Easy & Adorable Puff Pastry Bunnies: The Ultimate Easter Treat (Air Fryer & Oven Recipe)
Searching for an irresistibly cute and incredibly simple treat to celebrate Easter? Look no further than these delightful puff pastry bunnies! They’re quick to prepare in an air fryer, but bake beautifully in a traditional oven too. What truly makes these bunnies special is their incredible versatility – you can customize them with an endless array of sweet or savory fillings!
What Are Puff Pastry Bunnies?
Puff pastry bunnies are charming, flaky pastries crafted into adorable bunny shapes, perfect for spring holidays, especially Easter. They utilize pre-made (or even homemade, if you’re feeling ambitious) puff pastry dough, making them surprisingly easy for bakers of all skill levels. The beauty of these treats lies in their adaptability: they can be prepared as either sweet desserts or savory appetizers, depending on your choice of filling and toppings.
The process is wonderfully straightforward. You simply add your desired fillings to the puff pastry sheet. Then, you can either cut the dough into strips and twist them into charming “bunny ear” shapes, or use a festive cookie cutter to create perfect bunny silhouettes. This part is especially fun for kids, making it a fantastic family activity for Easter preparation!
My preferred method for baking these treats is the air fryer, as it delivers perfectly golden and flaky results in a fraction of the time, and with minimal cleanup. However, if an air fryer isn’t available, your conventional oven will yield equally delicious results. These puff pastry bunnies are an ideal snack or light dessert – quick to assemble, incredibly tasty, and guaranteed to be a hit with both children and adults. Plus, their customizable nature means you can enjoy a different flavor experience every time you make them!
Katie’s tip
If you’re looking for another easy and delicious no-bake dessert for Easter, be sure to try my Mini Egg Fudge!
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Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients for these delightful puff pastry bunnies is incredibly simple. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 13-oz sheet puff pastry dough: Ensure it’s defrosted if using a frozen variety.
- ¼ cup seedless strawberry jam: The classic spring flavor, but feel free to get creative!
- 1 Tbsp butter, melted: For that beautiful golden-brown finish and a touch of richness.
- Whipped cream (optional): Perfect for creating adorable “bunny tails” or adding a creamy finish.
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- For the puff pastry dough, while a standard 13-oz sheet is recommended, you can certainly use homemade dough if you prefer. Larger 2-sheet boxes (like those from Pepperidge Farm) are also suitable; just note that the total number of bunnies you yield will vary based on the size of your dough sheet and your chosen cookie cutter (if using one). Always ensure your puff pastry is properly thawed in the refrigerator before use to maintain its flaky texture.
- The strawberry jam is wonderful for a springtime treat, but don’t hesitate to substitute it with your favorite fruit jam or preserve. Raspberry, apricot, or even a mixed berry jam would be delicious alternatives. For easier spreading, gently warm the jam in the microwave for about 15 seconds to loosen its consistency.
- Instead of melted butter for brushing the tops, a beaten egg (an egg wash) works equally well. It will provide a beautiful golden sheen and a slightly crispier crust. You can also sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top of the butter or egg wash before baking for an extra touch of sweetness and sparkle, though with the jam filling, I find them perfectly sweet as is.
- Whipped cream is my go-to for adding charming “bunny tails” to the finished pastries, which is completely optional. For more decorative flair, consider using small candy eyes, drawing on delicate facial features with icing pens, or simply dusting them with a light layer of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
More Sweet Filling Variations
Beyond strawberry jam, the possibilities for sweet puff pastry bunnies are endless! Here are some popular and delicious ideas:
- Plain with Sugar: For a classic, simple treat, just brush the dough with an egg wash (or melted butter) and sprinkle generously with granulated or coarse sugar before baking. They’ll come out beautifully golden and delightfully sweet.
- Chocolate-Filled: Indulge your sweet tooth by filling the pastries with a creamy chocolate spread, such as Nutella, or a handful of mini chocolate chips. The melted chocolate creates a gooey, rich center that’s hard to resist.
- Cream Cheese or Custard: Elevate your bunnies to a more decadent dessert by adding a rich and creamy filling. A simple cream cheese mixture (softened cream cheese, a touch of sugar, and vanilla extract) or a store-bought custard offers a luxurious texture and flavor.
- Icing Decorated: Once baked and cooled, these plain or filled bunnies become a canvas for creativity! Drizzle them with a simple powdered sugar glaze, a chocolate ganache, or a colorful frosting to match your Easter theme.
