Easter Bunny Sugar Cookies

My grandmother had a way of making every holiday feel magical, and one of my fondest memories is decorating sugar cookies together on Easter. We’d gather in the kitchen, rolling out dough, cutting out adorable bunny shapes, and getting carried away with colorful icing and sprinkles.

Now, making these Easter Bunny Sugar Cookies has become my own little tradition. They’re soft, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet, with a crisp edge that pairs beautifully with smooth, pastel royal icing. Whether you’re baking with kids, making a batch for a springtime gathering, or simply indulging in a little holiday baking, these cookies bring the perfect balance of nostalgia and fun.

What Are Easter Bunny Sugar Cookies?

Easter Bunny Sugar Cookies are classic sugar cookies shaped like bunnies and decorated with pastel royal icing. They’re crisp on the edges, soft in the center, and hold their shape beautifully when baked. The smooth icing sets into a glossy, picture-perfect finish, making them as delightful to look at as they are to eat.

Key Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookies:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Pastel Royal Icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 ½ tbsp meringue powder
• ¼ cup water (adjust as needed)
• Food coloring (pastel pink, purple, yellow, and blue)

For Decoration:

• Piping bags
• Small round piping tips
• Edible pearls or mini chocolate chips (for bunny eyes)

Tools Needed

• Large mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Whisk
• Bunny-shaped cookie cutter
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Small bowls (for mixing icing colors)

How to Make Easter Bunny Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough

Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a bunny-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes, then carefully transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.

Step 5: Prepare the Royal Icing

In a mixing bowl, beat powdered sugar, meringue powder, and ¼ cup of water until smooth. If the icing is too thick, add a little more water, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach a piping consistency.

Divide the icing into small bowls and tint each with a pastel food coloring of your choice.

Step 6: Decorate the Cookies

Fill piping bags with the colored icing and fit them with small round tips. Outline and fill each cookie with icing, using different colors for each bunny.

Add edible pearls or mini chocolate chips for the eyes. Let the icing set completely before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fun and festive – Perfect for Easter celebrations or springtime baking.

Easy to decorate – Royal icing creates a smooth, picture-perfect finish.

Make-ahead friendly – Bake the cookies in advance and decorate later.

Customizable – Change the colors or add extra details like bows or whiskers.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

1. Dough too sticky to roll out
If your dough is too soft, chill it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before rolling.

2. Cookies spreading too much
Make sure to chill the cut-out cookies before baking to keep their shape.

3. Icing too runny
Add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until it thickens.

4. Royal icing not setting
Let the decorated cookies sit at room temperature for a few hours before stacking or storing.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

– Serve these cookies with hot cocoa, coffee, or milk for a cozy treat.
– Pair with other Easter desserts like carrot cake cupcakes or lemon bars.
– Use them as decorations for an Easter dessert table or as fun edible gifts.

Storage and Reheating Tips

– Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
– For longer storage, freeze undecorated cookies for up to three months and ice them later.
– Avoid refrigerating decorated cookies, as moisture can cause the icing to soften.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days before rolling and baking.

2. What’s the best way to color royal icing?
Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to avoid thinning out the icing.

3. How long does royal icing take to set?
It takes about 4-6 hours at room temperature. For faster drying, use a fan on low speed.

4. Can I use a different shape?
Absolutely! Use chicks, eggs, or flowers for a fun variety of Easter cookies.

5. How do I make the icing glossy?
Let the cookies dry in a low-humidity environment, and don’t overmix the icing.

Tips & Tricks

– Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
– Use a toothpick to pop air bubbles in the icing for a flawless finish.
– Add a touch of almond extract to the icing for extra flavor.

Recipe Variations

Lemon Bunny Sugar Cookies: Swap ½ tsp vanilla extract for ½ tsp lemon extract and add 1 tsp lemon zest to the dough for a fresh, citrusy twist.

Chocolate Bunny Cookies: Replace ½ cup of flour with ½ cup of cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey version.

Gluten-Free Bunny Cookies: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Final Thoughts

Easter Bunny Sugar Cookies aren’t just about baking—they’re about creating moments to enjoy with family and friends. From rolling out the dough to adding the final details on each bunny, it’s a simple yet rewarding way to celebrate the season. Seeing the smiles when everyone gets to pick their favorite cookie.

No matter your decorating skills, these cookies turn out beautiful every time. So grab your mixing bowl, some fun pastel colors, and get creative. Happy baking, and happy Easter! 🐰💛