Happy Monday Dear Readers! Are you looking forward to the Easter break as much as I am? In fact it’s all that I can think about this week. Five uninterrupted sanctioned days of eating chocolate and hot cross buns. Which led me to think of other little things that bring on happiness.
To me, small pieces of happiness can be stolen by:
Putting on a vacation auto responder….and putting it on a day early. I’ve been known to do that once or twice when work gets too hectic and I’m frantically trying to get things done before I go away. Last Friday I put on a vacation responder that said “I will not have any mobile phone or email coverage while away…” and it was the Best. Feeling. Ever.
When TheOatmeal.com puts up a new cartoon (see below). Love the Man Hug!
From The Oatmeal’s “6 Types of Crappy Hugs”
Arriving at a taxi, train station or bus stop and seeing your mode of transport pulling up just in time
Getting several green lights in a row when you’re driving and you’re in a hurry
Getting rid of the change in your bulky wallet
The first night sleeping on clean sheets
Turning an ordinary Easter bun into a bunny shaped bun and…people actually recognising a bunny in it!
In terms of food, Easter is of course all about hot cross buns and chocolate although let me be totally honest and tell you that chocolate makes a daily appearance in my life so it’s more of an everyday item. Not so much the hot cross buns which start to creep into the shops around a month or two before Easter. Like seasonal fruit and vegetables I like to look forward to something and whilst I could make these every week of the year there’s something exciting about eating these at the right time.
I decided to make these mocha flavoured and bunny shaped just because I am a little obsessed with making things into animal shapes. You could of course make these are a regular bun shape if you don’t have the will or the way. If you don’t want your children drinking coffee you can use decaffeinated coffee or omit it and add in more milk. The shaping of the bunnies proved to be a test of patience. I made all sorts of creatures before I arrived at something that sort of looked like a bunny (my model was Miffy the bunny without the orange dress). I hope it sort of looks like a bunny! The buns are soft with a sweetness and aromatics from the cinnamon and mocha and thoroughly worth making. And dare I say you could get some pint sized labor involved with the promise of one of these.
And in some very exciting news, I’ve been nominated for an award at the Sydney Writer’s Centre! Thankyou to the wonderful readers that nominated me! I didn’t want to nominate myself as that would have felt very strange so thanks to the magical angels out there that nominated me 
There are loads of great blogs that have been nominated so I might need your help with the people’s choice award. So if you have a spare minute you can vote here (just click on the big “Vote Here” button on the right and the list is sorted alphabetically by blog name) for the People’s Choice award. I’m hot cross bunning my fingers! 
So tell me Dear Reader, what gives you small moments of happiness?
Happy Easter! My new Lindt bunny ears
Mocha Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns
An original recipe by Not Quite Nigella
Makes 16 bunnies (approximately, it depends on the size of your bunnies)
For the bunnies
- 2 tablespoons instant dried yeast
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1.5 cups lukewarm milk
- 1/4 cup espresso coffee
- 4.5 cups plain flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 50g butter melted
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 cups of Hershey’s Cinnamon chips (or 2 cups of white chocolate chips melted with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and chopped up)
For glaze:
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup hot espresso coffee
- 1 teaspoon gelatine or 1/2 gelatine leaf soaked in cold water
For decoration:
- 75grams/2.6 ozs white chocolate
- 25g/1oz dark chocolate
You will also need a cookie cutter like a candy cane or something that has a long rectangular piece so that you can cut out a section between the ears.
Yeast mixture goes from this…
To this! I helped it along by placing it in a bowl of warm water as it was cold on the day that I baked these.
1. Mix yeast, sugar and warm milk in a bowl and stir to remove any lumps. Set aside for 15 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large bowl, or the bowl of your mixer, sift flour and salt. Make a well in the centre and mix in the yeast mixture, butter, egg, cinnamon and one third of the chocolate chips.
3. Knead dough for 5 minutes until elastic and place in a greased bowl covered with cling wrap in a warm area (or sit your bowl in a larger bowl of warm water). Leave for 1 hour to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
4. Using your fist, punch down the dough and add the remaining cinnamon chocolate chips. Knead lightly and divide into 16 balls. Now comes the time to create the bunnies. I made a rectangular shape and then used a candy cane cookie cutter to cut out a space between the ears. The buns will rise and expand so the ears do need to be carefully stretched again prior to baking. I also used a chopstick to place a small depression in the ears . Place quite close together on a lined or greased baking tray. Allow to rise in a warm place for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F.