- Cinnamon Sugar: For a warm and comforting flavor, mix about 1 tablespoon each of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly inside the dough before folding, and add a little extra on top if desired for a spiced, sugary crust.
- Fresh Fruit: Bake the bunnies plain or with a light egg wash. Once cooled, carefully split the pastry open (or cut in half) and fill with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries like sliced strawberries, plump blueberries, or a mix of seasonal fruits. This creates a lighter, refreshing dessert.
Savory Filling Options
Who says bunnies have to be sweet? These puff pastry treats are equally delicious when filled with savory ingredients, making them perfect for brunch or as an appetizer. Here are some ideas:
- Cheese & Herb: A wonderfully aromatic option, fill your bunnies with a blend of shredded cheddar, Gruyère, or mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme.
- Ham & Cheese: A beloved classic, this combination involves layering thinly sliced deli ham and your favorite melty cheese (like Swiss or provolone) inside the puff pastry. It’s like a miniature, flaky ham and cheese sandwich!
- Spinach & Feta: Inspired by the flavors of spanakopita, this filling uses sautéed spinach (ensure it’s well-drained to prevent sogginess) combined with salty feta cheese. A pinch of nutmeg can further enhance the flavor.
- Egg & Bacon: Transform these into a delightful breakfast or brunch item. Fill them with scrambled eggs and crispy, pre-cooked bacon pieces. You can also add a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor. Remember to fully cook the bacon and eggs beforehand.
Step By Step Instructions
Creating these charming puff pastry bunnies is a simple and enjoyable process. Follow these easy steps for perfect results every time:
- Prepare your puff pastry: Begin by unrolling your sheet of puff pastry dough onto a lightly floured, flat work surface. If your dough was frozen, ensure it is completely defrosted but still cold, which helps maintain its flaky layers.
- Add the filling: To one half of the puff pastry sheet (or one entire sheet if you’re working with a 2-pack and plan to layer them), evenly spread the seedless strawberry jam. Be careful not to overfill, and leave a small border around the edges to help with sealing. If your jam is too thick to spread easily, warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until it loosens.
- Fold and seal: Carefully fold the other half of the puff pastry sheet over the jam-covered side, creating a sandwich effect where the filling is perfectly nestled between two layers of dough. If you’re using two separate sheets, simply place the second sheet directly over the first, aligning the edges. Gently press the edges to seal.
- Shape your bunnies: Now for the fun part! Use a bunny-shaped cookie cutter of your choice to cut out individual pastries from the folded dough. For those without a cookie cutter, don’t worry! You can create charming bunny twists: cut the dough into 1-inch wide strips, form a “U” shape loop at the bottom, and twist the top ends together to resemble perky bunny ears.
- Brush for a golden finish: Lightly brush the top surface of each bunny pastry with the melted butter. This step helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly crispier crust. Optionally, you can sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top for added sweetness and sparkle, though it’s not strictly necessary with the jam filling.
- Prepare for air frying: Carefully place the puff pastry bunnies into your air fryer’s basket or onto its rack in a single layer. Ensure there’s enough space between each bunny to allow for proper air circulation and expansion during cooking, which is crucial for achieving a flaky texture. Using perforated parchment paper can make cleanup much easier, but it’s not strictly required.
- Air fry to perfection: Cook the bunnies on the air fry setting at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until they are beautifully puffed up and golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as air fryer cooking times can vary.
- Cool and decorate: Once baked, carefully remove the bunnies from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Then, it’s time to bring them to life! Add a cute dollop of whipped cream to create an adorable “bunny tail,” or use candy eyes and an icing pen to draw on a face and whiskers to complete their charming look. Enjoy your homemade, festive treats!
Alternate Oven Directions
If you prefer to use a conventional oven, or simply don’t have an air fryer, these puff pastry bunnies bake up just as beautifully. Here’s how:
- Prepare your baking sheet: Place the shaped bunnies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring there is adequate space between each one to allow for even baking and expansion.
- Bake in the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the puff pastry bunnies for 12-15 minutes, or until they are gloriously puffed, golden brown, and cooked through. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
More Bunny Themed Recipes
Looking for more festive and fun recipes to celebrate Easter or spring? Here are some other delightful bunny-themed ideas you might enjoy:
Bunny Butt Cookies: A Hoppy Easter Air Fryer Dessert!
Drunk Bunny Cocktail: Easy 2 Ingredient Easter Drink!
- Chocolate Bunny Drink: A sweet, chocolatey beverage that’s a nod to the classic Easter candy.
- Bunny Mary Cocktail: A fun, festive twist on the traditional Bloody Mary, perfect for an adult Easter brunch.
