If you’re looking for a super cute yet easy to make treat for Easter, then you’ll love these puff pastry bunnies! I make them in my air fryer since it’s quick, but the oven works as well. My favorite part is that you can customize them with all sorts of fillings!
What Are Puff Pastry Bunnies?
Puff pastry bunnies are adorable, flaky pastries shaped like bunnies, made using pre-made (or homemade) puff pastry dough. They can be either sweet or savory, depending on the filling or toppings used!
Simply add the fillings to the dough, and then either cut into strips and twist, or use a cookie cutter to make fun bunny shapes perfect for Easter. The kids can totally help with this part!
I bake mine in the air fryer since it’s quick and easy, but the oven works as well if you don’t have one. They’re a perfect snack that’s easy to throw together, tasty, and great for kids and adults alike. Plus, there’s so many ways to customize them (more below about that)!
Katie’s tip
If you’re interested in an easy and delicious no bake dessert for Easter, then you don’t want to miss my Mini Egg Fudge!
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Ingredients List
- 13-oz sheet puff pastry dough (defrosted if frozen)
- ¼ cup seedless strawberry jam
- 1 Tbsp butter, melted
- Whipped cream (optional)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can also use homemade puff pastry dough, or the larger 2-sheet boxes (like Pepperidge Farms). 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 (it’s just perfect for spring)!
- Instead of butter, you can also use a beaten egg (this is just to add a golden finish to the dough). Feel free to sprinkle a little sugar too, but I think it’s sweet enough with the jam
- I use whipped cream to add bunny “tails” to the finished treats, but it’s optional. You can also add candy eyes, icing facial features, or finish with a dusting of powdered sugar
More Sweet Filling Variations
- Plain with Sugar – Simply brushed with egg wash and sprinkled with sugar before baking
- Chocolate-Filled – Filled with chocolate spread (like Nutella) or chips before being baked
- Cream Cheese or Custard – A rich and creamy filling can be added for a more decadent treat!
- Icing Decorated – Once baked, they can be drizzled with icing or frosting
- Cinnamon Sugar – Add about 1 Tbsp each of sugar and cinnamon inside the dough (plus a little more on top if desired)
- Fresh Fruit – Bake plain, then split the pastry open and add fresh berries (such as strawberries or blueberries) along with whipped cream, if desired
Savory Filling Options
- Cheese & Herb – Filled with shredded cheese, garlic, and herbs
- Ham & Cheese – A classic combination of deli ham and melty cheese inside
- Spinach & Feta – Inspired by spanakopita, using spinach and feta cheese
- Egg & Bacon – A great breakfast option with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon (make sure to pre-cook the bacon here)
Step By Step Instructions
- Roll out your sheet of puff pastry dough on a flat work surface
- To half of the sheet (or one of the sheets if you’re using a 2-pack) spread the strawberry jam out evenly. Tip: warm it in the microwave for 15 seconds to loosen if it you’re having trouble spreading it
- Fold the other half of the sheet of dough over top (so the filling is sandwiched in between two layers of dough). If you’re using two sheets, just place the second sheet over the top
- 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
- Brush the top of the pastry with the melted butter (sprinkle on a little coarse sugar if desired, but this is optional)
- Place into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer, allowing room between each bunny for expansion. I like to use perforated parchment for easier cleanup, but it’s not strictly required
- Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown
- Cool, then add a dollop of whipped cream for a “bunny tail” or some candy eyes and icing face to complete the look! Enjoy!
Alternate Oven Directions
- Add bunnies to a parchment paper lined baking sheet with space between them
- Bake in an oven preheated to 400°F for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown
- Chocolate Bunny Drink
- Bunny Mary Cocktail
Recipe FAQs
How To Get Edges To Stick Together?
You shouldn’t need the edges to stick together for this particular recipe, so long as you’re not overfilling the pastry.
However, you can use a fork to crimp the edges around the outside to seal them if you’re worried about losing filling!
Can I Make Other Shapes?
Yes! While bunny shapes are perfect for Easter or springtime, you can use any cookie cutter to create different shapes, such as hearts, stars, flowers, or even seasonal designs like pumpkins or Christmas trees.
If you don’t have cookie cutters, you can carefully cut out shapes with a knife. Just be sure to adjust baking times for different sizes.
Are These Gluten-Free And Nut-Free?
Traditional puff pastry is made with wheat flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can use a gluten-free puff pastry alternative to make them suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Most store-bought puff pastries do not contain nuts, but always check ingredient labels for possible cross-contamination if you’re making these for someone with nut allergies.
Tips For the Best Puff Pastry Bunnies
- It’s normal for the filling to leak slightly. You can crimp the edges if you prefer (though I like the uncrimped look here). Feel free to add perforated parchment to your air fryer’s basket to help with cleanup!
- If your bunnies come out unevenly raised, gently push down with a flat spatula while they’re still warm and you can generally restore the shape a bit (but they’re delicious anyway)!
Storage Tips
Puff pastry bunnies can be stored at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or frozen, depending on how long you want to keep them fresh.
- At Room Temperature – If unfilled (or if you used cinnamon sugar), they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent sogginess
- In The Refrigerator – If your bunnies have a filling (like cream cheese, jam, or meat), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to restore crispness if desired
- In The Freezer – To freeze, place the baked or unbaked bunnies on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Air fry or bake frozen unbaked pastries straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time!
- Bear in a Blanket Recipe
- Air Fryer Puff Pastry Banana
Final Thoughts
These puff pastry bunnies are a perfect snack or dessert (depending what you fill them with) that’s perfect for Easter! Not only are they adorable, but they’re simple and delicious – kids and adults alike enjoy them!
Whether you use bunny cookie cutters or just make some simple twists, it’s easy to make these adorable snacks, and always a welcome reprieve when I’m in full-on Easter mode preparing the rest of the food and treats!
Puff pastry bunnies are crisp on the outside, flakey, and perfect filled with sweet fruit or savory options to add a little extra Easter fun!
Puff Pastry Bunnies (Air Fryer or Oven)
Equipment
- Air Fryer (or oven)
- Bunny cookie cutter (optional)
- Pastry brush (or similar)
- 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
- Roll out your sheet of puff pastry dough on a flat work surface13 ounce roll puff pastry dough
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown
- 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
- Add bunnies to a parchment-lined baking sheet with space between them
- 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
