Cheese Bunny Breadsticks (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Dough

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
03 - 1 cup warm water (110°F)
04 - 1 teaspoon sugar
05 - 1 teaspoon salt
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ For Filling and Decoration

07 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
08 - 1 egg (for egg wash)
09 - Sesame seeds (for sprinkling on top)

# Instructions:

01 - Let's start by waking up our yeast! In a small bowl, pour in your cup of warm water - it should feel like warm bath water, around 110°F. If it's too hot, you'll kill the yeast, and if it's too cold, they'll stay sleepy. Stir in that teaspoon of sugar (yeast loves sugar - it's their favorite food!), then sprinkle your yeast over the top. Now let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets all foamy and frothy. That bubbling action is how you know your yeast is alive and ready to help your dough rise!
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine your flour and salt, then add the olive oil. Make a little well in the center - think of it as a cozy pool for your yeast mixture. Pour your now-frothy yeast water into this well and start stirring everything together. As the mixture comes together, it'll form a shaggy dough. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll up your sleeves - it's kneading time! Work that dough for about 5-7 minutes, pushing and folding it until it becomes smooth and elastic. When you poke it with your finger, it should slowly spring back - that's when you know it's ready!
03 - Grab a clean bowl and give it a light coating of oil. Place your beautiful ball of dough inside, then cover it with a damp kitchen towel. Find a nice warm spot in your kitchen for it to rest - near a sunny window or on top of a just-barely-warm oven works great. Let it hang out there for about 30 minutes, during which time it should double in size. It's like magic watching it grow! This rising time is what gives your breadsticks that light, airy texture that makes them so irresistible.
04 - Once your dough has doubled in size, it's time to punch it down (gently, of course) to release the air bubbles. Now divide it into 12 equal pieces - I find it easiest to first cut it in half, then each half into 6 pieces. Roll each piece into a long, thin rope, about 8-10 inches long. Now for the fun part - let's make our bunny shapes! Fold each rope in half, then twist the two strands together, leaving a little loop at the top. Split the top loop to create two pointy ears. Arrange your bunny shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between them as they'll expand while baking.
05 - Now let's make these bunnies extra special with a surprise inside! Take your shredded mozzarella and tuck small portions into the center of each bunny breadstick. You can gently lift parts of the dough or create small pockets to nestle the cheese inside. Don't worry if it's not perfect - as the breadsticks bake, the cheese will melt into delicious little pockets throughout the dough.
06 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you finish preparing your bunnies. Beat your egg in a small bowl to create an egg wash, then use a pastry brush to gently coat each bunny breadstick. This will give them that beautiful golden-brown shine when baked. Sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for that perfect finishing touch and added texture. The seeds also help create the illusion of a bunny's furry coat!
07 - Slide your tray of bunny breadsticks into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them - you're looking for a lovely golden-brown color. Your kitchen will start to fill with the most amazing fresh-baked bread smell! Once they're done, take them out and let them cool on the baking sheet for just a few minutes. The cheese inside will be molten hot at first, so giving them a brief cooling period makes them easier (and safer) to handle.
08 - These adorable bunny breadsticks are best served while still warm, when the cheese inside is all gooey and stretchy. They make a perfect accompaniment to soups or pasta dishes, or just enjoy them on their own as a fun snack or appetizer. Kids and adults alike will be delighted by both their cute appearance and delicious taste! If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will), store them in an airtight container and reheat briefly in the oven to restore their freshness.

# Notes:

01 - These adorable Cheesy Bunny Breadsticks are perfect for Easter gatherings, spring celebrations, or anytime you want to add a touch of whimsy to your meal.
02 - The dough can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator - just let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping the bunnies.
03 - Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for additional flavor variations.
04 - For a fun activity with kids, let them help shape their own bunny breadsticks - they'll love being part of the creative process!

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