Testing out the new Nespresso Pixie-cute and small but I still prefer the original Citiz as I lost a couple of capsules that just weren’t punctured properly.
The mocha glaze
5. Bake for 20-30 minutes until done. While it is baking, get the glaze ready. For the glaze, simply mix all three ingredients together shortly before the time is up on the buns.
6. When buns are ready, brush with glaze. I like to do this quite generously and glaze the sides too but this does make them quite sticky to handle.
7. Melt the two chocolates separately in a microwave proof bowl (I do it at 50% power in 60 second bursts) or do it over a double boiler. Spoon into two piping bags fitted with a small plain nozzle or a cone or parchment paper with a small snip at the end. Pipe white chocolate as eyes and then a smile and then the dark chocolate to finish the eyes. When chocolate has set, serve slathered with butter.
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80 Comments | Add your own
These look really cute! Just one question – how long do they keep fresh?
I love your blog, by the way – but I suppose that’s obvious, given that I take the time to read and comment this post
I love those! A great Easter idea. Nice bunny ears, by the way. ;-P
Cheers,
Rosa
Who isn’t looking forward to Easter? 4 day break, guilt-free chocolates, hot cross buns? And now, hot cross bunnies?? LOVE IT! and also laughing at the man hug hahaha so true!
How cute are these? Awwwww. But shouldn’t these be bilbies instead? ;-P
Mocha glazed bunnies! They sound so lovely. I wish they actually sell these!
Awwww, cute! I am looking forward to Easter too – I am spending it with family. There are lots of small things that I get enjoyment out of – I think the sum of the small things is what makes life bearable.
awww these are such a cute Easter treat!! And congrats on the nomination! Well deserved I say!
OMG so cute! And the bunnies that aren’t you are ok too ;p.
The bunnies look gorgeous!
Thanks for the review of the new Pixie.
I am so hanging out for Friday!
SSG xxx
Hot Cross Bunnies!!
Congratulations on the nomination!
You definitely deserve to win.
I can see why you love to make animal shaped food. They’re so cute!
How adorable! I made some normal hot cross buns the other day and they were a hit -I think making them into animal shapes would make them more popular!
- Finding the perfect gift for someone in 5 minutes flat.
- Eating the first chocolate in the box (lots of choices.)
- Eating the last chocolate in the box (can never believe my luck.
Happy Easter everyone!!
(\___/)
(=’.'=)
(“)_(“)
These are so cute Lorraine! We’ll be away for Easter, so I’m dedicting the next three days to stuffing my face full of hot cross buns. Oh, and congratuations on the nomination! I voted for you! x
What gives small amounts of happiness is making a recipe that you have never made before and it works out better than expected.
Sooo cuuute! Hot cross bunnies! Hot cross bunnies! One a penny, two a penny, hot cross bunnies!
The Man Hug cartoon made me laugh. It’s quite a close depiction of how guys hug.
I think these hot cross bunnies are enough to make anyone’s day. They look really lovely! It’s been a while since I had hot cross buns, and these certainly inspires me to make some too!
Voting done! Good Luck and Happy Easter!
That coffee and a big chunk out of bunny’s head would be good right about now.
Great Pics.
Oh yum! I am so going to try these over Easter!
Those hot cross bunnies are adorable! I’ve never made hot cross buns flavored like this before, but I want to try them, especially with the cute shape. The fact that I have no work this week makes me very happy right now!
I tried mocha hot cross buns for the first time the other day and they are amazing!! I was really surprised as I normally stick to the traditional variety. p.s. nice cleavage shot ;P
I wonder if these taste similar to the Baker’s Delight mocha buns which are delicious (which reminds me – must get some more today!)
Voted for you BTW
Voting accomplished! Fingers crossed! And, no, I did not vote for anyone else!!
I must be the only one of your bloggers who will not be having a Hot Cross Bun of any kind! Now chocolate is another matter!!
Things which make me feel good – blossoms opening on one of my trees or bushes; small baby giving me a smile and hold-on; a puppy or puss deciding I am the greatest thing since freshly baked bread; a recipe which has really worked – and, definitely fresh sheets in the bed and me + fave mag/book ready to settle into it!
