Easter Bunny Sugar Cookies

The first Easter after my daughter could really help in the kitchen, we made these bunny cookies together. She was so proud of her wobbly carrot drawn in orange icing that I took about twenty photos of one single cookie. Now every year when I pull out the bunny cutters, I remember her little hands covered in flour and that enormous smile when she realized she'd made something beautiful.

Last year my neighbor's kids came over for our annual cookie decorating party. One little boy spent twenty minutes carefully placing exactly three sprinkles on each bunny's ear. He told me the bunnies needed to match his favorite pajamas. Those cookies disappeared first, naturally.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives these cookies their perfect tender crumb
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Just enough lift for cookies that hold their shape beautifully
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the buttery notes
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter: Room temperature butter creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens perfectly while allowing the vanilla to shine through
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Don't skimp here, quality vanilla makes all the difference
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Completely optional, but adds a lovely sophisticated note
• 2 cups powdered sugar: Creates that smooth, perfect icing base
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk: Adjust this to get your ideal icing consistency
• Food coloring: Pastel shades make these feel extra festive and spring-like
• Sprinkles and decorations: Let your creativity run wild with whatever calls to you

Instructions

Whisk the dry ingredients together:

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt until everything is evenly distributed

Cream the butter and sugar:

Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar for about 3 minutes until it's pale and fluffy

Add the extracts and egg:

Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you are using it

Combine the dough:

Gradually add the dry ingredients on low speed until a soft dough forms

Chill the dough:

Divide into two disks, wrap well, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes

Prepare for baking:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line baking sheets with parchment paper

Roll and cut:

On a floured surface, roll dough to 1/4 inch thick and cut out those adorable bunny shapes

Bake to perfection:

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until edges are just barely golden

Cool completely:

Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to wire racks

Make the icing:

Whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until perfectly smooth, then divide and color

Decorate your bunnies:

Let your creativity flow with icing, sprinkles, and any decorations you choose

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My mom always made these on Good Friday while we dyed eggs. The kitchen would smell like vanilla and butter, and we'd sneak little scraps of raw dough when she turned her back. Now I understand why she never stopped us.

Making Perfect Icing

I've learned that thick icing is better for outlines and detailed work, while thinner icing spreads beautifully for flooding larger areas. Start with less milk and add gradually until you reach your ideal consistency. If it's too thick, it will drag; too thin, and it runs everywhere.

Storage Secrets

These cookies actually taste better on day two, when the flavors have had time to meld and the icing has fully set. Store them between layers of wax paper in an airtight container, and they will stay fresh for a full week. Not that they usually last that long.

Fun Decorating Ideas

One year I made each family member their own set of bunnies with tiny bows or ties in their favorite colors. The kids felt so special seeing their personalized cookies on the dessert tray. Little details like whiskers drawn with chocolate or pink candy noses make these absolutely irresistible.

• Set up a decorating station with bowls of different colored icing and let everyone create
• Use edible glitter for extra sparkle that catches the light beautifully
• Package a few cookies in clear bags tied with pastel ribbons for adorable gifts

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There is something magical about seeing a plate of these bunnies on the Easter table, each one decorated with love. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with flour and laughter.

Your Recipe Questions

→ What makes these cookies soft and buttery?

Using softened unsalted butter beaten with sugar creates a fluffy base, while chilling the dough helps maintain a tender texture during baking.

→ How can I achieve vibrant pastel icing colors?

Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to a smooth consistency and add small amounts of food coloring gradually until you reach the desired pastel shades.

→ Can I add different flavors to the dough?

Yes, almond extract is optional, and you can substitute with lemon or orange zest for a citrus twist without affecting texture.

→ What is the best way to store these cookies?

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to one week.

→ How do I maintain cookie shape during baking?

Chilling the dough before rolling and cutting helps the cookies retain their bunny shapes and prevents excessive spreading in the oven.