Recipe FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about making these puff pastry bunnies, along with helpful answers to ensure your baking success:
How To Get Edges To Stick Together?
For this specific puff pastry bunny recipe, you generally shouldn’t need the edges to firmly stick together, especially if you’re careful not to overfill the pastry. The folding method, combined with the baking process, usually seals them adequately for the jam filling.
However, if you are concerned about losing any filling or prefer a more secure seal, you can absolutely use a fork to gently crimp the edges of the dough around the outside. This creates a decorative border and a tighter seal. Alternatively, a very light brush of water on the edges before folding can also help them adhere, but avoid too much moisture which can prevent puffing.
Can I Make Other Shapes?
Absolutely, yes! While bunny shapes are undeniably perfect for Easter or springtime celebrations, the versatility of puff pastry means you can use any cookie cutter you desire. Feel free to get creative and make different shapes, such as festive hearts for Valentine’s Day, stars for patriotic holidays, elegant flowers for a garden party, or even seasonal designs like pumpkins for autumn or Christmas trees for winter festivities.
If you don’t own specific cookie cutters, you can still craft unique shapes by carefully cutting the dough with a sharp knife. Just remember that altering the size and thickness of your pastries may require you to adjust the baking times accordingly. Smaller shapes will cook faster, while larger, thicker ones might need a few extra minutes to achieve that perfect golden crispness.
Are These Gluten-Free And Nut-Free?
Traditional puff pastry is typically made with wheat flour, which means it is not inherently gluten-free. However, for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, there are excellent gluten-free puff pastry alternatives available in many grocery stores. Using a gluten-free puff pastry will make these treats suitable for your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or flakiness.
Regarding nut allergies, most commercially available store-bought puff pastries do not contain nuts as a primary ingredient. Nevertheless, it is always crucial to meticulously check the ingredient labels of all components – including the puff pastry, jam, butter, and any decorative items – for potential cross-contamination warnings if you are preparing these for someone with severe nut allergies. Manufacturer processes can vary, so always err on the side of caution.
Can I Prepare Puff Pastry Bunnies Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! To save time, you can prepare the puff pastry bunnies up to the point of brushing them with butter (or egg wash) and then store them. Place the unbaked, shaped bunnies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, proceed with the air fryer or oven instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Alternatively, you can freeze them unbaked as described in the storage tips, then bake straight from frozen.
Why Didn’t My Puff Pastry Puff Up?
Several factors can prevent puff pastry from achieving its characteristic airy, flaky layers. The most common reasons include:
- Warm Dough: Puff pastry needs to be cold for the butter layers to create steam and lift. If the dough gets too warm during handling, the butter melts prematurely.
- Overworking the Dough: Too much handling or rolling can compress the layers, preventing them from separating and puffing.
- Insufficient Heat: The oven or air fryer not being hot enough can cause the pastry to bake slowly and dry out before it has a chance to fully puff.
- Expired Dough: Always check the expiration date on store-bought puff pastry.
- Overfilling: Too much filling can weigh down the pastry and prevent it from rising properly.
To ensure maximum puff, work quickly with cold dough, avoid excessive rolling, and preheat your appliance thoroughly.
Tips For the Best Puff Pastry Bunnies
Achieving perfectly flaky and adorable puff pastry bunnies is easy with these helpful tips:
- It’s quite normal for a little bit of the filling, especially jam, to leak slightly from the edges during baking. This often adds to their rustic charm and doesn’t affect the taste! If you prefer a more contained look, you can crimp the edges with a fork before baking, but I personally love the uncrimped, organic appearance. To make cleanup easier, especially in an air fryer, consider using perforated parchment paper in the basket.
- If your bunnies happen to come out of the oven or air fryer with an unevenly raised or slightly distorted shape, don’t fret! While they’re still warm and pliable, you can gently push down on the puffed areas with a flat spatula or the back of a spoon. This helps to restore their desired shape a bit. Even if they’re not perfectly symmetrical, they will still be absolutely delicious and disappear quickly!
- Keep the dough cold: Puff pastry performs best when it’s kept cold. This prevents the butter from melting prematurely, which is essential for creating those distinct flaky layers. Work quickly and return the dough to the refrigerator if it starts to get too warm.
- Don’t overfill: While it’s tempting to add a lot of filling, too much can prevent the pastry from puffing up properly and increase the chances of leakage. A thin, even layer is usually sufficient.
- Even thickness: When rolling out the dough (if needed), try to maintain an even thickness. This ensures that all parts of the bunny cook at the same rate and puff up uniformly.