Lorraine these hot cross bunnies are so cute!! What a sweet way to brighten my Monday
thank you! I’m jealous of your Lindy bunny ears too! I am so excited for the Easter break (oooh to cook lots & finish unpacking……bliss). That will bring me many moments of happiness 
Heidi xo
Cute! I’d absolutely eat these =)
Good luck with the Best Aust Blog, voted!
Your hot cross bunnies look fabulous! If only my oven was working so i could give them a try.
Congrats on the nomination… i voted for you ofcourse!
Ooooh I’ve never had a mocha hot cross bun before… they look delish. I think I’m in for a very gluttonous Easter!
Too cute – and cinnamon chip filled… yum!
Those bunnies look so cute and love the coffee addition. I love sleeping on fresh bed sheets as well. Congrats on the writing nomination. I have just voted for you!
Your bunny buns are adorable:)
I voted!
I say a nice bit of cleavage in the photo!!! Your hubby is so cheeky sneaking it in there…
Good luck with the votes.
Favourite simple things that make me happy…
- watching the creases disappear under the hot iron;
- folding clean clothes that have dried overnight in fresh air – the smell and the slight stiffness are brilliant;
- being out and coming home to find that i did remember to set the timer and that show i wanted to see got taped!
- successfully opening a very tight lid of any jar by myself;
- my 2 year old daughter falling asleep in minutes when i feared she might take ages;
- catching something on the stove BEFORE it boils over and mucks up the pot and the stovetop;
- coming to water my plants and seeing a flower on a plant that i’ve had for 10 years and that never produced flowers before;
- having my hair washed by someone else;
- a foot rub at the end of the day;
there are many many more but i won’t bore you!
Love your dress and that adorable little pink basket!
haha loove the oatmeal
Super cute. I always say I will make hot crossed something, but never manage to get around to it. perhaps this year is the year.
Haha they look fantastic Lorraine! And I love the cartoon!!
cute bunnies – and nice list of happiness – even reading it makes me feel happy because it reminds me of good things in life – my contribution to your list is punching down risen dough – it always means that the dough has risen if I can punch it down and it is so satisfying to hear the air escape
Oh my gosh, those are too cute!!! They sound delicious too, I love the mocha glaze. Yum!
omg they are adorable!!! i was about to make hot cross buns this year but got too lazy.
Love the Miffy easter buns, FIVE DAY LONG WEEKEND, woohooooooo!
These are so cute!
I agree with all your “happy moments” especially the clean sheet
Good luck with the awards, I will be heading over to vote!
Those are seriously sweet bunnies!
I like your clean sheets comment, I almost don’t want to sleep in them just to make the feeling last longer.
A bit of whimsy makes me feel happy, something unexpected or a bit bizarre that pops up unexpectedly, even if it’s a splash of colour somewhere it shouldn’t be.
Happy Easter, and good eating!
Only four days to Easter, Lorraine – people are SO busy and ‘distrait’ – why don’t you remind bloggers, each and every one of whom would vote for you, that the said voting IS ON! Readers can scroll past in a hurry for the pics/recipes and truly not notice! Look at the nos for the Ferrero comp!
They are so cute! I love hot cross buns.
ps I voted for you too!
Love the ears! Both on you and the hot cross buns.
The man hug is hilarious and the hot cross bunnies.. genius!
What gives me a little moment of happiness is that photo of you with the bunny ears!
Too too cute – the You Bunny and the Bun Bunnies both! I’ve never been a big hot cross bun person because of the mixed peel element, but I doubt I could resist these little fellas
These look great – I am actually going to have a go (minus the rabbit shape).
I have already cast my vote for you. Good luck and have a great Easter.
Those are darling, Lorraine, and definitely look like bunnies!
My small moments of happiness this weekend were sunshine, walk in the woods, and dark chocolate from Germany. 
Your bunny buns are SO cute hehe! And so are your Lindt bunny ears
I also love the first night on clean sheets. Arriving home to my cats (and husband!) makes me happy as well.
Congratulations on your nomination!
These look awesome! I am going to have to try these over the long weekend! I even have a bag of cinnamon chips in my cupboard just waiting to be used!
I voted for you.
Ah, cinnamon and coffee sounds lovely, and the bunnies are awfully cute!
Ohhh these look so cute! Both my little girls ADORE Miffy! What a great idea! You’ve got my vote Lorraine!
