Save to Pinterest These delightful bunny-shaped pastries combine flaky puff pastry with warming cinnamon sugar for a festive Easter treat. The twisted ear shapes make them instantly charming, while the simple glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness. Ready in under 40 minutes, they're ideal for spring brunches, family gatherings, or as a fun baking activity with children.
Last Easter morning, my kitchen caught a case of the giggles. I'd planned elegant pastries but ended up with these ear shaped twists after my daughter suggested we make something the Easter Bunny himself would appreciate. The cinnamon sugar aroma had both kids hovering around the oven, asking if they were done yet every thirty seconds.
My friend Sarah brought these to our annual egg dyeing party last spring. Within twenty minutes, the adults had abandoned the dye stations and were gathered around the platter, debating whether the cinnamon version or the cocoa variation deserved first place. The kids barely noticed they were being outplayed for the treats.
Ingredients
- Puff Pastry: Keep it cold until the moment you work with it. Room temperature pastry loses that magical puff we are chasing.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar cling to every inch of dough.
- Granulated Sugar and Cinnamon: This classic combo never gets old. Double the cinnamon if you are feeling bold.
- Icing Sugar: Sift it first to avoid any stubborn lumps in your glaze.
- Milk: Start with one teaspoon and add drop by drop until you reach that perfect drizzle consistency.
- Colored Sprinkles: Spring colors make these feel extra festive but plain pearl sugar works beautifully too.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Get your oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. This saves you from sticky cleanup later.
- Roll and Smooth:
- Gently roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth any creases from folding.
- Butter and Sugar:
- Brush the entire surface with melted butter, then mix the sugar and cinnamon together before sprinkling it evenly across the dough.
- Strip Time:
- Cut the pastry into twelve even strips about two centimeters wide. A pizza cutter makes this job ridiculously easy.
- Shape Those Ears:
- Twist both ends of each strip in opposite directions, then form a small loop at the bottom to create that bunny ear shape. Do not overthink it, charm beats perfection here.
- Bake to Golden:
- Place twists on your prepared tray, gently pressing down the ends to hold their shape. Bake for twelve to fifteen minutes until they are golden brown and beautifully puffed.
- The Finishing Touch:
- Cool slightly on a rack, then mix icing sugar with just enough milk to make a glaze. Drizzle over the twists and add sprinkles while the icing is still tacky.
Save to Pinterest My grandmother always said Easter treats should be more about joy than perfection. The batch where the ears came out lopsided somehow disappeared fastest, proving her point about charm winning over precision every single time.
Flavor Variations
Swap the cinnamon for cocoa powder and add a pinch of espresso powder for a mocha version that feels sophisticated enough for adult brunches. Or try lemon zest with vanilla sugar for something bright and fresh.
Making Ahead
You can cut and shape the twists up to a day ahead. Keep them covered in the fridge and bake fresh when guests arrive. The house will smell incredible, which is half the magic.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange these on a platter with fresh strawberries and small bowls of extra sprinkles for guests to customize. They pair beautifully with hot coffee or cold milk.
- Set up a DIY decorating station for kids after brunch
- Package a few in clear bags for adorable party favors
- Make mini versions using thinner strips for bite sized treats
Save to Pinterest However you serve them, these twists have a way of turning ordinary moments into something celebratory. Happy baking.
Recipes Q&A
- → Can I prepare the twists ahead of time?
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Yes, you can shape and refrigerate the raw twists for up to 24 hours before baking. Brush with butter and add cinnamon sugar just before popping them in the oven.
- → What other fillings work well?
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Try swapping cinnamon for cocoa powder to make chocolate bunny twists. You could also use almond paste, fruit preserves, or lemon curd as alternative fillings.
- → 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 unfrosted twists and reheat gently before adding glaze.
- → Can I make these vegan?
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Use vegan puff pastry (many brands are accidentally vegan), plant-based butter, and swap milk for almond or oat milk in the icing.
- → Why did my twists lose their shape?
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Make sure to press the ends firmly onto the baking tray. Chilling the shaped twists for 10 minutes before baking also helps them hold their form.
- → Can I double this recipe?
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Absolutely. Use two sheets of puff pastry and double all ingredients. You may need to bake in batches depending on your tray size.
