
Pro Tips
Want to take your bunny twists to the next level? Try these expert tips:
- Add Flavored Extracts: Mix vanilla or almond extract into the melted butter before brushing it on the pastry sheets.
- Create Extra Flakiness: Chill the pastry twists in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking to enhance their flaky texture.
- Use Homemade Frosting: Make a simple buttercream frosting by combining butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. It’s richer and creamier than store-bought.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions to help you perfect your Cinnamon Sugar Easter Bunny Twists:
Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
Yes, but it will increase the preparation time significantly. Homemade puff pastry offers a richer flavor and texture, but store-bought works perfectly well and keeps things simple.
Can I make these bunny twists ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the twists up to the point of baking and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, just pop them in the oven.
How can I make these twists gluten-free?
Use gluten-free puff pastry, which is available in many grocery stores. Just follow the same steps as outlined in the recipe.
What if I don’t have frosting for the tails?
You can use whipped cream, cream cheese frosting, or even marshmallow fluff for a fun variation.
Why did my pastry come out soggy?
This can happen if your puff pastry is too warm when you start, or if you’ve added too much filling. Make sure to chill the pastry before baking if needed.
Conclusion & Call to Action
These Cinnamon Sugar Easter Bunny Twists are a sweet, simple, and utterly charming treat that will brighten up your Easter celebrations. They’re flaky, buttery, and coated in just the right amount of cinnamon-sugar sweetness. Plus, decorating them with cute frosting tails makes the whole baking process feel like a festive, creative project.
Whether you’re looking for an easy dessert to share with family or a fun recipe to make with the kids, these bunny twists are sure to be a hit. They’re quick to prepare, delightfully adorable, and downright delicious. Even better, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Now, it’s your turn! Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and let the baking magic begin. Once you try these twists, you’ll want to make them for every Easter celebration from now on.
And don’t forget to share your creations! Snap a photo of your Cinnamon Sugar Easter Bunny Twists and tag me on social media. I’d love to see how your adorable treats turned out. Enjoy baking and have a wonderful, sweet-filled Easter!
PrintCinnamon Sugar Easter Bunny Twists
- Total Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bunny twists 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Easter Bunny Twists are a simple, fun, and sweet treat perfect for Easter. Made with puff pastry, butter, cinnamon, sugar, and a touch of frosting, they’re flaky, delicious, and absolutely adorable. Perfect for Easter brunch, dessert tables, or as a kid-friendly baking project.
Ingredients
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1 package frozen puff pastry sheets (17.3 oz, contains 2 sheets)
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2 tablespoons butter, melted
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1 tablespoon cinnamon
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2 tablespoons sugar
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White frosting (for bunny tails; homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
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Thaw puff pastry sheets at room temperature for 45 minutes.
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Unfold sheets and brush with melted butter, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
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Mix cinnamon and sugar; sprinkle over one pastry sheet, avoiding edges.
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Brush edges with water, place second pastry sheet on top, and press to seal.
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Cut into 16 strips, twist each strip twice to form bunny shapes.
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Place twists on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 17–18 minutes, until golden brown.
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Cool for 20 minutes, then add frosting to form bunny tails.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Store in an airtight container for up to two days.
- To reheat, bake at 350°F for 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 45 minutes thawing)
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American