Jump to Recipe Print RecipeWith Easter just around the corner, I can’t help but get excited about bringing some playful whimsy to the dessert table. These Easter Bunny Twists, shaped into adorable bunnies, are made using easy-to-handle puff pastry and filled with a delightful cinnamon sugar goodness that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds. Not only do they add a festive touch to your holiday celebrations, but their quick prep also means you can whip them up in no time, even among the festivities. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting that mimics fluffy bunny tails, these pastries are sure to become a favorite. Are you ready to impress your loved ones with these charming and delicious treats this Easter? Why Will You Love Easter Bunny Twists? Delightful Presentation: These adorable bunny shapes are sure to impress your guests and bring a smile to everyone’s face. Easy to Make: Made with simple puff pastry, you’ll find that these twists come together quickly, freeing up your time for other festive preparations. Decadent Flavor: The sweet cinnamon sugar filling combined with the creamy frosting creates a treat that’s both rich and satisfying, appealing to all ages. Versatile Options: Feel free to experiment with fillings—chocolate or jam can add a fun twist to your creations! Perfect for Sharing: These pastries are ideal for gatherings, making them a crowd-pleaser at any holiday table. Get ready to share joy through delicious bites! Easter Bunny Twists Ingredients For the Pastry • All-purpose flour – Use this for dusting the work surface to prevent sticking. • Frozen puff pastry (17.3-oz. pkg.) – The main ingredient that gives these Easter Bunny Twists their delightful flakiness; remember to thaw before using. • Unsalted butter (3 Tbsp., melted) – Adds richness and flavor; can be substituted with margarine for a dairy-free version. • Granulated sugar (2 Tbsp.) – Acts as a sweetener to enhance the filling’s flavor. • Ground cinnamon (1 tsp.) – Provides a warm spice flavor that makes the filling irresistible. • Cold water (1 Tbsp.) – Helps bind the dough during rolling and shaping. For the Cream Cheese Frosting • Cream cheese (3 oz., room temperature) – This is the creamy base for the frosting, giving it a luscious texture. • Unsalted butter (2 Tbsp., room temperature) – Adds extra richness to the frosting. • Confectioners’ sugar (1 cup or 115 g) – Sweetens and thickens the frosting beautifully. • Pure vanilla extract (1 tsp.) – Enhances the flavor with a lovely aroma. • Kosher salt (Pinch) – Balances out the sweetness of the frosting for a perfect finish. These ingredients come together to create mouthwatering Easter Bunny Twists that will surely impress your guests as a charming addition to your holiday celebrations! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easter Bunny Twists Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to ensure the Easter Bunny Twists do not stick during baking. This preparation step is key to achieving perfectly golden pastries! Step 2: Roll Out the Pastry Lightly dust your work surface with all-purpose flour to prevent sticking. Unwrap the thawed puff pastry and roll it out into a rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick, using a rolling pin. Aim for a smooth, even surface that will help your Easter Bunny Twists rise beautifully while baking. Step 3: Apply Butter and Cinnamon Sugar Brush the melted unsalted butter generously over the rolled-out pastry, ensuring an even coating. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this delightful cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the buttered pastry, captivating your senses with its aroma. Step 4: Cut and Shape the Pastry Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to slice the pastry into 1-inch wide strips. Take each strip and twist it into a charming bunny shape, pinching the ends to secure the twists. These shapes will transform into your delightful Easter Bunny Twists as they bake, so be creative! Step 5: Bake the Bunny Twists Place the twisted bunny pastries onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart to allow for puffing. Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and flaky, filling your kitchen with a tempting aroma as they rise. Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting While your Easter Bunny Twists are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine room temperature cream cheese, softened butter, and confectioners’ sugar. Add pure vanilla extract and a pinch of kosher salt, whisking until smooth and creamy for that irresistible bunny tail touch. Step 7: Frost the Pastries Once the bunny twists have baked and cooled slightly on a wire rack, pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting generously on the ends of each twist, mimicking fluffy bunny tails. This final step not only adds a delicious finish but also enhances the festive look of your Easter Bunny Twists. What to Serve with Easter Bunny Twists The delightful Easter Bunny Twists can be the centerpiece of your festive table, but they shine even brighter when paired with a few complementary dishes. Fresh Fruit Salad: The brightness of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet pastries, creating a balance of flavors and textures. Creamy Yogurt Parfait: Layering creamy yogurt with granola and berries creates a light and nutritious complement, perfect for brunch gatherings. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These elegant bites of richness will enchant both children and adults, making your dessert table even more indulgent. Spring Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, radishes, and a light vinaigrette offers a wonderful contrast, enhancing the overall dining experience. Herbal Tea or Coffee: Serve with a pot of herbal tea or a rich coffee to enhance the comforting experience of enjoying these sweet treats together. Mini Carrot Cakes: Keeping the Easter theme alive, these moist, spiced cakes provide a delightful twist, echoing the flavors of springtime and celebration. Lemonade or Sparkling Water: A refreshing lemonade or sparkling water with a slice of lemon offers a lovely, light beverage option that’ll cleanse the palate. Chocolate Milk: For the young and young-at-heart, a glass of rich chocolate milk feels nostalgic and pairs beautifully with the sweetness of these pastries. Storage Tips for Easter Bunny Twists Room Temperature: Store leftover Easter Bunny Twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their flakiness. Fridge: If you prefer a longer storage solution, you can refrigerate the twists in an airtight container for up to 3 days; however, they may lose some crispness. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the baked Easter Bunny Twists in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheating: To restore crispness, reheat frozen or refrigerated Easter Bunny Twists in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Enjoy their delightful flavor once again! Make Ahead Options These adorable Easter Bunny Twists are perfect for busy chefs looking to maximize their time! You can prepare the cinnamon sugar filling and shape the bunnies up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate them on the baking sheet covered with plastic wrap to keep them fresh. