Easter Bunny Button Cookies are the ultimate festive treat, each bite bringing a playful mix of buttery softness and chocolatey bursts in pastel colors. With just a handful of familiar pantry staples and a dash of creativity, you’ll whisk together cookies that are almost too cute to eat—almost! Whether you’re baking with kids, celebrating spring, or adding a sweet touch to your Easter spread, this recipe guarantees smiles and a little extra magic on your dessert table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for Easter Bunny Button Cookies is as simple as it is satisfying. Every component adds its own special charm, making each cookie a delightful blend of taste, texture, and color that spells pure homemade joy.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The creamy base for soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies—be sure it’s room temperature for the best result.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps achieve that perfect golden bite.
- Large egg (1): Adds richness and helps hold everything together for sturdy yet tender cookies.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Layers in warmth and depth, turning simple ingredients into classic cookie magic.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The structure-building foundation for perfect shape and chew.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives your cookies a gentle lift so they don’t get too dense.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch brightens all the flavors and keeps sweetness in check.
- Pastel candy-coated chocolate buttons (1 cup): These gems (think M&Ms or similar) bring pops of color and irresistible chocolate at the center of every cookie.
How to Make Easter Bunny Button Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Trays
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfectly golden bottoms. Having everything ready before you start mixing means you can move quickly and keep the dough from getting too warm.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale yellow. This step is key to super-tender Easter Bunny Button Cookies, so don’t rush it—a hand mixer or stand mixer works wonders.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined, scraping down the sides as needed. The mixture should look smooth and slightly glossy, hinting at melt-in-your-mouth cookies to come.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening is evenly distributed, giving every cookie the right lift and tenderness.
Step 5: Mix the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredient mix to the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything comes together into a soft, slightly sticky dough. Be careful not to overmix—stir until the flour disappears for the most delicate crumb.
Step 6: Shape and Decorate
Scoop out tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls, placing each about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Flatten gently with your palm, then press 2 to 3 pastel candy-coated buttons right into the center of each. This is where the cookies get their signature Easter Bunny Button Cookies personality!
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers are still soft and pale. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes to finish setting, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can wait that long!).
How to Serve Easter Bunny Button Cookies
Garnishes
For a little extra sparkle, try dusting your Easter Bunny Button Cookies with a sprinkle of sanding sugar or edible glitter while they’re still slightly warm. If you tinted the dough, a finishing touch of white chocolate drizzle takes the charm to a whole new level.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside a fresh fruit salad or with a cold glass of milk. For a festive gathering, set a platter of cookies beside bowls of pastel candies or chocolate eggs to create a vibrant Easter table spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack cookies in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for adorable edible gifts. Arrange them on a decorative platter in a bunny shape, or nestle them around a centerpiece of spring flowers. For a playful party, serve them in egg cartons as a “cookie hunt” for kids to enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Easter Bunny Button Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh, soft, and colorful for up to five days. Layer parchment between them to protect the candy buttons and preserve the festive look.
Freezing
Freeze completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. For best results, place parchment between layers to prevent sticking. You can also freeze unbaked cookie dough balls (without candy buttons) and add the buttons just before baking.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-from-the-oven softness, warm a few cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. If reheating from frozen, let them thaw on the counter and then pop in a low oven for a couple of minutes to refresh their texture.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, if you use salted butter, simply reduce the added salt by half to avoid over-salting your Easter Bunny Button Cookies. The result will still be rich and delicious.
Do I have to use candy-coated chocolate buttons, or can I substitute other candies?
You can swap in chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, or any other small, colorful candy. The classic look and chewy bite, however, come from those pastel candy buttons that make these truly “Easter Bunny Button Cookies.”
Can I tint the cookie dough for extra color?
Absolutely! Mix a drop or two of pastel food coloring into the dough before shaping to add a whimsical, spring-inspired twist that pairs beautifully with the candies.
Are these cookies safe for kids with nut allergies?
The base recipe contains no nuts, but always check your candy-coated chocolate buttons, as some varieties are produced in facilities with nuts. Choose nut-free brands if allergies are a concern.
How do I keep the candy buttons from cracking?
Gently press the candy buttons in just before baking and avoid overbaking the cookies. Pressing too hard or using very cold dough can sometimes cause the chocolate shells to crack.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough taking some time to whip up a batch of Easter Bunny Button Cookies—there’s something truly special about sharing these joyful, colorful treats with family and friends. Every cookie you bake is guaranteed to bring light, laughter, and sweetness to your holiday. Happy baking!
Print
Easter Bunny Button Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These adorable Easter Bunny Button Cookies are a delightful treat for the holiday season. Soft, buttery cookies topped with colorful candy buttons, they are perfect for festive gatherings and kids’ parties.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 1 cup pastel candy-coated chocolate buttons (like M&Ms or similar)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla, mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, form a soft dough.
- Shape and bake: Roll tablespoon-sized dough into balls, place on baking sheets, flatten slightly. Press 2-3 candy buttons into each. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges set. Cool on sheets, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- You can tint the dough with food coloring for a more festive appearance.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies freeze well for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Holiday
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
