These adorable bunny-shaped sugar cookies are perfect for Easter, springtime gatherings, or simply adding a touch of fun to your baking routine. With a buttery, sweet flavor and a crisp yet tender texture, these cookies are as delicious as they are cute. Decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or leave them plain for a classic treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple and easy-to-follow recipe, great for beginners
Perfect for holiday celebrations or themed events
Customizable with different decorations and icing
Fun to make with kids
Can be prepared in advance and stored for later

Ingredients

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

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Almond extract (optional)
Powdered sugar (for icing, if desired)
Milk (for icing, if desired)
Food coloring and decorations (optional)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), mixing until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Use a bunny-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate with icing, sprinkles, or enjoy as is.

Servings and Timing

Servings: About 24 cookies (depending on cookie cutter size)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes (if needed for firmer dough)
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Sugar Cookies: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the flour mixture.
Lemon-Flavored: Replace vanilla extract with lemon extract and add a bit of lemon zest.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Royal Icing: Decorate with royal icing for a professional finish.
Sprinkle Fun: Add sprinkles or sanding sugar before baking for extra texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze the cookies (undecorated) in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
If frozen, allow cookies to thaw at room temperature before decorating.

FAQs

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading?

Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out can help cookies hold their shape.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half.

How can I make the cookies softer?

Slightly underbake them by removing them from the oven just before the edges turn golden.

What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?

Royal icing or buttercream works well. You can also use colored sugar or edible markers.

Do I need a bunny-shaped cookie cutter?

Not necessarily! You can hand-cut shapes or use a round cutter and add details with icing.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Store the dough wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for up to a month.

What kind of food coloring should I use?

Gel food coloring is best because it doesn’t alter the consistency of the icing.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes! Use dairy-free butter and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).

How do I keep my cookies from becoming too hard?

Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure you have enough baking sheets and space to roll out the dough.

Conclusion

Bunny-shaped sugar cookies are a fun and festive treat that’s easy to make and perfect for special occasions. Whether you decorate them elaborately or keep them simple, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. Give this recipe a try and enjoy baking these delightful cookies!