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven without the need to thaw—this ensures they come out just as flaky and delicious as if made fresh. Additionally, the cream cheese frosting can be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; just give it a quick stir before piping on the bunny tails. This makes your Easter celebrations even easier and more enjoyable, allowing you to focus on spending time with loved ones! Expert Tips for Easter Bunny Twists • Thawing Pastry: Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed before rolling it out. This prevents cracking and makes it easier to handle. • Baking Space: Leave enough space between the bunny twists on the baking sheet. If they’re too close, they’ll stick together and lose their shape. • Gentle Handling: Avoid overworking the dough. The more you handle it, the less flaky your Easter Bunny Twists will be, leading to a denser final product. • Custom Fillings: Don’t hesitate to get creative with fillings. Try using chocolate chips or fruit jams as alternatives to the cinnamon sugar for a unique twist! • Frosting Consistency: If the cream cheese frosting feels too thick, add a teaspoon of milk to reach your desired consistency for easy spreading or piping. • Rotating the Pan: For even baking, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time. This helps achieve a uniform golden color on your Easter Bunny Twists. Easter Bunny Twists Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative with these Easter Bunny Twists and make them your own by exploring some delightful twists and substitutions! Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free version without compromising flavor. Flavor Swap: Instead of cinnamon sugar filling, try using chocolate hazelnut spread or fruit preserves for a luscious twist that everyone will adore. Alternative Frosting: For a lighter option, swap the cream cheese frosting for a lemon glaze by mixing powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice for a zesty kick. Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar filling for an added crunch and earthy richness, elevating the overall texture. Mini Bunny Twists: Cut the puff pastry into smaller strips for cute mini bunny twists, perfect for party trays or children’s snacks—these bite-sized treats are sure to be a hit! Spicy Kick: For an adventurous take, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chili powder in the cinnamon sugar mixture to add warmth and a surprising spice element. This could be a fun contrast to the sweet frosting! Creative Shapes: Get whimsical! Instead of traditional bunnies, shape your pastries into other fun icons like chicks or flowers, perfect for any festive occasion. Use cookie cutters for easy shaping. Seasonal Switch: Incorporate seasonal spices like nutmeg or cardamom into the filling for a different flavor profile that compliments Easter, making these twists suitable for other holidays as well. Whichever variation you choose, these playful treats are bound to bring joy to your festive table. Enjoy crafting your unique versions, and you might discover a new family tradition! Easter Bunny Twists Recipe FAQs Which puff pastry is best for Easter Bunny Twists? When making Easter Bunny Twists, I recommend using high-quality frozen puff pastry, like Dufour or Pepperidge Farm, as they provide the best flakiness and flavor. Always ensure the pastry is properly thawed, following package instructions, to avoid any cracking or unevenness during rolling. How should I store leftover Easter Bunny Twists? Absolutely! To keep leftover Easter Bunny Twists fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to 3 days, though they may lose a bit of their crispiness. Can I freeze these pastries? Yes, you can! To freeze Easter Bunny Twists, first allow them to cool completely after baking. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and they can be stored for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their delightful texture. What should I do if my dough is tough or dry? If your dough feels tough or dry, it might be due to overworking it. For future batches, handle the pastry gently and roll it out only as necessary. If it becomes difficult to manage, chill it for about 15-20 minutes to help relax the gluten, making it easier to shape into those adorable bunny twists. Are Easter Bunny Twists suitable for people with dietary restrictions? While Easter Bunny Twists contain gluten and dairy, they can be made dairy-free. You can substitute the unsalted butter for margarine or a vegan butter alternative, and use a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting. Just check that your puff pastry is also dairy-free. Always double-check labels if preparing for individuals with food allergies. How long will the cream cheese frosting last? If you have leftover frosting, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To use, simply let it come to room temperature and give it a good stir. If it’s too thick, you can add a little milk to reach the desired consistency before frosting more pastries! Easter Bunny Twists: Flaky Delights for Festive Celebrations Delight your guests with Easter Bunny Twists, flaky pastries filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with creamy frosting, perfect for holiday celebrations. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 12 twistsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 180 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pastry1 cup All-purpose flour For dusting the work surface1 pkg Frozen puff pastry (17.3-oz.) Thawed before use3 Tbsp Unsalted butter Melted, can substitute with margarine2 Tbsp Granulated sugar1 tsp Ground cinnamon1 Tbsp Cold waterFor the Cream Cheese Frosting3 oz Cream cheese Room temperature2 Tbsp Unsalted butter Room temperature1 cup Confectioners’ sugar 115 g1 tsp Pure vanilla extract1 pinch Kosher salt Equipment Baking sheetParchment paperRolling PinMixing bowlSharp knife or pastry cutter Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Easter Bunny TwistsPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Dust your work surface with all-purpose flour and roll out the thawed puff pastry into a rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick.Brush the melted unsalted butter over the rolled-out pastry and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mix evenly on top.Cut the pastry into 1-inch wide strips and twist each strip into a bunny shape, pinching the ends to secure them.Place the twisted pastries on the baking sheet, allowing space between them. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.While baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by combining cream cheese, unsalted butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until smooth.Once the bunny twists have cooled slightly, pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting on the ends of each twist to mimic bunny tails. Nutrition Serving: 1twistCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months for longer storage. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
