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These Stretchy Cheese-Stuffed Bunny Twists add playfulness and yumminess to your Easter table with their cute shape and gooey cheese pockets. The soft, puffy dough wraps around meltingly rich mozzarella, giving you that awesome stretchy texture everyone goes crazy for. With their shiny golden coating and crunchy sesame seed topping, these bunny-shaped goodies mix fun with real taste appeal – they'll definitely steal the spotlight at your Easter gathering.
I whipped up these bunny twists for my niece's Easter party last spring, and they vanished faster than anything else on the table. My brother-in-law, who normally makes a beeline for the glazed ham, actually came asking if we had more twists tucked away somewhere. There's just something magical about fresh-baked bread with gooey cheese that brings out the kid in everyone – even the grown-ups couldn't stay away from these cute little bunnies.
Must-Have Components
- Sugar (1 tbsp): Wakes up the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness.
- Warm Water (1 Cup, About 110°F): Creates the perfect bath for your yeast to wake up.
- Active Dry Yeast (2¼ tsp, One Pack): Gives you that light, fluffy texture.
- All-Purpose Flour (3 Cups): Creates the backbone with just the right chewiness.
- Salt (1 tsp): Boosts flavors and helps the dough structure.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Keeps everything moist and adds richness.
- Mozzarella Cheese (4 oz, Chopped Small): Turns into pockets of stretchy goodness.
- Egg (1, Whisked): Paints the top with a shiny, golden finish.
- Sesame Seeds (1 tbsp): Sprinkle on for a tasty crunch and pretty look.
- Optional - Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Throws in an extra punch of flavor.
Easy Preparation Steps
- Wake Up Your Yeast:
- Mix sugar into warm water, sprinkle yeast on top, and wait for foam to appear (roughly 5 minutes).
- Mix Your Dough:
- Combine flour, salt, and garlic powder in a big bowl. Pour in yeast mix and olive oil, then knead until smooth (about 5-7 minutes).
- Let It Grow:
- Pop dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it up, and let it sit somewhere warm until it doubles (around 30 minutes).
- Create Bunny Shapes:
- Cut dough into 12 equal chunks. Roll each into an 8-inch snake, fold it over, twist once, and pull up the ends to make ears.
- Stuff With Cheese:
- Push small cheese bits into the middle of each bunny shape, pinching the dough closed to keep it inside.
- Final Prep and Baking:
- Brush with beaten egg, scatter sesame seeds on top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until they turn golden.
- Rest and Enjoy:
- Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving with your favorite dips.
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Not Just For Easter
Though created for Easter fun, these twists have become something we make all year in our home. We just change the shapes up a bit – regular twists for everyday meals, little knots when friends come over, and different holiday shapes throughout the year.
Learning While Baking
Making these twists turned out to be a surprise learning chance with my kids. Rolling dough helps their little hands get stronger, and splitting the dough into pieces teaches them about dividing and counting. They even learn about waiting patiently while watching the dough puff up.
Party Food Made Simple
These bunny twists have saved me during lots of holiday get-togethers when I wanted something special but didn't have tons of time. Unlike fancy dishes, you can shape these earlier and stick them in the fridge, then bake them right before everyone shows up.
Fun Ways To Switch It Up
I've tried lots of different versions of this recipe over time to match what people like. For folks who love herbs, I mix chopped rosemary and thyme right into the dough. If someone likes spicy food, I throw in some cayenne and red pepper flakes.
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I came up with this recipe when my daughter came home from preschool telling me the Easter Bunny would surely want a special snack during his busy night hiding eggs. What started as a fun answer to a kid's imagination has turned into one of our favorite holiday traditions we look forward to every year.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare the dough the day before?
- Sure! Mix the dough up to 24 hours early, let it rise, then refrigerate tightly covered. Let it warm up on the counter for 30 minutes before shaping into bunnies.
- → Can I swap mozzarella with another cheese?
- Mozzarella works best for its gooey texture, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mixed cheeses work too. You could even add Parmesan for extra flavor!
- → What’s the trick to making bunnies?
- Roll dough into a 10-inch piece. Fold it, twist the ropes, and pinch the top loop into 'ears.' Gently round out the bottom to make the body.
- → Can I freeze these little treats?
- Of course! Freeze shaped dough on a tray before baking, then store in a freezer bag. Thaw, rise, and bake later. Or, bake first then freeze once cooled for up to 3 months.
- → What goes well with these bunny sticks?
- Dip them in marinara, pizza sauce, or pair with soup, salad, or pasta. For kids, serve alongside veggie sticks with ranch or hummus for dipping.