Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive and Fun: These bunny-shaped cookies with candy buttons make a delightful addition to any Easter table.
Soft and Buttery: The sugar cookie base is perfectly tender and sweet.
Customizable: Use different colors, sprinkles, or designs to make them unique.
Great for Gifting: Package them as homemade Easter treats for friends and family.

Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookies:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Royal Icing:

3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons meringue powder
4–5 tablespoons water
Gel food coloring (pastel colors like pink, yellow, blue, and green)

For Decorating:

Small round candies (like M&Ms or Skittles for “buttons”)
Edible markers or piping gel (for drawing bunny faces)
Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the Sugar Cookie Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms.
Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.

2. Roll and Cut the Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
Use a round cookie cutter (2–3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles.
Use a smaller round cutter or the back of a piping tip to cut out a small circle from the center for the “button” effect.
Transfer cookies to a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden.
Let cookies cool on a wire rack.

3. Make the Royal Icing

Whisk powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth and glossy.
Divide icing into bowls and tint with pastel gel food coloring.

4. Decorate the Cookies

Pipe the edges with icing, then flood the centers and let dry.
Place small candies in the center for the “button” detail.
Use edible markers or piping gel to draw bunny faces.
Let the icing set completely before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Different Shapes: Use flower, egg, or chick-shaped cutters for variety.
Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend.
Vegan: Use plant-based butter and aquafaba instead of egg.
Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Freeze undecorated cookies for 1 month. Thaw before decorating.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for 1 month.

How do I prevent cookies from spreading?

Chill the dough before rolling and baking.

Can I use regular icing instead of royal icing?

Yes, but royal icing sets better for decorating.

What can I use instead of meringue powder?

You can substitute with pasteurized egg whites.

How long does royal icing take to dry?

About 2 hours at room temperature.

Can I make these cookies without a button hole?

Yes, they still taste great without the cutout!

Can kids help with decorating?

Absolutely! This is a fun and creative Easter activity.

What is the best way to package these cookies?

Place in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for gifting.

Can I use liquid food coloring?

Gel food coloring is recommended to avoid thinning the icing.

Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?

No, store at room temperature in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Easter Bunny Button Cookies are a charming and delicious addition to any Easter celebration. With their soft sugar cookie base and colorful royal icing, they are as fun to make as they are to eat. Perfect for kids and adults alike, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your holiday table!