Rosy Rabbit Cookies Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to love about these Rosy Rabbit Cookies! They combine a delicious, buttery sugar cookie dough with creative decorations that make each cookie look like an adorable little bunny. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a fun baking project, these cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the season. The pink rosy icing and cute marshmallow cheeks make them even more irresistible, while the almond ears and candy nose give them that extra charm that makes them stand out.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

For the Decoration:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
• Pink food coloring gel
• White food coloring gel (optional, for brightness)
• Mini marshmallows (for cheeks)
• Black food coloring gel or edible ink pen (for eyes and nose)
• Pink candy pearls (for noses)
• Sliced almonds or fondant triangles (for ears)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Shape the Cookies:

1. Roll the dough into small balls (about 1-1 ½ inches in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Gently flatten each dough ball with the back of a spoon or your hand to form an oval or round shape, like a bunny face.

Bake the Cookies:

1. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack.

Prepare the Icing:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to make the icing. Add more milk if needed to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
2. Add a few drops of pink food coloring to create a rosy shade and a little white food coloring if you want a brighter effect.

Decorate the Cookies:

1. Once the cookies have cooled, use a small spoon or piping bag to carefully spread the pink icing on the top of each cookie.
2. For the bunny ears, place sliced almonds or fondant triangles on top of each cookie.
3. For the bunny cheeks, place mini marshmallows on each side of the face.
4. Use black food coloring gel or an edible ink pen to draw small eyes and a nose on each cookie. You can also use pink candy pearls for the nose for an extra pop of color.

Final Touches:

1. Allow the icing to set for a few minutes before serving. These adorable Rosy Rabbit Cookies are perfect for Easter, spring celebrations, or just a fun baking project!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 18-24 cookies, depending on the size you shape them.

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Baking time: 10-12 minutes
• Cooling time: 20 minutes
• Decoration time: 10-15 minutes

Variations

• Bunny Faces with Different Colors: If you’re feeling creative, swap the pink food coloring for other pastel colors like light blue, lavender, or yellow.
• Use Different Ears: If you don’t have sliced almonds or fondant, you can use other decorations for the ears, such as small pieces of candy or even edible flower petals.
• Flavor Twist: Add a dash of lemon zest or cinnamon to the dough for a unique flavor twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent them from getting stale.
• Reheating: To bring them back to their fresh-baked goodness, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I make the cookie dough in advance?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling and baking.

2. How do I make the icing thicker?

If your icing is too runny, simply add more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

3. Can I use a different extract?

Yes! If you don’t have almond extract, you can use lemon, coconut, or even orange extract for a different flavor profile.

4. Do I need to use both vanilla and almond extracts?

It’s optional. Vanilla extract is the primary flavor, but almond extract adds a nice hint of nuttiness. Feel free to use one or the other depending on your preference.

5. Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini ones?

Yes, you can cut regular marshmallows into smaller pieces if you don’t have mini marshmallows on hand.

6. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Ensure that your dough is chilled slightly before baking, as this helps control spreading. You can also slightly flatten the dough balls rather than rolling them too thin.

7. Can I use a store-bought cookie dough for this recipe?

While store-bought dough might work, making the dough from scratch ensures the best flavor and texture for these cookies.

8. How can I make the decorations more detailed?

For a more intricate look, you can use a piping bag for the icing and create finer details, such as outlining the bunny face or adding extra details to the ears and nose.

9. Can I use a different type of flour?

For gluten-free options, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute.

10. How can I make these cookies vegan?

To make these cookies vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based butter alternative.

Conclusion

Rosy Rabbit Cookies are a delightful and adorable treat that’s perfect for spring and Easter celebrations. With a soft, buttery cookie base and a creative, cute decoration, they bring fun and flavor to your baking repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a sweet moment with family, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Happy baking!