Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bunny cookies are a festive and fun way to celebrate Easter or any springtime occasion. The combination of the zesty lemon flavor with sweet, colorful candy melt decorations brings both joy and flavor to the table. You can easily involve kids in decorating them with sprinkles, candy melts, and even food markers, making this a perfect family baking project. These cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering, leaving everyone smiling with their cuteness and taste.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
- Sprinkles for decoration
- Candy melts (orange for carrots, green for leaves, and white for Easter eggs)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, butter, egg, milk, baking powder, salt, and lemon extract. Mix until a dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm.
- Once chilled, roll out the dough and cut out bunny shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use the cookie cutter edge to imprint bunny paws and a line between the head and body. Add sprinkles for eyes and nose.
- Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on a wire rack. Once cool, add candy melt decorations for carrots or Easter eggs while the cookies are still warm.
- Use a fine-tip food marker to add whiskers and a mouth to the cookies.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 24 bunny cookies. The preparation time is 2 hours (including chilling), and the baking time is around 10 minutes. After cooling, decorating the cookies will take an additional 15 minutes.
Variations
- Experiment with different extracts like almond or vanilla for a unique flavor.
- For a pastel color scheme, add gel food coloring to the dough or use different shades of candy melts.
- If you’re short on time, skip the candy melt decorations and use sprinkles or food markers for simpler designs.
Storage/Reheating
Store the bunny cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days. If you’ve used candy melt decorations, be sure to let the cookies fully cool and let the candy firm up before storing. These cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
FAQs
How long do candy melt decorations last?
Candy melt decorations can last 3-6 months when stored properly in an airtight container.
How do you store candy melt decorations?
Store them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.
Can you refrigerate candy melts to harden them?
You can refrigerate candy melts to speed up the hardening process, but it’s not necessary.
Can candy melts be remelted?
Yes, any leftover candy melts can be remelted and reused.
What if I don’t have a bunny-shaped cookie cutter?
You can use any cookie cutter shape you prefer, such as hearts, stars, or circles, and still follow the decorating steps.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
What’s the best way to decorate the cookies?
Use a combination of candy melts, sprinkles, and food markers for the most charming look. Start with the candy melts while the cookies are still warm for the best adhesion.
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Absolutely! These cookies can be made and decorated in advance. Just store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
How do I avoid the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Make sure the dough is well-chilled before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Conclusion
These Bunny Cookies are a perfect blend of flavor, fun, and creativity, making them a fantastic treat for any springtime occasion. Whether you’re preparing them for an Easter celebration or a family baking project, they will be a hit with both kids and adults. With their delightful lemon taste and whimsical decorations, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
Bunny Cookies
These adorable Bunny Cookies are the perfect treat for Easter or any spring celebration! With a zesty lemon flavor and colorful candy melt decorations, they are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. These fun bunny-shaped sugar cookies will bring joy to your table, and their easy-to-follow recipe makes them a fun family baking activity. Whether you’re celebrating Easter or just enjoying the season, these cookies are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
- Prep Time: 2 hours (including chilling)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 bunny cookies
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
- Sprinkles for decoration
- Candy melts (orange for carrots, green for leaves, and white for Easter eggs)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, butter, egg, milk, baking powder, salt, and lemon extract. Mix until a dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm.
- Once chilled, roll out the dough and cut out bunny shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use the cookie cutter edge to imprint bunny paws and a line between the head and body. Add sprinkles for eyes and nose.
- Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on a wire rack. Once cool, add candy melt decorations for carrots or Easter eggs while the cookies are still warm.
- Use a fine-tip food marker to add whiskers and a mouth to the cookies.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the dough is well-chilled to avoid spreading during baking.
- You can experiment with different extracts, like almond or vanilla, for unique flavors.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- If you don’t have a bunny-shaped cookie cutter, feel free to use other shapes like hearts or stars.