Yummy bunnies, you’re too clever Lorraine!
What makes me happy……….Food of course
Oh I want some Lindt ears! I think you already know little things make me happy. But a really big thing (like winning the lotto – mind out of the gutter) would make me even happier…
Yummy, Yummy, Yummy… Im craving some bunny in my tummy! These are adorable Miss NQN. Love them, not really a HXBun fan, but these are too cute and defo worth a munch.
Have a wonderful Easter lovely.
Just finished voting, for you of course! Your hot cross buns are adorable. I think it is great that you find so many little things in your day that bring you joy: it is the key to happiness.
Adorable!
What a great idea. Animal shaped food makes it just that bit more exciting. I agree, although I could have them every day, they’re so much better if you save up and have them just at Easter.
Adorable bunny ears on you and munchy-scrumptious-looking mocha buns! Hope you don’t mind if I try the recipe because my sister’s screaming at me to bake them!
My small moments include many things but tonight – good tv, tummy full, freshly washed hair and soft warm pjs.
Hi Korlin-Thanks so much! I froze the rest of them so that I could have one a day. I think they would only last 2-3 days as they don’t have any preservatives in them
Thankyou so much Korlin! 
Hi Rosa-Thanks very much Rosa!
Hi catty-hehe I’ve witnessed so many man hugs just like that
Hi Joey-Thanks! Hehe no they are bunnies!
Hi Michelle-Thanks Michelle! Me too!
Hi Cakelaw-Sounds like you’re going to have a lovely easter
Absolutely, lots of little joys are fantastic! 
Hi Lisa-Thanks Lisa!
Hi Xiaolu-Hahaha thankyou!
Hi Sydney Shop Girl-Thanks SSG, are you thinking of getting one? If you have room I’d recommend the Citiz
me too! xxx
Hi Theresa-Hehe yes!
Hi Apple-aww shucks thankyou Apple!
Hehe I know, it’s an addiction 
Hi Lucy-yours looked great! Well done on those1
Hi Mary-haha I love that cute bunny that you drew!
happy easter!
Hi Loll-Thanks Loll!
Oh good on you! Thanks so much for your vote! 
x
Hi jenny-Absolutely here here!
Hi Celia-haha I had almost forgotten about that rhyme!
Hi Kayla-hehe totally right!
Thankyou! I love making them 
Hi Em-Thankyou so much Em and Happy Easter to you!
Hi Noelene-haha poor bunny! Thankyou!
Hi Leah-Oh cool! I hope you like them!
Hi Betty-Thankyou!
they’re quite easy I promise 
Haha now that would definitely make one happy! 
Hi muppy-Aren’t they great, especially with a coffee!
Haha now I tried to cover that up!
Hi Christine-I hope they do!
Thankyou so much Christine! 
Hi EHA-thanks Eha, you are too kind!
hehe well good to hear that you will have chocolate 
Aww these are a great list! 
Hi Heidi-Thanks Heidi!
I have t admit that I love faux ears-my Bambi ears are a favourite too 
How wonderful! Have a great Easter! xxx
Hi mashi-YAY cool! Thankyou so much Mashi!
Hi Veronica-Thankyou! Oh no what a shame about your still still not working
Sorry to hear that! Thankyou so much Veronica! 
Hi Keely-They’re kind of like dipping a chocolatey hot cross bun in coffee!
Hehe fabulous!
Hi Tina-Thanks Tina!
Hi Susan-Thankyou!
Isn’t it the best feeling? I read that Oprah gets her sheets changed every second day! 
Thankyou so much for your vote! 
Hi Sue-Aww shucks thankyou Sue!
Hi ann-haha oh dear, the dress honestly does not look that cleavagey in real life!
Thankyou! I love your list! 
Hi Christine-Thanks Christine! Hehe he is hilarious isn’t he?
Hi Gastronomy Gal-Thankyou!
Hehe buying or eating, it’s all good! 
Hi Maria-Thanks!
I went through the whole site one night 
Hi Johanna-haha I love that feeling of punching down dough! It feels so good!
Hi Eva-Thanks Eva! I ate far too many of these
Hi sugarpuffi-Thankyou!
Hehe there’s still a bit more time! 
Hi YaYa-I know, how good is that?
Hi GourmetGetaways-Isn’t it bliss?
Oh cool! 
Hi InTolerantChef-Thankyou Rebecca!
