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!
PrintBunny-Shaped Sugar Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (+1 hour chilling)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These adorable bunny-shaped sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and lightly sweetened. They hold their shape beautifully, making them perfect for decorating with icing or sprinkles. Ideal for Easter treats, springtime gatherings, or a fun baking activity with kids!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Icing (Optional):
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles or sanding sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours) to make rolling easier.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cut Out Cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use bunny-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate (Optional): Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a simple icing. Add food coloring if desired. Use a piping bag or spoon to decorate the cookies, then add sprinkles or sanding sugar. Let icing set before serving.
Notes
- Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- If dough becomes too soft while rolling, pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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