Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Easter Bunny Button Cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat! The buttery cookie base melts in your mouth, and the burst of pastel-colored jam in the center adds a delightful pop of flavor. They are easy to prepare, and the pastel hues of the jam make them visually appealing for any Easter-themed celebration. Not to mention, they’re the perfect size for a little springtime snack or a cute addition to an Easter dessert platter.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup pastel-colored jam (strawberry, raspberry, or apricot)
1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the Vanilla: Add the vanilla extract and mix it into the butter-sugar mixture.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Form the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Make an Indentation: Use the back of a spoon or your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
Fill with Jam: Spoon a small amount of pastel-colored jam into each indentation, being careful not to overfill.
Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Cool and Dust: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. If desired, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 29 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies

Variations

Jam Varieties: Switch up the pastel-colored jam with your favorites such as blueberry, peach, or orange marmalade for a different flavor profile.
Add Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh, citrusy twist that pairs wonderfully with the jam.
Make Them Mini: Roll the dough into smaller balls for mini cookies, which are perfect for party trays or Easter baskets.
Use Icing: For extra decoration, drizzle the cookies with white icing after baking, or add small sprinkles on top for a colorful touch.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies after baking and cooling. Place them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, and they can last for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: These cookies are best served at room temperature, but you can gently reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them slightly warm.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of jam?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of jam. Strawberry, raspberry, apricot, and even blackberry or peach jams all work wonderfully with this recipe.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, just let it come to room temperature before forming the cookies.

3. How can I prevent the jam from overflowing?

To prevent the jam from overflowing during baking, make sure the indentation is not too deep, and only use a small amount of jam in the center of each cookie.

4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While butter gives the best flavor and texture, margarine can be substituted if you prefer, though the cookies may not have the same richness.

5. Can I use a different sweetener instead of powdered sugar?

Yes, you can substitute powdered sugar with a natural sweetener such as stevia or monk fruit, but it may slightly change the texture of the dough.

6. How do I make the indentations in the cookies?

You can use the back of a spoon or your thumb to gently press into the center of each cookie ball to create the indentation. Just be careful not to press all the way through the dough.

7. Can I add sprinkles or other decorations?

Absolutely! After filling the cookies with jam, you can top them with colored sugar, edible sprinkles, or even small candy pieces for extra flair.

8. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. Just make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for the best texture.

9. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough. Roll it into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 2 minutes to the baking time.

10. How can I make these cookies dairy-free?

To make these cookies dairy-free, use a dairy-free butter substitute and check that the jam you’re using doesn’t contain added dairy ingredients.

Conclusion

Easter Bunny Button Cookies are a fun, festive, and utterly delicious treat for your springtime celebrations. With their buttery texture, colorful jam filling, and adorable button-like appearance, they are sure to brighten any dessert table. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, these cookies are a must-try for anyone looking to add a sweet touch to their Easter festivities. Enjoy them with family and friends, and watch them disappear in no time!