Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Bunny Sugar Cookies with Floral Crowns are a delightful combination of tender, buttery cookies and beautifully decorated royal icing. The bunny shapes and vibrant floral crowns make them the perfect treat for spring events, especially Easter. Not only are they visually stunning, but their delicate flavor and fun design also make them a great activity to do with family and friends. Whether you’re a baking expert or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and results in irresistibly cute cookies that everyone will adore.
Ingredients
For the Cookies: 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup (90 g) powdered sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
For the Royal Icing: 2 large egg whites
3 cups (375 g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Gel food coloring: brown, pink, yellow, white, and green
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Mix in the flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a bunny-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies.
- Bake the cookies: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the royal icing: In a large bowl, beat the egg whites, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until stiff peaks form.
- Color the icing: Divide the royal icing into separate bowls and color each one with your chosen gel food coloring. For the bunnies, use brown for the body, pink and yellow for the flowers, white for the bunny’s tail and ears, and green for the leaves.
- Decorate the cookies: Use the royal icing to pipe out bunny faces, tails, and colorful floral crowns on each cookie. Start by outlining the bunny and then adding the floral details.
- Let the icing set: Allow the royal icing to dry and harden completely before serving or packaging.
- Serve and enjoy: These cute bunny sugar cookies with floral crowns are perfect for spring celebrations, Easter, or any time you want to add a little cuteness to your day!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutter.
- Prep time: 30 minutes (excluding chilling time)
- Cook time: 8-10 minutes
- Total time: About 1 hour and 40 minutes (including chilling and drying time)
Variations
- Use Different Shapes: Instead of bunny-shaped cookies, you can try using other springtime cookie cutters, such as flowers or eggs, to change up the look.
- Flavored Icing: Add a touch of lemon or almond extract to the royal icing for a new flavor twist.
- Decorative Sprinkles: After decorating the cookies with royal icing, add fun and colorful sprinkles for extra flair.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze the decorated cookies for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to reheat them, do so in a warm oven for 5 minutes to soften them again. Avoid microwaving as it may affect the texture of the royal icing.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
2. Can I substitute the egg whites in the royal icing?
Yes, you can use meringue powder as a substitute for egg whites in royal icing.
3. Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Yes, chilling the dough helps it firm up and makes it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
4. How long should I bake the cookies?
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
5. Can I use store-bought icing instead of royal icing?
Yes, you can use store-bought icing, but homemade royal icing gives a more authentic and firm texture that’s ideal for decorating.
6. Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel food coloring?
Gel food coloring is recommended because it gives vibrant colors without affecting the consistency of the royal icing.
7. How do I prevent the royal icing from being too runny?
Make sure to beat the egg whites to stiff peaks, and gradually add powdered sugar to achieve the right consistency.
8. Can I make these cookies without the royal icing?
Yes, you can bake the cookies without decorating them with royal icing, or you could use a simple glaze or powdered sugar dusting instead.
9. How long does it take for the royal icing to dry?
The royal icing should dry and harden completely within 1-2 hours, but it’s best to let it set overnight for the best results.
10. Can I add other decorations like edible flowers or candy?
Yes, you can use edible flowers, candy, or sprinkles to further decorate the cookies and add extra sweetness!
Conclusion
These Bunny Sugar Cookies with Floral Crowns are not only irresistibly cute, but they also make a delightful treat for any springtime occasion. Whether you’re celebrating Easter, hosting a spring party, or simply indulging in a fun baking project, these cookies will be the perfect showstoppers. With their buttery flavor, colorful icing, and whimsical bunny designs, they’re guaranteed to bring joy to everyone who tastes them!
Print
Bunny Sugar Cookies with Floral Crowns
- Total Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Bunny Sugar Cookies with Floral Crowns are the perfect festive treat for Easter or spring celebrations! These soft, buttery sugar cookies are adorned with colorful royal icing bunny faces and floral crowns, creating an adorable and whimsical design. Perfect for baking with family and friends, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. With a delicate flavor and cute presentation, they’ll bring joy to any gathering. Make a batch today for your next springtime event!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (90 g) powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
For the Royal Icing:
- 2 large egg whites
- 3 cups (375 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Gel food coloring: brown, pink, yellow, white, and green
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Mix in the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a bunny-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Royal Icing: In a large bowl, beat the egg whites, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until stiff peaks form.
- Color the Icing: Divide the royal icing into separate bowls and color each with your chosen gel food coloring. Use brown for the body, pink and yellow for the flowers, white for the bunny’s tail and ears, and green for the leaves.
- Decorate the Cookies: Use the royal icing to pipe out bunny faces, tails, and colorful floral crowns on each cookie. Start by outlining the bunny and then adding the floral details.
- Let the Icing Set: Allow the royal icing to dry and harden completely before serving or packaging.
- Serve and Enjoy: These cute bunny sugar cookies with floral crowns are perfect for spring celebrations, Easter, or any time you want to add a little cuteness to your day!
Notes
- If you prefer a different flavor for the icing, you can add a few drops of lemon or almond extract for an extra twist.
- For a quicker decorating process, you can add sprinkles on top of the royal icing.
- Make sure the royal icing hardens completely before packaging or serving to avoid smudging.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (excluding chilling time)
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Spring Treats, Easter Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
