Easter Bunny Twists

My kitchen counter became covered in a light dusting of powdered sugar as I experimented with these twists for my niece's Easter party last spring. She'd been asking me to make something magical and bunny themed for weeks. I'll never forget watching her eyes light up when she saw the first tray come out of the oven. Now these little pastries have become our annual tradition.

Last year I made three batches because my sister kept stealing them off the cooling rack before they'd even fully set. The way the buttery pastry caramelizes with the cinnamon sugar is absolutely irresistible fresh from the oven. I've learned to hide a few for myself before serving.

Ingredients

• Puff Pastry: Keep it cold until you're ready to work with it, this prevents the butter layers from melting and losing those gorgeous flaky layers
• Unsalted Butter: Melting it makes it easier to brush evenly over the pastry, ensuring the cinnamon sugar sticks in every bite
• Granulated Sugar and Cinnamon: This classic combo creates a sweet spiced filling that caramelizes beautifully while baking
• Icing Sugar: Mixing it with just a splash of milk creates the perfect drizzle consistency for that festive finish
• Colored Sprinkles: These add that whimsical touch that makes them look like something Peter Cottontail might have delivered

Instructions

Prepare Your Space:

Preheat your oven to 190°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, this prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

Roll and Prep the Pastry:

Gently roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface just enough to smooth out any creases from the package.

Add the Sweet Filling:

Brush the entire surface with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the pastry.

Shape the Twists:

Cut the pastry into 12 even strips, then twist each strip from both ends in opposite directions before forming a small loop at the bottom.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Arrange the twists on your prepared tray, pressing the ends gently to hold their shape, then bake for 12 to 15 minutes until puffed and golden.

Finish with Sweet Details:

Let them cool slightly on a rack, then drizzle with the icing glaze and add sprinkles while it's still tacky so they adhere beautifully.

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These have become such a hit at our Easter brunch that I now double the recipe. There's something wonderful about how a simple pastry can make a holiday feel extra special and memorable for everyone gathered around the table.

Getting the Shape Just Right

I found that gently pressing the twisted ends onto the baking sheet helps them hold that bunny ear shape during baking. If they start to untwist in the oven, just give them a little reshaping while they're still warm from the oven.

Making Them Your Own

Sometimes I swap the cinnamon for cocoa powder when I want a chocolate version. You can also tuck a mini marshmallow or pastel candy at the base before baking to create a cute fluffy tail effect.

Serving and Storing

These are absolutely best served warm within an hour of baking when the pastry is at its flakiest. If you need to make them ahead, bake them completely, cool fully, and store in an airtight container for up to two days.

• Reheat at 180°C for 3 to 4 minutes to refresh that fresh baked texture
• The glaze can be made ahead and kept covered in the fridge for up to three days
• Freeze unbaked twists on the tray, then transfer to a bag and bake from frozen, adding two minutes to the time

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There's nothing quite like pulling a tray of these golden, cinnamon scented twists out of the oven on Easter morning. They bring such joy to the table and create memories that last long after the last crumb is gone.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these twists ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and shape the twists up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator, then bake fresh when needed. For best results, add the icing glaze just before serving.

→ What other fillings work well?

Beyond cinnamon sugar, try cocoa powder mixed with sugar for chocolate variations. Almond paste, Nutella, or fruit preserves also make delicious fillings. Just spread thinly before twisting.

→ How do I store leftover twists?

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze unbaked twists on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to baking time.

→ Can I make these dairy-free?

Substitute melted coconut oil or vegan butter for the dairy butter. Use plant-based milk in the glaze. Many puff pastry brands are accidentally vegan—check ingredients to confirm.

→ What's the best way to get evenly sized strips?

Use a ruler and pizza cutter for precision. Mark the pastry at 2 cm intervals along both edges, then connect the marks with straight cuts. This ensures all twists bake evenly.

→ Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Use two sheets of puff pastry and double all ingredients. You may need two baking trays or bake in batches. These disappear quickly at gatherings, so making extra is wise.