Bunny-Shaped Cinnamon Buns Frosting (Printable Version)

Sweet, soft cinnamon buns shaped as bunnies, finished with creamy white frosting for a playful treat.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 440 g all-purpose flour
02 - 7 g instant yeast
03 - 50 g granulated sugar
04 - 240 ml warm milk (43°C)
05 - 56 g unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 0.5 tsp salt

→ Filling

08 - 56 g unsalted butter, softened
09 - 100 g brown sugar
10 - 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

→ Frosting

11 - 115 g cream cheese, softened
12 - 28 g unsalted butter, softened
13 - 120 g powdered sugar
14 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
15 - 30–45 ml milk, as needed

→ Decoration (Optional)

16 - Mini chocolate chips, for eyes
17 - Pink candy or sprinkle, for nose
18 - Desiccated coconut flakes, for ears

# Steps To Follow:

01 - Combine flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Mix in warm milk, softened butter, and egg until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
02 - Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 60–90 minutes.
03 - Roll out risen dough on a lightly floured surface to a rectangle approximately 30×40 cm.
04 - Spread softened butter over the dough. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered surface.
05 - Roll the dough tightly from the longer edge into a log. Cut into 12 even slices with a sharp knife.
06 - Use leftover dough to form thin strips. Shape these into two long 'U's or ropes for each roll, then pinch or twist onto the top of each to create ears.
07 - Arrange shaped rolls, cut side up, on a lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes, until noticeably puffy.
08 - Preheat the oven to 175°C. Bake buns for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack before decorating.
09 - In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix, adding milk gradually, until a spreadable icing forms.
10 - Generously frost cooled buns, accentuating the 'ears.' Optionally, add mini chocolate chips for eyes, a pink candy or sprinkle for nose, and coconut flakes for fluff.

# Notes and Tips:

01 - Ensure the dough rises in a warm, draft-free area for optimal texture.
02 - Let buns cool before frosting to prevent the icing from melting.