These Easter Bunny Sugar Cookies are a delightful addition to any Easter celebration. With their soft, buttery texture and beautifully decorated pastel icing, they bring a festive and whimsical touch to your holiday spread. The combination of a classic sugar cookie base and smooth royal icing makes them both delicious and visually stunning.
Perfect for baking with family and friends, these cookies are an engaging activity for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re preparing them for an Easter brunch, gifting them to loved ones, or simply indulging in a seasonal treat, they’re sure to be a hit. The pastel hues and adorable bunny designs make them almost too cute to eat!
The royal icing gives a professional-looking finish while allowing for creative customization. You can experiment with different colors, facial expressions, and decorative elements to make each bunny unique. Edible pearls, sprinkles, and mini candies enhance the playful charm of these cookies.
With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, these cookies come together effortlessly. The hardest part might just be waiting for the icing to dry before digging in! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe ensures beautiful, bakery-quality Easter treats right from your kitchen.
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)
Instructions:
- 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 combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a bunny-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies.
- Transfer the cookies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. This helps them maintain their shape while baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. Let them cool completely before decorating.
- Prepare the Royal Icing: In a mixing bowl, beat powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed. Divide into separate bowls and tint each with pastel food coloring.
- Decorate the Cookies: Using piping bags and small round tips, outline and fill the cookies with the icing. Use different colors for each bunny and create facial details. Add edible pearls or mini chocolate chips for eyes and allow the icing to set completely before serving.
Variations:
- Chocolate Sugar Cookies: Replace ¼ cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.
- Flavored Icing: Add a few drops of almond, lemon, or coconut extract to the royal icing for a unique flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the cookies suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Tips:
- For a softer cookie, slightly underbake them and let them cool on the baking sheet.
- If the royal icing is too thick, add water a teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Let each icing layer dry before adding details to prevent colors from bleeding.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
These adorable Easter Bunny Sugar Cookies are the perfect way to bring a little extra sweetness to your holiday. Whether you keep them classic or add your own creative spin, they’re guaranteed to delight!
