Chocolate Bunny Bread

[Kitchen Witch]

Chocolate Bunny Bread


DOUGH
2/3 cup milk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons butter or margarine -- cut up
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 cups bread flour
1/3 cup sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon Fleischmann's® Bread Machine Yeast
1/4 cup milk chocolate chips
OR
1/4 cup peanut butter chips

DECORATIONS -- (optional)
Jelly beans
Decorating icing
Carrot

Dough can be prepared in all-size bread machines.

To make dough: Measure milk, egg, butter, vanilla, salt, bread flour, sugar, cocoa and yeast into bread machine pan in the order suggested by manufacturer. Process on dough/manual cycle.

When cycle is complete, remove dough to floured surface. If necessary, knead in additional flour to make dough easy to handle. Divide dough in half.

For body, knead chocolate morsels into 1 half; form into ball. Place on bottom end of greased large baking sheet; flatten to make 5-inch round.

For head, remove 1/3 of remaining half; form into ball. Place on pan above body; flatten slightly, pinching to attach. For nose, pinch off 1/2-inch ball from remaining dough; place on center of head.

Divide remaining dough into 4 equal pieces; roll each to form 5-inch rope. For arms, arrange 2 ropes across body; attach by tucking one end of each under body. Shape remaining ropes into ears; arrange above head. Attach by tucking one end of each under head. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 30 to 45 minutes.

Bake at 350ºF for 35 to 40 minutes or until done, covering with aluminum foil after 15 minutes to prevent excess browning. Remove from pan; cool on wire rack. Decorate as desired.



NOTES : Raisins can be substituted for milk chocolate morsels, if desired.