Easter is the perfect time to bake fun, festive, and colorful treats, and these Easter Bunny Button Cookies are just that! With buttery, soft vanilla cookies rolled in sparkling sanding sugar and topped with pastel chocolate buttons, they are as adorable as they are delicious.
Not only are these cookies easy to make, but they also look beautiful on any Easter dessert table. Whether you're hosting an Easter brunch, filling treat bags, or making a fun baking project with kids, these pastel-colored thumbprint cookies are a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Easy to Make – Just mix, roll, bake, and decorate!
✔️ Festive & Fun – The pastel colors make them perfect for Easter & spring!
✔️ Soft, Buttery, & Slightly Crisp – A melt-in-your-mouth texture with a hint of crunch.
✔️ Kid-Friendly – Let kids help roll the dough and press in the chocolate buttons!
✔️ Perfect for Gifting – Package them in Easter baskets or cookie tins for a homemade gift!
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract for extra flavor!)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Colored sanding sugar for rolling
- Pastel chocolate buttons or candy-coated chocolates (like M&Ms or Hershey’s Drops!)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
3️⃣ Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
4️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. (Tip: If the dough is too sticky, chill it for 15 minutes.)
Step 3: Shape & Roll the Cookies
6️⃣ Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
7️⃣ Roll each dough ball in colored sanding sugar to coat them in a festive sparkle.
8️⃣ Place the coated dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
9️⃣ Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press the center of each dough ball to create a small indentation.
Step 4: Bake & Decorate
🔟 Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
1️⃣1️⃣ Remove from the oven and immediately press a pastel chocolate button into the center of each cookie while they’re still warm.
1️⃣2️⃣ Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve:
- Arrange on an Easter dessert table or brunch spread.
- Serve alongside milk, tea, or coffee for a sweet treat.
- Add them to Easter baskets or party favor bags for a festive gift!
How to Store:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months—thaw at room temperature before serving.
Helpful Notes
- Chill the Dough for Better Shape – If your dough is too soft, chill it for 15-20 minutes before rolling.
- Want a Different Flavor? – Use almond, lemon, or coconut extract instead of vanilla!
- Make Them Extra Festive – Use a variety of colored sugars for a multi-colored Easter look.
- Press the Chocolate in Gently – If pressed too hard, the cookie may crack slightly—so be gentle!
- Want a Chocolate Twist? – Use chocolate or peanut butter cups instead of pastel buttons!
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge.
2. What if I don’t have sanding sugar?
You can use regular granulated sugar or leave them plain—they’ll still taste delicious!
3. Can I use different chocolate for the buttons?
Yes! Try using chocolate kisses, peanut butter cups, or mini eggs.
4. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter isn’t too soft, and chill the dough if needed before baking.
5. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a GF version.
Final Thoughts
These Easter Bunny Button Cookies are adorable, colorful, and incredibly easy to make! With a buttery vanilla base, crunchy sanding sugar, and a pastel chocolate button in the center, they’re the perfect Easter treat for all ages.
Whether you’re baking for an Easter party, filling gift bags, or just making a fun weekend treat, these cookies will put a smile on everyone’s face.
So grab your flour, sugar, and pastel candies, and whip up a batch today! Happy Easter baking!
Easter Bunny Button Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract for extra flavor!
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Colored sanding sugar for rolling
- Pastel chocolate buttons or candy-coated chocolates like M&Ms or Hershey’s Drops!
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- 1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2️⃣ In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- 3️⃣ Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- 4️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- 5️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. (Tip: If the dough is too sticky, chill it for 15 minutes.)
Step 3: Shape & Roll the Cookies
- 6️⃣ Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
- 7️⃣ Roll each dough ball in colored sanding sugar to coat them in a festive sparkle.
- 8️⃣ Place the coated dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- 9️⃣ Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press the center of each dough ball to create a small indentation.
Step 4: Bake & Decorate
- 🔟 Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- 1️⃣1️⃣ Remove from the oven and immediately press a pastel chocolate button into the center of each cookie while they’re still warm.
- 1️⃣2️⃣ Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chill the Dough for Better Shape – If your dough is too soft, chill it for 15-20 minutes before rolling.
- Want a Different Flavor? – Use almond, lemon, or coconut extract instead of vanilla!
- Make Them Extra Festive – Use a variety of colored sugars for a multi-colored Easter look.
- Press the Chocolate in Gently – If pressed too hard, the cookie may crack slightly—so be gentle!
- Want a Chocolate Twist? – Use chocolate or peanut butter cups instead of pastel buttons!
