Soft, buttery sugar cookies shaped like adorable bunnies? Yes, please! These Easter Bunny Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat for spring, whether you’re baking with kids, filling up Easter baskets, or just celebrating the season with something sweet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Foolproof Dough: This sugar cookie dough rolls out beautifully without sticking or crumbling.
- Perfectly Soft & Chewy: With just the right balance of butter and sugar, these cookies stay soft while holding their shape.
- Kid-Friendly: Let the little ones help with the rolling, cutting, and decorating—the best part!
- Great for Gifting: Package these up for Easter baskets or springtime goodie bags.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter ensures a smooth, creamy dough.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies while helping them hold their shape.
- Egg: Binds everything together and keeps the cookies tender.
- Vanilla & almond extract: A flavorful duo that makes these cookies irresistibly delicious.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the dough—be sure to measure it correctly for the best texture.
- Baking powder: Provides a slight lift, keeping cookies light yet sturdy.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Pro Tip:
If you like a hint of lemon, add a teaspoon of lemon zest—it gives the cookies a bright, springy flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the dough: Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies keep their shape.
- Roll & cut: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thick. Use a bunny-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies.
- Bake: Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden.
- Cool completely: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Decorate: Use royal icing, buttercream, or simply dust with powdered sugar for a delicate finish.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t skip chilling: This prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
- Keep it even: Roll out the dough evenly to ensure consistent baking.
- Soft or crisp? For softer cookies, bake just until the edges are set. For a crispier texture, bake a minute longer.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Chocolate Lovers: Dip half of each bunny in melted chocolate for a decadent touch.
- Pastel Perfection: Tint your icing in soft spring colors and decorate with sprinkles.
- Cookie Sandwiches: Spread buttercream or Nutella between two cookies for a fun twist.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to a month.
How do I store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I use a different shape?
Of course! This dough works beautifully with any cookie cutter shape.
📌 Recipe Card
Easter Bunny Sugar Cookies
Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Chill Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Wrap and chill dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thick.
- Cut shapes, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Cool completely before decorating as desired.
I hope you give these Easter Bunny Sugar Cookies a try! They’re such a fun and festive way to celebrate the season. If you bake them, be sure to leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram with #TheKitchensAid—I’d love to see your creations!