Buttercream Bunny Cookies (Printable Version)
Buttery sugar cookies shaped like bunnies with silky buttercream frosting, ideal for spring and Easter celebrations.
# Ingredient List:
→ Cookie Dough Components
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Buttercream Frosting
08 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 3 cups powdered sugar
10 - 2 tablespoons whole milk
11 - 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
12 - Food coloring (optional, pastel shades)
→ Decorative Elements
13 - Candy eyes, mini chocolate chips, or sprinkles for bunny faces
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly blended.
03 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
04 - Add egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
06 - Divide dough into two equal discs. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
07 - On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use bunny-shaped cutter to cut cookies. Place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
08 - Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are barely golden. Cool completely on wire racks before frosting.
09 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Continue beating until smooth and spreadable. Tint portions with food coloring if desired.
10 - Frost cooled cookies using piping bags or spatulas. Add candy eyes or sprinkles to create bunny faces. Allow frosting to set completely before serving.
# Tips from hearthlykitchen:
01 -
- These cookies strike that perfect balance between crisp buttery edges and soft tender centers that makes people reach for seconds without thinking
- The decorating part becomes its own activity, turning cookie time into something between art project and dessert course
02 -
- Chilling the dough is nonnegotiable because warm dough spreads in the oven and your bunnies will look like they gained weight overnight
- Let cookies cool completely before frosting or the buttercream will melt right off and you will have sad puddles instead of cute bunnies
03 -
- Chill your frosted cookies for 15 minutes before storing to set the buttercream so it does not get smushed
- Roll dough between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking without adding too much extra flour