Name: Easter Sourdough Bunny Cinnamon Rolls – Easy Beginner Sourdough Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 6 h
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 100 g active sourdough starter (100% hydration); 180 ml whole milk, room temperature; 50 g unsalted butter, softened; 1 large egg; 350 g bread flour; 1 tsp salt; 40 g granulated sugar; 60 g softened butter for filling; 100 g brown sugar; 2 tbsp ground cinnamon; 100 g powdered sugar for glaze; 1–2 tbsp milk or cream for glaze; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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Easter is a time filled with warm traditions, bright colors, and the sweet aroma of freshly baked treats wafting through the kitchen. As sourdough baking continues to rise in popularity among home bakers, there’s no better way to celebrate than by making soft, golden-brown Easter Sourdough Bunny Cinnamon Rolls. This article will guide you through an Easy Beginner Sourdough Recipe that combines charming bunny shapes with a fluffy, naturally risen texture made possible by a healthy Sourdough Bread Starter. With insights from the Beginner’s Guide to Sourdough Baking and a Step-by-step Sourdough Guide, you’ll create the perfect rolls for Easter brunch or family gatherings.

Easter Sourdough Bunny Cinnamon Rolls – Easy Beginner Sourdough Recipe

A Sweet Easter Morning Memory

Easter morning in our home always meant sunshine streaming through the curtains, the scent of cinnamon filling the kitchen, and laughter echoing as little hands reached for mixing spoons. One year, inspired by a basket of chocolate bunnies on the table, I decided to shape our traditional cinnamon rolls into bunnies—and it instantly became a family favorite. These Easter Sourdough Bunny Cinnamon Rolls brought smiles to everyone’s faces from the moment they came out of the oven, their golden ears curling delicately at the edges.

It wasn’t just about the adorable shapes; it was about the process—kneading soft dough made with my bubbling Sourdough Bread Starter and watching it transform overnight. Each roll captured the light tang and depth that only sourdough can bring. That experience led me to craft this Easy Beginner Sourdough Recipe so anyone could recreate the same Easter magic, even if they’re just starting their sourdough journey. The soft, spiced aroma, the glow of a freshly baked batch, and the joy of shaping each bunny are all part of what makes Easter mornings feel special year after year.

Holiday baking is about comfort, community, and creating foods that nourish both the heart and the body—and sourdough fits perfectly into that tradition. The gentle fermentation process helps develop not only a more complex flavor but also a beautifully soft texture that pairs wonderfully with the rich, buttery cinnamon filling. Unlike commercial yeast, a Sourdough Bread Starter gives the dough natural lift and a delicate tang that balances the sweetness of the glaze.

From a health perspective, sourdough baking offers subtle advantages worth celebrating. The long proofing time breaks down gluten and starches, making these rolls easier to digest while naturally enhancing their shelf life. As many new bakers have discovered through the Beginner’s Guide to Sourdough Baking, working with a living Sourdough Bread Starter feels both creative and rewarding—it connects you to centuries of tradition and to a growing community of home bakers who share the same passion.

Using sourdough for Easter recipes feels symbolic in its own way—it’s about renewal and patience, watching something grow and transform. When you pull your golden, bunny-shaped Sourdough Rolls from the oven, you’re not just baking a treat; you’re participating in a ritual of care and creativity that makes every holiday moment taste a little sweeter.

Simple Ingredients for the Perfect Bunny Rolls

When you glance at the ingredient list for these Easter Sourdough Bunny Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll notice that every item serves a special purpose. Each contributes to either the texture, the rise, or that irresistible spiced sweetness that makes these Sourdough Rolls shine. Don’t let the word “sourdough” intimidate you—this is truly an Easy Beginner Sourdough Recipe built on simple pantry staples and your healthy, active Sourdough Bread Starter.

Component	Ingredient	Amount	Purpose & Notes
Dough	Active Sourdough Bread Starter (100% hydration)	100 g	Provides natural yeast for rise and mild tangy flavor. Make sure it’s bubbly and recently fed.
	Whole milk (room temperature)	180 ml	Adds moisture and richness. For dairy-free, use oat or almond milk.
	Unsalted butter (softened)	50 g	Gives tender crumb and buttery taste. Coconut oil works for a dairy-free option.
	Egg	1 large	Adds structure and helps rolls brown beautifully. Substitute with flaxseed egg for vegan rolls.
	Bread flour	350–380 g	Gives strength and chew. All-purpose flour can also be used.
	Salt	1 tsp	Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
	Sugar	40 g	Feeds fermentation and adds gentle sweetness.
Filling	Softened butter	60 g	Helps cinnamon sugar adhere to dough layers.
	Brown sugar	100 g	Creates caramel-like flavor during baking.
	Cinnamon	2 tbsp	The heart of the buns—use quality cinnamon for best aroma.
	Optional: nutmeg or cardamom	pinch	Adds warmth and spice complexity.
Glaze	Powdered sugar	100 g	Forms a sweet drizzle that completes each roll.
	Milk or cream	1–2 tbsp	Adjust for drizzle consistency.
	Vanilla extract	½ tsp	Adds aroma and polish to glaze.

