Easter Bunnies

Delicious Easter Bunnies Recipe with Jam – a simple and charming dessert

Who doesn’t fondly remember the warm atmosphere of Easter celebrations, when family gathers around the table and enticing aromas fill the house? Easter bunnies are not only a symbol of this season but also a dessert that brings joy and smiles to the faces of loved ones. This simple and quick recipe will transform your kitchen into a storybook corner, and the final result will surely be a delight that will impress everyone.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 bunnies

Ingredients:
- 500 g wheat flour
- 120 g granulated sugar
- 150 g melted butter
- 2 eggs (1 whole and 1 egg white)
- 150 ml milk (warm)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (25 g)
- Grated zest of one lemon
- A pinch of salt
- Filling: cherry jam (or your favorite jam)
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (for brushing)

Of course, not all dessert recipes are the same. These fluffy bunnies are a perfect combination of soft dough and sweet filling, while the lemon zest gives them an unmistakable fragrance.

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the dough: Start by mixing the flour and sugar in a large bowl. This will form the delicious base of your bunnies. Make sure to use high-quality flour to achieve a perfectly fluffy dough.

2. Activating the yeast: Warm the milk until it is lukewarm (not hot!) and dissolve the yeast cube in it. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until a light foam forms on the surface. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to work.

3. Mixing the ingredients: Pour the milk with the yeast into the bowl with flour and sugar. Start kneading with a spatula or by hand until the ingredients are combined. Add the melted butter, but not hot, so as not to kill the yeast.

4. Adding the eggs: Incorporate the whole egg, egg white, and salt, along with the grated lemon zest. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and non-sticky.

5. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place, away from drafts, until it doubles in size (about 1 hour). This step is essential for achieving a fluffy texture.

6. Shaping the bunnies: Once the dough has risen, divide it into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rectangular shape, then cut long strips. On each strip, spread a spoonful of cherry jam or your favorite jam, and then fold the edges together to form a line. Twist the dough into a delicate spiral to form the bunny's body.

7. Details for the bunnies: From the remaining dough, shape a small ball for the bunny's tail, and from other pieces, shape the ears. Make sure all details are well defined.

8. Baking: Place the bunnies on a baking tray lined with aluminum foil, leaving space between them to puff up. Beat the egg yolk with a teaspoon of sugar and brush them carefully. This step will give them a golden and shiny color.

9. Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the bunnies for 20 minutes or until golden. You will smell the delicious aroma of lemon and jam as they bake.

10. Cooling and serving: Once done, let them cool slightly before serving. You can dust them with powdered sugar for a more festive look.

Practical tips:
- You can experiment with different types of jam, such as blackberry or peach, depending on your preferences.
- If you want a vegan version, you can replace the eggs with 100 g of natural yogurt or a banana puree.
- Store the bunnies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Nutritional benefits: The dough is a source of carbohydrates, and cherry jam adds a touch of vitamins and antioxidants. The butter used adds healthy fats to the diet, while the lemon zest is rich in vitamin C. In total, each bunny has about 150-200 calories, depending on the portion and filling.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, you can use 7 g of dry yeast, making sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package.
2. How can I avoid sticky dough? Make sure to use enough flour and knead the dough well. If necessary, you can add a little more flour until it becomes elastic.
3. Can I freeze the bunnies? Yes, once they have completely cooled, you can freeze them in an airtight container and bake them again when you crave a treat.

Now that you have all the necessary information, I invite you to start cooking and bring joy to your home with these delicious Easter bunnies! Regardless of the occasion, these treats will not go unnoticed and will surely bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!