Easter Bunny Button Cookies – Easy, Buttery & Festive Treat

Easter is a time for family, celebration, and, of course, delicious treats. One of the best ways to bring festive cheer to your Easter gathering is with homemade cookies that are as adorable as they are delicious. Enter Easter Bunny Button Cookies—tiny, buttery delights topped with pastel-colored candy-coated chocolates. These cookies are the perfect addition to your Easter dessert spread, bringing color, fun, and irresistible sweetness to the table.

What makes these cookies so special? First, they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of simple ingredients. You don’t need any fancy equipment or advanced baking skills—just a mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and a little creativity. Second, they have the perfect texture: crisp on the edges, soft and buttery in the center, with a slight crunch from the sanding sugar coating. And, of course, the candy center adds a burst of chocolatey goodness that makes these cookies impossible to resist.

These cookies are also wonderfully customizable. Whether you want to use classic pastel M&Ms, peanut M&Ms for extra crunch, or even a different chocolate candy, you can make them your own. They also make a great activity for kids—let them roll the dough, coat it in sugar, and press in the candy centers for a fun, hands-on Easter baking experience.

Beyond their adorable appearance and delicious taste, Easter Bunny Button Cookies are great for gifting. Pack them in little treat bags, tie them with a ribbon, and you’ve got the perfect homemade Easter gift for friends, family, or coworkers. Whether you’re serving them at brunch, bringing them to a party, or simply enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles all around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are the epitome of Easter fun. They’re bright, colorful, and easy to make, but there’s more to love about them than just their appearance.

First, they have the perfect balance of textures. The buttery cookie base is soft yet slightly crisp on the edges, while the candy-coated chocolate adds a crunchy contrast. The sanding sugar gives them an extra sparkle and a subtle crunch, making every bite delightful.

Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need to worry about chilling the dough or using complicated techniques—these cookies come together quickly, making them ideal for last-minute baking. They’re also made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, so there’s no need for a special trip to the store.

These cookies are also a fantastic option for holiday gifting. Since they’re small and sturdy, they package beautifully and stay fresh for several days, making them perfect for sharing. Whether you’re filling Easter baskets, setting up a dessert table, or just looking for a fun baking project, these cookies will not disappoint.

And let’s not forget the nostalgia factor. If you grew up with colorful, sugar-coated treats around Easter, these cookies will take you right back to childhood. Even if you’re trying them for the first time, their cheerful look and delightful taste will create new Easter traditions for your family.

Health Benefits

While these cookies are definitely a treat, there are a few ingredients that offer some benefits beyond just being delicious.

Butter, the main fat in this recipe, provides essential fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, which supports vision and immune function. While it’s important to enjoy butter in moderation, it does contribute to the rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture of these cookies.

Egg yolks add more than just richness to the cookies—they’re a great source of choline, which is essential for brain health and metabolism. They also help bind the ingredients together, ensuring a smooth, consistent dough.

Dark chocolate candy variations (if you opt for dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate) contain antioxidants known as flavonoids, which have been linked to heart health benefits. Even though the chocolate coating contains sugar, choosing a dark chocolate version can add a little extra nutritional boost.

Finally, these cookies bring happiness, which in itself is beneficial. Baking and sharing homemade treats with loved ones can reduce stress and boost mood. The act of creating something from scratch, especially something as cute and festive as these cookies, can be a great way to relax and enjoy the holiday season.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10–11 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 30 small cookies

Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)

• Calories: 88 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 5g
• Sugar: 6g

Ingredients List

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup sanding sugar (for rolling)
• 30 pastel-colored M&Ms or similar candy-coated chocolates

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a tender texture.
3. Add the Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
5. Shape the Cookies: Scoop out teaspoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into small balls. Roll each ball in sanding sugar to give the cookies their signature sparkle and crunch.
6. Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between them.
7. Add the Candy Center: Gently press a pastel-colored M&M or similar candy into the center of each dough ball. The cookie will spread slightly around it as it bakes.
8. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10–11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.
9. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 3–5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

• Arrange them on a pastel-colored plate for an extra festive touch.
• Serve with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea.
• Use them to decorate Easter-themed dessert platters alongside other springtime treats.
• Pack them in clear treat bags with colorful ribbons for gifting.

