Easter Bunny Cinnamon Rolls

I made these Easter Bunny Cinnamon Rolls with my kids last Easter morning, and they were such a hit that my daughter has already asked if we can make them again this year! They're ridiculously easy but look like you spent hours creating something special - the perfect combination for a holiday morning when you want something festive without tons of effort.

My mother-in-law actually thought I'd made them from scratch when I texted her a photo - that's how impressive they look despite taking just minutes to prepare!

What You'll Need

• Canned cinnamon rolls: The jumbo or Grands! size works best for shaping. I've used both Pillsbury and store brands with great results.
• Easter sprinkles: Those pastel-colored sprinkles add the perfect festive touch. Rainbow sprinkles work too if that's what you have.
• Candy for decorating: M&Ms or other round candies make perfect bunny eyes and noses. I use pink, blue, or yellow ones to keep with the Easter theme.
• Parchment paper: Makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking.

Pin it

How I Make Them

Simple Shaping

The magic is in the shaping, which is actually super easy! I just pull the outer end of each roll up and out to form ears, then press between them to create the distinctive bunny shape. The dough is pretty forgiving, so you can adjust as needed.

Mid-Bake Reshaping

The brilliant trick that makes these work is pulling them out halfway through baking to reinforce the shape. As they start to rise and expand, the ears can lose definition, but a quick reshape with the handle of a wooden spoon keeps them looking bunny-like.

Quick Decorating

The key to the decorating is to add the sprinkles immediately after icing while it's still warm and sticky. This ensures they stick well and don't roll off. The candy eyes and nose also need to be placed right away.

Perfect Timing

I've found that setting out all my decorating supplies before the rolls come out of the oven makes the process smoother, since you need to work quickly while the icing is still tacky.

I discovered this recipe a few years ago during our first pandemic Easter when I was looking for easy ways to make the holiday special despite not being able to gather with extended family. It's since become a tradition that the kids look forward to each year!

Serving Ideas

These bunnies make an adorable centerpiece for your Easter breakfast table. I like to serve them on a platter surrounded by fresh berries for a pop of color. For a complete Easter breakfast, pair them with some scrambled eggs and crispy bacon. You could even create a bunny-themed breakfast board with these as the star!

Make It Your Own

Try different candies for decorating - mini chocolate chips make cute eyes too. Add pink food coloring to some of the icing to make pink bunny ears. For a chocolate version, use chocolate chip cinnamon rolls. If you're feeling ambitious, use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of canned.

Practical Tips

These are best served fresh from the oven while still warm. If you need to make them ahead, you can shape the rolls the night before, refrigerate them covered with plastic wrap, then bake in the morning. Just add a minute or two to the baking time if they're cold from the fridge.

Pin it

Pro Tips

• Line your baking sheet with parchment for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking
• Space the bunnies well apart on the baking sheet as they expand quite a bit
• Save a little icing to add whiskers with a toothpick after decorating

These Easter Bunny Cinnamon Rolls have become such a special part of our holiday traditions. There's something magical about the kids' faces when they see these cute little bunnies all lined up on the baking sheet. It's those simple moments - working together to shape the dough, deciding which color M&Ms to use for the eyes, and then enjoying our creation together - that create those lasting holiday memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough?

Absolutely! Shape your homemade cinnamon roll dough into bunnies before the final rise. Just make sure the dough is still pliable enough to form the ear shapes.

→ Why do I need to reshape them halfway through baking?

The cinnamon rolls will puff up as they bake, causing the ear shapes to lose definition. Reshaping halfway through helps maintain the bunny appearance in the final product.

→ What if I don't have M&M's for decoration?

You can use any small round candies like mini chocolate chips, Reese's Pieces, or even raisins for the eyes and nose. Jelly beans cut in half also work well.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

These are best served fresh and warm. If needed, you can prepare them up to a day ahead and reheat briefly in the microwave, but the texture won't be quite as soft.

→ How do I know when they're done baking?

Follow the package directions for timing, but generally, they should be golden brown on top. You can also check that the center of the roll is fully baked and not doughy.