I know, if only we could get the clean sheet feeling every day! 
Happy Easter to you and your family!
Hi EHA-I shall thankyou Eha for the reminder and thought!
I know, that competition went wild! 
Hi Camilla-Thanks Camilla and thankyou for voting for me too!
Hi Carolyn-hehe why thankyou!
Hi zenchef-Isn’t it funny-and so true!
Aww thankyou so much! 
Hi Hannah-Thankyou darling! Hehe yes the mixed peel really divides people doesn’t it! But no peel here!
Hi Glenda-Oh cool! I hope you like them!
Thankyou so much Glenda! Happy Easter to you!:D
Hi Krista-Thanks Krista!
Phew I’m so relieved! 
That sounds beautiful!
Hi Chanel-Why thankyou Chanel!
Haha I love faux ears 
I’m off to change the sheets right now! Aww that sounds like a gorgeous welcome 
Thankyou!
Hi Sian-Thanks Sian!
Oooh what perfect timing!
Hi Debra-Thankyou Debra!
Hi Arwen-What more could one ask for huh?
Thanks!
Hi Manu-Thankyou! Aww I hope they like them! Thankyou so much Manu!
Hi Matilda-hehe thanks, I just love the animals
Oooh good choice! 
Hi Bronnie-Aren’t they great? Haha I didn’t go there until you mentioned it!
Hi Anna-Thanks lovely Anna! Oh no really? Is it because of the mixed peel bit? A wonderful Easter to you and your family!
Hi Nuts about food-Aww thanks darling!
Thankyou! I am hopelessly optimistic I have to say 
Hi Hanna-Thankyou!
Hi Claire-Thanks Claire!
I know, it gives you something to look forward to which is a good thing 
Hi Midge-Thankyou!
Of course not, please go ahead! 
Hi Shan-Sounds like an excellent night! I love the feeling of clean hair too and having a good show to watch!
Awe they are so cute.
Precious!
These are just so cute !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I shgould have seen this before I made my hot cross buns, there is always next year!!
Hot cross bunnies… that would make any kid smile… ever so cute. You know, I’ve never made hot cross buns… this would be a fun starting point, eh?? Here’s to turning off all devices and pretending it’s 1990 again!
I don’t think it’s possible for bunny buns to come any cuter!
I used to make animal-shaped breads for my daughter, when she was little. I still do.
The mothering never really stops.
Happy Easter Lorraine!
Aww I love Miffy! I still have the Miffy blanket I used when I was a baby. Yours are very cute!
Oh. My. Gosh.
Those look Out of This World!
Soooooooo delish, especially with a hot, strong cuppa latte.
Congrats on your award.
You deserve it.
You have the entire package.
And if you weren’t so nice, I’d be jealous as hell.
Happy Easter.
L. could I put your badge on the front page of my blog?
if so, email me xxx kiss
The bunnies are adorable! Yes it’s recognizable
Love the wire basket you got there, just perfect for Easter! Have a great vacation and don’t you dare sneak peek into your mail box ya!~
This is such a happy post! I love your bunny ears too
Things that make me happy…a) being with my friends b) lying on freshly cut grass c) reading blog posts with cute designs (this post included!) 
Adorable Bun-nies! I am so making these for my family get together. My cousins and family friends all get together on Good Fri to colour eggs together. Last year we did 40 dozen! yup 480 eggs. Granted there are about 20 kids. We have to rent a hall for it too. I am sure a double batch of these will be popular!
Oh and I voted for you!
Love the bunnies! I like the idea of a chocolate chip/espresso flavoured hot cross bun – if I get a chance I’ll definitely try making these this weekend.
I finally got around to using my bag of cinnamon chips! And mine were in easter buns too =)
These are way too cute to be eaten!! I do love the mocha buns from Baker’s Delight.
Great post!
It is nice to be able to put a face on this blog. Also, the Man Hug cartoon was funny and I must that it is actually true.
Thanks for sharing!
Oh I am definitely making these now! ^^
Ps. Love your dress! Where’s it from?
i love the oatmeal–it depicts my thoughts and feelings about so many sensitive subjects!
clever twist on the good ol’ hot cross buns (which is, incidentally, the only song i can play on the recorder…).
So cute and I bet they taste good. Good luck for the comp
These are adorable Lorraine. It’s always the littlest things that are the most memorable
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