Bunny-Shaped Cinnamon Roll Swirls

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-02 · Updated 2026-07-02

Soft yeast cinnamon rolls twisted into whimsical bunny shapes, making breakfast an enchanting experience for kids. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, combines all-purpose flour, warm milk, active dry yeast into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 8, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup, 110°F warm milk
• 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup warm milk (110°F) and 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast with 1 tbsp of the 1/4 cup granulated sugar; stir and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Step 2: Add 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 large egg, remaining 3 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt to the yeast mixture; stir until a soft dough forms.
3. Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled.
4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll the dough into a 12x16 inch rectangle. Spread 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter evenly over the dough.
5. Step 5: Mix 1/3 cup brown sugar and 2 tsp ground cinnamon; sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
6. Step 6: Starting at the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 8 equal slices.
7. Step 7: Shape each slice into a bunny by pinching one end to form ears and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let rise for 15 minutes.
8. Step 8: Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
9. Step 9: Meanwhile, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract to make glaze.
10. Step 10: Drizzle glaze over warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately.