Easter Bunny Button Cookies are the cutest little spring treats you can bake in just 25 minutes. They are buttery, tender, and topped with colorful candy centers that make every bite feel festive. If you need a quick Easter dessert that looks adorable and tastes amazing, these cookies deliver every single time.
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Why You’ll Love These Easter Bunny Button Cookies
These Easter Bunny Button Cookies bring bright color and sweet flavor to your holiday table. Because they are bite sized, they feel light and fun, yet they still taste rich and buttery. Also, you can bake a full batch in about 25 minutes, which makes them perfect for busy spring days.
In fact, I love making Easter Bunny Button Cookies with my kids the night before Easter. Meanwhile, the kitchen fills with that warm vanilla scent, and everyone sneaks a candy or two. As a result, these cookies quickly become a family tradition.
Bite Sized and Perfect for Easter Baskets
Since Easter Bunny Button Cookies are small and round, they fit beautifully into baskets. Also, their pastel candy centers look just like little spring buttons. So, they add a sweet handmade touch to every gift.
Ready in Just 25 Minutes
You can mix, shape, and bake Easter Bunny Button Cookies in about 25 minutes. First, you spend around 15 minutes prepping. Then, they bake in just 10 to 11 minutes. As a result, you get a festive dessert without spending all day in the kitchen.
Made with Simple Pantry Staples
These Easter Bunny Button Cookies use basic ingredients you likely already have. Butter, sugar, egg yolks, vanilla, and flour create a soft and tender base. So, you can whip them up without a special trip to the store.
Easy to Customize with Different Candy Colors
You can easily switch up the candy colors to match your Easter theme. For example, choose soft pink, yellow, or blue for a pastel look. Meanwhile, bright shades create a bold and playful tray.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Easter Bunny Button Cookies keep things simple. However, each ingredient plays an important role in creating that tender, melt in your mouth texture.
For the Cookie Dough
You need 1 cup softened butter at room temperature, 2 thirds cup sugar, 2 large egg yolks, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 1/3 cups all purpose flour.
Room temperature butter matters because it creams smoothly with sugar. As a result, you get a light and fluffy mixture that helps the cookies stay soft. Then, the egg yolks add richness and color, while vanilla brings warm flavor.
When you stir in the flour, mix just until combined. If you over mix, the dough can turn dense. So, keep it gentle to keep your Easter Bunny Button Cookies tender.
For the Festive Coating and Topping
You also need 1/2 cup sanding sugar and 1/2 cup candy coated chocolate pieces.
Sanding sugar gives Easter Bunny Button Cookies a sparkly finish. Because it holds up in the oven, it keeps its crunch and shine. Meanwhile, the candy coated chocolate pieces create that cute button center.
For Easter, look for pastel candy colors. However, if you use larger candies like peanut varieties, the cookies will look slightly different and may spread around the candy.
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
Although Easter Bunny Button Cookies are simple, a few smart swaps can help if you need flexibility.
Sanding Sugar vs. Granulated Sugar
Sanding sugar works best because it keeps its texture during baking. In contrast, granulated sugar can melt into the dough. If you cannot find sanding sugar, you can skip the coating or use another coarse decorative sugar instead.
Choosing the Right Candy Coated Chocolate
You can use any brand of candy coated chocolate for Easter Bunny Button Cookies. However, standard size pieces work best for a balanced look. If you choose larger candies, the cookie may look more like a flower than a button.
Also, try pastel colors for Easter. Meanwhile, you can switch to red and green for Christmas or bright shades for birthdays.
How to Make Easter Bunny Button Cookies Step by Step
Making Easter Bunny Button Cookies feels easy and fun. Just follow each step, and you will have a tray of adorable cookies in no time.
Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheet
First, heat your oven to 350°F. Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Cream Butter and Sugar
Next, place the softened butter and sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat them together until the mixture looks light and fluffy. Because this step adds air, it gives your Easter Bunny Button Cookies a softer texture.
Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Then, mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined. As a result, the dough becomes rich and smooth.
Stir in the Flour
Now, add the flour gradually. Stir just until the dough comes together. However, stop mixing as soon as you no longer see dry flour. This keeps the cookies tender.
Shape and Roll in Sanding Sugar
Scoop teaspoon sized portions of dough and roll them into small balls. Next, roll each ball in sanding sugar. Then, place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Add the Candy Centers
Press one candy coated chocolate piece into the center of each dough ball. Gently push it down so it sticks but does not flatten the cookie too much.
Bake and Cool
Bake the Easter Bunny Button Cookies for 10 to 11 minutes until they look set. They should not brown deeply.
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for several minutes. Meanwhile, they will firm up. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect, Tender Cookies Every Time
Even simple recipes benefit from a few helpful reminders.
Do Not Over Mix the Dough
Over mixing can make Easter Bunny Button Cookies tough. So, once the flour blends in, stop mixing right away.
Keep Cookies Uniform in Size
Try to keep each dough ball the same size. As a result, all the Easter Bunny Button Cookies bake evenly and look neat on your tray.
Let Them Set Before Moving
Although it may feel tempting to move them right away, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them carefully so they do not break.
Storage, Make Ahead, and Freezing Instructions
Easter Bunny Button Cookies store beautifully, which makes them great for planning ahead.
Storing at Room Temperature
Place cooled cookies in an airtight container. They stay fresh at room temperature for several days. Also, you can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing for Longer Storage
You can freeze baked Easter Bunny Button Cookies in a freezer safe container. When ready to serve, let them thaw at room temperature. As a result, you always have festive cookies ready for guests.
Serving Ideas and Gifting Inspiration
These cookies shine in so many sweet ways.
Add to Easter Dessert Platters
Arrange Easter Bunny Button Cookies on a spring dessert tray alongside treats like Easter Brownies Amazing Fudgy Holiday Dessert or Easter Dirt Cups Amazing Easy Festive Treat. This mix creates a colorful and fun display.
Package for Spring Gift Bags
Stack a few Easter Bunny Button Cookies in clear treat bags. Then, tie with pastel ribbon for a simple homemade gift.
Include in Easter Baskets
Tuck these cookies next to chocolate eggs and candies. You can also pair them with Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups for an extra sweet surprise.
Per serving, one Easter Bunny Button Cookie contains about 88 calories, 11 grams carbohydrates, 5 grams fat, 1 gram protein, 6 grams sugar, 3 grams saturated fat, 18 mg cholesterol, and 36 mg sodium. Additionally, they provide small amounts of fiber, potassium, calcium, and iron.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Whole Eggs Instead of Egg Yolks?
You can use whole eggs, but the texture will change slightly. Because egg yolks add richness, whole eggs may make Easter Bunny Button Cookies a bit lighter and less tender. However, they will still taste delicious.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to two days. Then, let it soften slightly before shaping. As a result, you can bake fresh Easter Bunny Button Cookies whenever you need them.
Why Did My Cookies Spread Too Much?
If your Easter Bunny Button Cookies spread too much, your butter may have been too soft. Also, warm baking sheets can cause spreading. So, start with room temperature butter and cool sheets.
Can I Use Different Holiday Colors?
Absolutely. Although pastel shades suit Easter Bunny Button Cookies best, you can change colors for other holidays. For example, use red and green for Christmas or orange and purple for Halloween.
How Do I Keep the Cookies Soft?
Store Easter Bunny Button Cookies in an airtight container. You can also add a small piece of bread to the container. Meanwhile, the bread helps keep moisture inside, so the cookies stay soft.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Easter Egg Cheesecake No Bake Recipe
- Banana Pudding Easter Truffles Recipe
- Vegan Lemon Blueberry Cake Easter Treat
Conclusion
Easter Bunny Button Cookies are sweet, simple, and full of cheerful spring color. Because they come together quickly and use basic pantry staples, you can bake them anytime the craving hits. So, grab your mixing bowl and make a double batch this Easter. Share them in baskets, gift bags, or on dessert trays, and enjoy every buttery, candy topped bite.
For more spring baking inspiration, you can follow along on Pinterest at pinterest where I share fresh and festive ideas all season long.
Easter Bunny Button Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing bowl For creaming butter and mixing dough
- Baking sheet Line with parchment paper or silicone mat
- Hand mixer or stand mixer For creaming butter and sugar
- Wire cooling rack For cooling cookies evenly
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sanding sugar
- ½ cup candy-coated chocolate pieces
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add egg yolks and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the flour just until combined. Do not over-mix.
- Shape dough into teaspoon-sized balls. Roll each ball in sanding sugar and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Press one candy-coated chocolate piece into the center of each dough ball.
- Bake for 10 to 11 minutes until set. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
