Buttercream Bunny Cookies (Printable version)
Buttery bunny-shaped sugar cookies with silky buttercream frosting, ideal for spring and Easter celebrations.
# List of ingredients:
→ For the Cookies
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
→ For the 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, pastel shades (optional)
→ For Decorating
13 - Candy eyes, mini chocolate chips, or sprinkles (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
03 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
04 - Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated into the mixture.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing just until dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
06 - Divide dough into two discs, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
07 - On lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with bunny-shaped cookie cutter and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
08 - Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges begin to turn golden. Cool completely on wire rack before frosting.
09 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and spreadable. Tint with food coloring if desired.
10 - Frost cooled cookies with buttercream using piping bags or spatulas. Add candy eyes or sprinkles to create bunny faces. Allow frosting to set before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The dough is incredibly forgiving and rolls out beautifully without sticking
- Buttercream that sets just right means you can stack them for gifting
02 -
- The dough must chill properly or your bunnies will spread into unrecognizable blobs
- Room temperature butter beats cold butter every single time for both dough and frosting
03 -
- Gel food coloring is superior to liquid for pastel shades that do not thin the frosting
- Rotate your baking sheets halfway through for even browning