These cute bunny breads are a must at our house during the Easter season. Kids of all ages love the chocolate surprise inside.
—MOLLY HURD NEWCASTLE, WA
PREP: 25 MIN. + RISING • BAKE: 15 MIN. + COOLING • MAKES: 8 SERVINGS
2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1 cup warm 2% milk (110° to 115°)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
5 1/2 to 6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
16 small milk chocolate eggs
ICING
1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
1/4 teaspoon water
1 drop red food coloring
1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, sugar, oil, egg, salt and 4 cups flour. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes, until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. Preheat oven to 400°. Punch dough down. For each bunny, shape a 3-in. ball for the body; press a chocolate egg into each ball. Shape dough around egg so it is completely covered. For each head, shape a 2-in. ball; press a chocolate egg into each. Shape dough around egg so it is completely covered. Add a 1-in. ball for the tail and two 2x3/4-in. pieces for ears.
4. Place bunnies 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Carefully remove from pans to wire racks to cool.
5. For icing, in a small bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar and water; tint pink with red food coloring. With a small new paintbrush, paint a nose and whiskers on each bunny.