M&M Bunny Cookies are 20 Irresistible Easter Treats.

M&M Bunny Cookies are a charming Easter treat I love sharing with readers who crave warmth, ease, and a little whimsy in the kitchen. As a professional chef who built Cook by Co around helping busy women balance great flavor with real-life schedules, I designed these cookies to fit a hectic spring. They bake up soft and chewy, with pastel M&M faces and ears and tiny marshmallow tails that bring a smile to kids and adults alike. This guide walks you through a quick, dependable method that yields 20–22 cookies, prints nicely for baskets, and can be prepped in stages for a week of Easter prep.

Table of Contents

What Makes M&M Bunny Cookies Special

M&M Bunny Cookies are the kind of Easter treat that makes rushed mornings feel doable.

I love how they blend soft vanilla with playful whimsy.

They travel well and suit classroom parties.

They feel special without a lot of fuss.

They’re forgiving for busy cooks and friendly for kids to help decorate.

In this season of busy schedules, they bring calm and color to the kitchen.

They brighten any table.

Overview of appeal

Soft, chewy vanilla cookies stay tender, even when stacked in an Easter basket.

Pastel M&M faces and ears give the bunny character, while tiny halved marshmallows become tails.

Ingredients

Quick ingredient snapshot

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pastel M&M’s
• Mini marshmallows, halved (for bunny tails)

These ingredients form the base for M&M Bunny Cookies. They create soft, chewy vanilla sugar cookies with playful bunny details.

All-purpose flour builds the cookie’s structure. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 blend and add milk if needed.

Baking soda lightens and lifts the cookies, keeping them soft inside.

Salt enhances flavor and balances sweetness.

Unsalted butter adds richness and helps with spread. Keep it softened for smooth mixing.

Granulated sugar sweetens and promotes browning for a golden edge.

Egg binds dough and adds moisture. Use room temperature for best results.

Vanilla gives warmth; a splash of almond is optional for a nutty note.

Pastel M&M’s fuel the cookies’ playful look and bunny charm.

Mini marshmallows, halved, create cute tails; white chocolate chips are a tasty substitute if you prefer.

Exact quantities are listed at the bottom of the article and are printable. I love having the print-ready list handy for baskets and party prep.

How to Make M&M Bunny Cookies

Step 1: Prep and preheat

I start by preheating the oven to 350 F.

Line baking sheets with parchment for easy lift.

Gather butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, and dry ingredients so everything is within reach.

If the dough is very soft, chill 15 minutes.

Step 2: Whisk dry ingredients

Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.

A quick whisk ensures even distribution of leavener and seasoning.

If you prefer lighter texture, sift the flour first.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar

Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

This creates air for soft cookies that stay tender.

Stop once pale and fluffy, then scrape the bowl.

Step 4: Beat in egg and vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla until smooth.

Room temperature ingredients mix best for a uniform dough.

For a faint almond note, add a splash of almond extract.

Step 5: Combine dry and wet to form dough

Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture.

Mix until a cohesive dough forms.

If the dough is very soft, chill 15 minutes.

Step 6: Shape, decorate, and bake

Scoop dough into balls for M&M Bunny Cookies and space them on sheets.

Gently flatten each ball just a touch.

Decorate with pastel M&M’s to form bunny faces and ears, then press a marshmallow half on the back for tails.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes until edges are set.

Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to finish cooling.

Step 7: Cool and set tails

Let cookies cool completely on a rack so tails set firm.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Extras can be frozen for longer storage, making Easter prep easier.

Tips for Success

• Chill the dough if very soft; it helps handling and prevents spreading.
• Keep butter at room temp, not too soft; I measure ahead.
• Line sheets with parchment; eases release and cleanup.
• Don’t overmix after adding dry ingredients; mix just until combined.
• Press pastel M&M’s gently to avoid sinking and uneven faces.
• Gently flatten dough before baking for even thickness.
• Bake M&M Bunny Cookies at 350 F for 10–12 minutes; edges set, centers soft.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls in small to medium sizes
• Electric mixer or sturdy whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper and baking sheets
• Cooling rack
• Silicone spatula
• Cookie scoop or spoon for even balls
• Small bowls for dry ingredients
• Optional: piping bags or heavy-duty zip bags for decorating

Variations

• Gluten-free version: I reach for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add a splash of milk if the dough looks dry.
• Vegan option: I swap butter for vegan butter, use flax egg or aquafaba, and verify dairy-free M&M’s.
• Flavor twists: I like to add 1/2 tsp almond extract or a pinch of lemon zest for brightness.
• Texture shifts: I roll dough in colored sugar or bake 1–2 minutes longer for crisper edges.
• Decorating ideas: I mix in different pastel candies or edible confetti to suit Easter or spring themes.
• Make-ahead tip: I freeze dough balls and bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
• Tails and toppings: I replace tails with mini marshmallows, white chocolate chips, or chopped almonds (nut-free option).
• Lower-sugar option: I reduce sugar to 1/2 cup and use a sugar substitute; texture may shift slightly.
• Kid-friendly approach: I give kids a palette of colors and let them place M&M’s for faces and ears.