Pairing Suggestions

• Pair with a fruit platter for a refreshing contrast.
• Enjoy with hot chocolate or flavored coffee for an indulgent treat.
• Serve alongside vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a delicious dessert combination.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls and bake as needed.
• Reheating: Let cookies come to room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Easter Bunny Button Cookies is a fun and simple process, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

One of the biggest mistakes is overmixing the dough. When you mix the dough too much after adding the flour, you develop too much gluten, which results in tough, chewy cookies instead of soft, tender ones. To prevent this, mix just until the ingredients are combined.

Another common mistake is using melted butter instead of softened butter. Melted butter creates a greasy dough that spreads too much during baking, making the cookies flat and thin instead of holding their shape. To soften butter properly, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using it.

Many bakers make the error of not measuring the flour correctly. Too much flour makes the cookies dry and crumbly, while too little causes them to spread excessively. The best way to measure flour is by using the spoon-and-level method: spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping it directly.

Skipping the sanding sugar coating is another mistake. The sugar adds a slight crunch and a festive sparkle to the cookies. If you don’t have sanding sugar, try using coarse sugar for a similar effect.

Placing the M&Ms too deep into the cookie dough before baking can cause them to sink completely into the cookies. Gently press the candy-coated chocolate on top without fully embedding it to keep them visible and attractive.

Finally, many people overbake the cookies, thinking they should be fully set before taking them out of the oven. These cookies continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven, so take them out when the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. This ensures they stay buttery and tender.

Pro Tips

To make the best Easter Bunny Button Cookies, follow these expert tips to enhance flavor, texture, and overall presentation.

For the most flavorful cookies, use high-quality butter. Since butter is a key ingredient in this recipe, it’s important to choose a brand with a rich, creamy taste. European-style butter, which has a higher butterfat content, will give you an even better flavor and texture.

If you want perfectly shaped cookies, chill the dough for about 15–20 minutes before baking. While this step isn’t required, it helps prevent excessive spreading and makes the dough easier to handle, especially in warm kitchens.

To get evenly baked cookies, make sure they are uniform in size. Use a small cookie scoop or a measuring spoon to ensure each dough ball is the same size. This prevents some cookies from overbaking while others remain undercooked.

For a professional touch, press in additional M&Ms immediately after baking. While you place an M&M before baking, adding a few more candies on top as soon as the cookies come out of the oven enhances their festive appearance.

Finally, for extra crunch, toast the sanding sugar before rolling the cookies. Spread the sugar on a baking sheet and heat it at 250°F for a few minutes. This deepens the flavor and enhances the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty taste. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the salt content.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Absolutely! The dough can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before rolling and baking.

Can I freeze the dough for later use?

Yes! Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once they are solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When baking from frozen, add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

What can I use instead of M&Ms?

If you don’t have M&Ms, you can use Smarties, Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chips, or even mini chocolate eggs for a fun Easter twist.

Do I need to use sanding sugar?

Sanding sugar gives the cookies a nice texture and a festive look, but if you don’t have it, you can use turbinado sugar. Regular granulated sugar won’t provide the same sparkle but can be used in a pinch.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Easter Bunny Button Cookies are a delightful, easy-to-make treat that adds a touch of fun and color to your Easter celebrations. Their buttery texture, crisp edges, and sweet chocolate center make them an instant favorite for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, making treats for Easter baskets, or just looking for a simple and festive cookie recipe, these bite-sized goodies are sure to bring smiles.

One of the best things about these cookies is how customizable they are. You can experiment with different types of chocolates, switch up the colors to match other holidays, or even add a little citrus zest for a fresh springtime twist. Plus, they’re easy enough for beginner bakers but still special enough to impress guests.

If you love baking, these cookies are a must-try. They store well, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time, and they also make great gifts when packaged in cute treat bags. The combination of buttery richness and the crunch of candy-coated chocolates makes them completely irresistible.

Now it’s your turn! Try making these Easter Bunny Button Cookies and let us know how they turn out. Did you customize them with a fun variation? Do you have any baking tips of your own? Share your experience in the comments below! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to save it for later, pin it on Pinterest, and share it with friends and family. Happy Easter and happy baking!

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