Ingredient Tips for Beginners: If this is your first time making sweet sourdough, mix bread and all-purpose flours for easier handling. Your Sourdough Bread Starter should be lively and recently fed. For a deeper aroma, use high-quality Ceylon or Saigon cinnamon. Reduce the sugar slightly for a tangier balance if desired.

Tools Every Home Baker Needs

Mixing Bowl: Large enough for easy kneading.
Kitchen Scale: Ensures consistency in sourdough ratios.
Rolling Pin: For uniform dough thickness.
Baking Tray or Sheet Pan: Space for proofed bunnies to expand.
Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: Prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup.
Bench Scraper: Makes shaping neat and tidy.

Optional tools like a bunny cookie cutter or pastry brush can make shaping and glazing easier. Keep dough covered during proofing, and use warm, humid conditions for gentle fermentation. Remember—enthusiasm and an active Sourdough Bread Starter matter more than having every gadget.

Making and Shaping Your Sourdough Bunny Cinnamon Rolls

Begin by mixing milk, starter, egg, sugar, and butter until creamy. Add flour and salt and mix until combined. Rest the dough 30–45 minutes (autolyse), then knead 5–8 minutes until smooth. Let it bulk ferment 4–6 hours, or until doubled. While rising, mix your butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon paste.

Roll the dough into a rectangle, spread the filling evenly, and roll into a log. Cut 12 even pieces. Shape each roll into a bunny: twist or pinch ends to form ears or create a separate dough ball for the head and strips for ears. Proof 2–3 hours at room temperature or refrigerate overnight for slow fermentation.

Baking, Glazing, and Finishing Touches

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange bunny rolls on a lined tray and brush with egg wash. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for glaze; drizzle over warm rolls. Decorate with sugar pearls or pastel sprinkles for Easter charm.

To store, keep airtight at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5. Reheat briefly or refresh with a light splash of water in a warm oven. Freeze unglazed rolls for longer storage and thaw overnight. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or drizzle tinted icing for festive flair.

FAQ

Can I make these sourdough cinnamon rolls the night before?

Yes. Shape and refrigerate overnight for a slow rise. Bring to room temperature for about an hour before baking; this method boosts flavor and makes Easter morning stress-free.

What if my sourdough starter isn’t active enough?

Feed your Sourdough Bread Starter with equal weights of flour and water. Keep it warm (around 75°F / 24°C) until bubbly and doubled before use. Two feedings 8–12 hours apart re-energize it beautifully.

Can I freeze Sourdough Bunny Cinnamon Rolls?

Freeze unbaked rolls after shaping, then thaw and proof before baking, or freeze baked rolls once cooled. Warm gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven before serving.

Are these suitable for kids to help with?

Yes! Kids can roll, fill, and shape bunny ears—just let adults handle the oven. It’s a wonderful hands-on Easter activity that sparks creativity and smiles.

How can I make these dairy-free?

Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and use oat, almond, or soy milk. The texture remains tender while keeping the flavor rich and festive.

Conclusion

Baking Easter Sourdough Bunny Cinnamon Rolls is as much about joy and creativity as it is about flavor. This Easy Beginner Sourdough Recipe proves that with patience and an active Sourdough Bread Starter, anyone can craft beautifully soft, golden rolls that bring cheer to any table.

Each batch teaches something new—how to nurture your starter, manage fermentation, and shape dough with care. Draw inspiration from the Step-by-step Sourdough Guide and Beginner’s Guide to Sourdough Baking, and make this recipe your own with playful fillings and decorations.

Most importantly, share them. Whether served warm at brunch, given as gifts, or savored quietly with coffee, these Sourdough Rolls embody everything we love about Easter: renewal, sweetness, and togetherness. Feed your starter, preheat your oven, and let your kitchen fill with the scent of cinnamon and happiness.