About the Recipe
There’s something truly special about homemade Zopf—the soft, buttery Swiss bread that’s a staple at many breakfast tables. Traditionally braided, Zopf is known for its rich flavor and pillowy texture. But did you know this versatile dough can be shaped into more than just a loaf? Just like Grittibänz, the classic Swiss bread figures made during the holiday season, this recipe transforms Zopf dough into adorable animal-shaped rolls, making it the perfect festive bake for Easter brunch!
Whether you shape them into hedgehogs, bunnies, lambs, or little chicks, these charming bread rolls bring a playful touch to the table. They’re not just fun to make—especially with kids—but they also taste just as delicious as the traditional loaf. Soft, slightly sweet, and golden brown, they’re a joy to bake and an even bigger joy to eat.
This recipe follows the traditional method of making Zopf but with a whimsical twist. Each roll is shaped by hand, decorated with simple details, and baked until golden perfection. Serve them warm with a spread of butter and jam, or enjoy them as part of a festive Easter brunch. However you choose to shape them, these little breads will surely bring smiles to the table.
So, grab your scissors, get creative, and let’s make some delightful animal-shaped Zopf rolls!
*For more fun Easter recipes check out my FREE downloadable e-book A Taste of Easter.
A Fun Take on a Classic – This recipe is based on Swiss Zopf, a beloved bread with a rich, buttery flavor and soft texture. Instead of a braid, you get adorable animal-shaped rolls!
Perfect for Easter Brunch – These charming little breads are a delightful way to bring extra joy to your Easter table. Kids (and adults!) will love them.
Customizable Shapes – Whether you go for hedgehogs, bunnies, lambs, or even little chicks, you can get creative and make each roll unique!
Soft, Fluffy, and Buttery – This dough bakes up into a light, airy bread that pairs beautifully with butter, jam, or even a dusting of powdered sugar.
Kid-Friendly and Fun to Make – Shaping the dough, snipping little details, and adding eyes is a great way to get kids involved in baking!
A Touch of Tradition – These rolls are inspired by Grittibänz, the Swiss holiday bread figures, making them perfect for Easter or any festive occasion.
Make It Your Own – Add a touch of cinnamon, orange zest, or even some raisins in the dough for a personalized flavor twist.
What You'll Love
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight. In the morning, bring it to room temperature, shape the animals, and let them rise again before baking.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Absolutely! If using instant yeast, you can skip the activation step and mix it directly with the flour. Use 5 g (1 ¾ tsp) of instant yeast instead of 10 g of active dry yeast.
Do I have to shape them into hedgehogs? Not at all! This dough is very versatile—you can shape it into bunnies, chicks, lambs, bears, or any other fun Easter-inspired animal.
What if I don’t have a pastry brush for the egg wash? You can use a piece of paper towel, the back of a spoon, or even your fingertips to gently coat the dough with the egg wash.
How do I store these after baking? These little breads are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days. If they start to dry out, warm them slightly in the oven before serving.
Can I freeze the shaped dough before baking? Yes! After shaping the rolls, place them on a tray in the freezer. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise at room temperature before baking as usual.
Frequently asked Questions
Ingredints Explained
Ingredients
Dough:
50 g (3.5 tbsp) butter, melted
300 ml (1 ¼ cups) milk
500 g (4 cups) flour
1 - 1 ½ tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar (optional)
10 g (3 ⅓ tsp) active dry yeast
10 g (2 tsp) sugar (to activate the yeast)
Egg Wash:
1 egg yolk
1 tbsp milk
+ a pinch of sugar for the egg wash
Preparation
Prepare the Dough:
Melt the butter in the microwave.
In a seperate bowl, warm up the milk slightly—do not let it get too hot (should be just warm to the touch).
Add the active dry yeast and 10g of sugar to the bowl of warm milk. Stir and let sit 10 minutes or so until it starts to foam.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt and 2 tablespoons of sugar (if you want the breads to be lightly sweetened). Make a well in the center and pour in the active dry yeast milk mixture along. Mix everything together. Knead until you get a smooth, soft dough.
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Tip:Since I live in a cooler climate, I like to place my bowl in the oven (make sure it is off) with the oven light turned on. This gives just the right amount of warmth to help my dough rise.
After 45 minutes, knead the dough again—this helps create smaller air pockets, which will make the animal shapes rise more evenly.
Shape the Rolls:
Divide the dough into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an oval shape, tapering one end slightly to form the “face” of the hedgehog (or any other animal shape you’d like). Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Add the Details:
Use scissors to make two small cuts for the eyes. In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk with 1 tbsp milk and a pinch of sugar. Brush this mixture over each roll. Press currants or raisins deep into the eye slits to create eyes.
Tip: I use small sewing scissors as the tips are small, sharp and precise.
Use scissors to snip small cuts along the back of each roll to form the hedgehog’s spines. If making other animals, adjust the cuts to match your design. Let them rest for another 20 minutes to rise again.
Tip: Make sure your cuts are deep enough. The dough will rise again during baking and if your slits are not deep enough the details may get lost.
Bake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C)
Bake in the center of the oven for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Enjoy these adorable bread rolls as a fun baking project for Easter or a cute addition to any meal!
