Kitchen

German Easter Bread Bunnies

German Easter bread comes in many shapes in sizes. This recipe features yeast dough Easter bunnies that are easy to make and are the perfect addition to your Easter brunch buffet or breakfast.

Ingredients · Servings 12

5 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 tbsp. yeast
1 1/2 cups milk (lukewarm)
1 tbsp. vanilla sugar or 1 tsp. vanilla extract
7 tbsp. butter (soft)
½ tsp. salt
2 eggs
12-14 raisins
2 tbsp. hot water
1 egg
1 tbsp. milk

Method · 10 min

Sieve flour into a stand mixer bowl. Form a well in the middle of the flour.
Add 2 tbsp. sugar, the yeast and 1/3 cup lukewarm milk to the well and mix while incorporating a little bit of flour from the rim of the well.
Use a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap to cover the bowl. Allow to sit for about 15 minutes.
In the meantime, place raisins into a tiny bowl or shot glass and cover with hot water.
Cover the well with some flour and add the remaining ingredients.
Knead on low for about 5 minutes and on medium-high for another 3-5 minutes until a smooth dough forms.
Cover the bowl again and allow the dough to raise for about 90 minutes.
Place the dough on a slightly floured working space and knead briefly and divide in 12 equal sized pieces.
Shape each piece to a ball and place onto a slightly floured area.
Start shaping each piece to a bunny. (See video tutorial)
Place on with parchment paper lined baking sheets. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and allow to raise for about 15 minutes.
Whisk egg and milk to a smooth consistency and brush each bunny with the mixtures. For the bunny eye press a raisin into the dough.
Bake in a to 350 °F preheated oven for about 10 - 15 minutes.

The adorable bunnies also make a great edible gift for everyone who loves home baked pastries. If you are planning your German Easter holiday meals check out this recipe for Senfeier, the perfect dish for Maundy Thursday. How do you say Easter Bunny in German?

The German word for Easter bunny is Osterhase.

Ingredients

The ingredients for these yeast dough bunnies are simple and you might have them already at home.

See recipe card for quantities.

Variations

Try these variations you might like them.

Glaze - brush the baked bunnies with chocolate or lemon glaze right after baking.
Chocolate chips - add 1 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough during the kneading process.
Dried fruit - add 1 cup of finely chopped dried fruit or raisins to the dough during kneading process.