Storage Tips
These delightful puff pastry bunnies can be enjoyed fresh, or prepared in advance and stored to maintain their freshness for later. The best storage method depends on whether they are filled and how long you intend to keep them.
- At Room Temperature: If your puff pastry bunnies are unfilled (e.g., just brushed with butter and sugar) or filled with non-perishable options like cinnamon sugar, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- In The Refrigerator: For bunnies with perishable fillings such as fruit jam, cream cheese, or savory meat/cheese mixtures, it’s best to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh for up to 4 days. To enjoy them with their original crispness, reheat them gently in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and re-crisped.
- In The Freezer: Puff pastry bunnies freeze exceptionally well, both baked and unbaked. To freeze, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until completely solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, air fry or bake the frozen, unbaked pastries directly from the freezer; simply add a few extra minutes to the recommended baking time until golden brown and flaky. Thawed, baked pastries can also be reheated from frozen at 350°F until warm.
More Puff Pastry Treats
If you’ve enjoyed making these puff pastry bunnies, you’ll love exploring other creative and delicious recipes using versatile puff pastry. Here are a couple of ideas for more flaky treats:
Easy Upside Down Peach Puff Pastry in the Air Fryer!
Air Fryer Mini Puff Pastry Christmas Trees: Sweet or Savory
- Bear in a Blanket Recipe: A whimsical and delicious spin on pigs in a blanket, using puff pastry and hot dogs or sausages.
- Air Fryer Puff Pastry Banana: A simple, sweet dessert featuring warm, tender bananas wrapped in flaky puff pastry and air-fried to perfection.
Final Thoughts
These puff pastry bunnies truly are a perfect snack or dessert, depending on your chosen filling, and an absolute must-make for Easter celebrations! Not only are they incredibly adorable with their charming bunny shapes, but they are also wonderfully simple to prepare and undeniably delicious – guaranteed to bring smiles to both kids and adults alike.
Whether you opt for the fun and easy bunny cookie cutters or get creative with simple dough twists to form those iconic ears, crafting these delightful treats is a joyful process. They offer a welcome reprieve when you’re in full Easter preparation mode, juggling other dishes and desserts, providing a quick win that looks impressive with minimal effort.
With their crisp, golden-brown exterior and tender, flaky layers, these puff pastry bunnies are a textural delight. Filled with sweet strawberry jam, rich chocolate, or even a savory ham and cheese combination, they add an extra layer of festive fun to any Easter spread. Embrace the versatility, enjoy the simplicity, and savor every bite of these charming holiday pastries!
Puff Pastry Bunnies (Air Fryer or Oven)
Equipment
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Air Fryer (or oven)
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Measuring cups
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Bunny cookie cutter (optional)
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Pastry brush (or similar)
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Perforated parchment (optional for air fryer; use regular for oven)
Ingredients
- 13 ounce roll puff pastry dough (defrosted if frozen)
- ¼ cup seedless strawberry jam
- 1 Tbsp butter (melted)
- Whipped cream (or other decorations; optional)
Instructions
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Roll out your sheet of puff pastry dough on a flat work surface13 ounce roll puff pastry dough
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To half of the sheet (or one of the sheets if you’re using a 2-pack) spread the strawberry jam out evenly¼ cup seedless strawberry jam
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Fold the other half of the sheet of dough over top (the filling should be sandwiched between two layers of dough). If you’re using two sheets, just place the second sheet over the top
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Use a bunny-shaped cookie cutter of choice to cut the dough out. If you do not have a cookie cutter, make bunny twists by cutting the dough into 1” strips, then make a u shape loop at the bottom, twisting the tops together to look like bunny ears
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Brush the top of the pastry with the melted butter (sprinkle on a little coarse sugar if desired, but this is optional)1 Tbsp butter
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Place into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer, allowing room between each bunny for expansion. Use perforated parchment for easier cleanup, if desired
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Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown
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Cool, then add a dollop of whipped cream for a “bunny tail” or some candy eyes and an icing face to complete the look! Enjoy!Whipped cream
Oven Directions
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Add bunnies to a parchment-lined baking sheet with space between them
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Bake in an oven preheated to 400°F for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown
Notes
- You can also use homemade puff pastry dough, or the larger 2-sheet boxes. The number of bunnies you get will depend on the size of your dough and the size of your cutter (if using)
- Feel free to substitute another flavor of jam instead of strawberry
- Instead of butter, you can also use a beaten egg (to add a golden finish to the dough)
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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