Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Fun to Make – Simple ingredients and steps make this great for bakers of all levels.
- Festive and Colorful – Pastel M&Ms and sanding sugar create a cheerful Easter theme.
- Buttery and Delicious – A melt-in-your-mouth cookie with a perfect balance of sweetness.
- Kid-Friendly – A fun baking project for kids to help with rolling and decorating.
- Customizable – Swap in different flavors, colors, or candies for variety.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sanding sugar (for rolling)
- ½ cup chocolate M&M candies
Directions
- Preheat Oven and Prep – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cream Butter and Sugar – In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar with a hand-held mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla – Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporate Flour – Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Shape the Cookies – Portion out teaspoon-sized amounts of dough and roll each into a small ball.
- Coat in Sanding Sugar – Roll each dough ball in sanding sugar and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add M&M "Buttons" – Gently press an M&M candy into the center of each cookie.
- Bake – Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool – Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Yields: Approximately 3-4 dozen cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Festive Colors – Use different sanding sugar and M&M colors for other holidays (red/green for Christmas, orange/brown for fall).
- Flavor Boost – Add ½ teaspoon of lemon zest or almond extract for extra flavor.
- Different "Buttons" – Swap M&Ms for mini chocolate chips, jelly beans, or other small candies.
- Larger Cookies – Use a tablespoon-sized portion of dough for bigger cookies, adjusting the baking time slightly.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Store unbaked cookie dough balls in the freezer for up to 3 months; bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, warm them for a few seconds in the microwave for a just-baked taste.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half or omit it altogether.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
What’s the best way to soften butter quickly?
Cut the butter into small pieces and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Alternatively, microwave it for 5-10 seconds at a low setting.
Can I use different types of sugar for rolling?
Yes! Try colored sugar, coarse sugar, or even coconut flakes for a twist.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a piece of bread inside to retain moisture.
Can I use whole eggs instead of just the yolks?
For this recipe, egg yolks help create a rich, tender texture, so using whole eggs may change the consistency.
Can I make these cookies without M&Ms?
Yes! The cookies are delicious on their own or with different toppings like sprinkles or crushed nuts.
How do I prevent the M&Ms from cracking in the oven?
Press them gently into the dough rather than pushing them deep, and let the cookies cool gradually.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to mix in batches to avoid overworking the dough.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Try using a vegan butter substitute and an egg yolk replacement, such as applesauce or flaxseed meal.
Conclusion
Easter Bunny Button Cookies are a delightful and festive treat, perfect for celebrating Easter or any special occasion. With their buttery texture, colorful candy "buttons," and sugary coating, they bring a touch of fun and sweetness to any dessert table. Easy to make and customizable, they’re a great choice for both novice and experienced bakers. Try different variations, get creative with colors, and enjoy these charming cookies with family and friends!
Bunny Button Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easter Bunny Button Cookies are festive, buttery treats rolled in sparkling sanding sugar and topped with colorful M&M "buttons." Perfect for Easter, spring celebrations, or a fun baking activity with kids, these cookies are easy to make and absolutely delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sanding sugar (for rolling)
- ½ cup chocolate M&M candies
Instructions
- Preheat Oven – Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar – Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients – Mix in egg yolks and vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Flour – Gradually add flour, mixing until just combined.
- Shape Dough Balls – Roll teaspoon-sized portions of dough into balls.
- Coat in Sugar – Roll each dough ball in sanding sugar and place on the baking sheet.
- Press M&M "Buttons" – Gently press an M&M into the center of each cookie.
- Bake – Bake for 10 minutes or until edges turn lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve – Let cookies cool for 3-5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Use pastel M&Ms for Easter or swap colors for different holidays.
- Add a touch of lemon zest or almond extract for extra flavor.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