Why You’ll Love This M&M Bunny Cookies

I love how these M&M Bunny Cookies turn chaos into cute bites.

In minutes, I bake soft vanilla cookies with faces kids beg for at home.

The quiet joy of decorating with pastel M&M Bunny Cookies makes spring feel slower and sweeter.

They travel well for baskets or class parties, and I bake ahead.

They spark spring joy everywhere, as M&M Bunny Cookies brighten bake sales and Easter mornings too.

Serving Suggestions

For serving, I love arranging M&M Bunny Cookies on a pastel platter with a touch of spring. They pair with a milk or a latte for grown-ups and kids.

• Pair with milk, tea, or coffee.
• Display on a pastel platter for Easter color.
• Wrap extras for baskets or classroom favors, beautifully.

Make It Yours with M&M Bunny Cookies

I love how these M&M Bunny Cookies become a blank canvas for my spring kitchen creativity. They invite personalization, fit gifts, and work for busy cooks who crave joy with ease. Here are ways to tailor them—so they feel uniquely yours.

Personalize the colors

Switch pastel M&M’s to match occasions. Lemon and lime spark sunshine for brunch. Lavender suits baby showers. Mint fits garden parties.

Keep a few color stories in rotation for baskets or classroom treats. Consistency helps kids recognize “the bunny” at a glance.

Flavor twists and substitutions

Add a splash of almond or lemon zest for brightness. For a fun swap, use a touch of coconut extract.

If you’re dairy-free, use vegan butter and dairy-free M&M’s; the cookies stay soft and merry.

Shapes and tails

Try different bunny shapes with simple cutters. For tails, mix in shredded coconut or mini marshmallows.

Options like tiny chocolate chips in the ears add texture and contrast. Have fun and improvise with what you have.

Make-ahead ideas

Freeze dough balls for quick bake nights. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the time.

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze baked cookies for up to 1 month; thaw at room temp.

Packaging and gifting

Wrap in clear treat bags with a pastel ribbon for instant gifts. Add a printable tag with your note.

• Place cookies in a mini tin or cello bag for baskets.
• Pair with a jar of coffee or tea for a cozy gift set.

When you tailor these M&M Bunny Cookies, you create memories as bright as spring sunshine. They’re not just cookies; they’re edible smiles you can share anytime.

FAQs

How should I store M&M Bunny Cookies after baking?

After baking, store M&M Bunny Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for three days. This keeps them soft and fresh for Easter baskets or a busy week. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to a month and thaw at room temperature. Layer with parchment to prevent sticking and keep colors bright away from direct sun. If you want a warm-up, re-crisp on a sheet pan at 325 F for a few minutes.

Can I make gluten-free or vegan versions of M&M Bunny Cookies?

Yes, you can make gluten-free or vegan versions of M&M Bunny Cookies. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add a splash of milk if the dough looks dry. For vegan, swap in vegan butter, use flax egg, and check that your pastel M&M’s are dairy-free. These swaps let busy cooks keep the whimsy without sacrificing texture or taste.

How can I decorate for a neat bunny look with pastel M&M’s?

Decorating is part of the fun with M&M Bunny Cookies. I press pastel M&M’s gently to form faces and ears so they don’t sink, then attach halved marshmallows for tails. For extra cuteness, mix in a few colored candies or edible confetti that matches your theme. The result is playful cookies that look as joyful as they taste.

Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies for ahead Easter prep?

Freezing is your best friend for Easter prep with M&M Bunny Cookies. You can freeze dough balls for quick bakes, then bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes. Alternatively, freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to a month; thaw at room temperature. Either way, you’ll have ready-to-go treats without last-minute fuss.

What should I do if cookies spread or M&M’s sink during baking?

If cookies spread or M&M Bunny Cookies sink, chill the dough before shaping and don’t overmix. Gently flatten before baking and press M&M’s in just enough to set them. Use parchment-lined sheets and bake at 350 F for 10 to 12 minutes to keep edges set while centers stay soft.

Final Thoughts

Baking these M&M Bunny Cookies felt like a gentle spring hug. I love how a tray of soft, vanilla cookies can calm a busy morning and spark a kid’s smile. It brightens mornings and gatherings.

The real magic isn’t just their look; it’s how fast they come together and how forgiving the dough is. I can prep a batch, decorate with kids, and have gifts ready for baskets or classroom parties.

If your schedule is tight, bake a few now and freeze the rest. This recipe travels well and scales with your plans, turning a weekday into a small celebration.

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