Hey there, fellow baking enthusiasts! It’s springtime, which means flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, and Holiday is just around the corner. What better way to celebrate this joyful season than by whipping up a batch of delightful Holiday Bunny M&M Cookies? These cookies are not only adorably shaped but also bursting with flavors that both kids and adults will love. Plus, they’re super easy to make! So grab your apron and let’s dive into this fun baking adventure together!
Why You’ll Love This Bunny M&M Cookies Recipe
Every cookie tells a story, but these Holiday Bunny M&M Cookies add a whimsical twist to the traditional treat. With their vibrant pastel colors and cute bunny faces, they don’t just taste great; they look fantastic too! Here are a few reasons why this recipe is worth making:
- Perfect for Any Celebration: Whether it’s an Holiday brunch, a family gathering, or an egg hunt, these cookies will bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
- Easy and Fun to Make: Baking doesn’t always have to be complicated. This simple recipe gives you the chance to get creative, involving your little helpers in the kitchen!
- Mouth-Watering Flavor: Combining sweet M&Ms with buttery cookie dough creates a mouthful of joy. The texture is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside – perfection in every bite.
- Versatile Decoration: While this recipe focuses on Holiday bunnies, you can play around with different shapes and colors, making them suitable for any festive occasion.
- Lasting Impressions: Everyone you share these cookies with will remember the fun and joy they bring, making it a perfect addition to your holiday traditions.
Step-by-Step: Making Holiday Bunny M&M Cookies
Let’s break down the process of baking these adorable cookies. Don’t worry; it’s simpler than you might think!
Ingredients
To make your Holiday Bunny M&M Cookies, you will need:
- 1 cup Butter, softened
- 1 ½ cup White Granulated Sugar
- 1 Large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 2 ¾ cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 bag Pastel M&M’s (for faces and ears)
Directions
- Prepare the ‘ears’: Slice half of your M&Ms in half vertically with a sharp knife. This step is essential for creating the bunny ears.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Cream butter and sugar: In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully incorporated.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine mixtures: Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the mixer on low speed until the dough just comes together.
- Form the cookies: Scoop two tablespoons of dough at a time and roll into balls. Place them on the baking sheet and flatten them slightly into disks.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are just set but the tops still look soft.
- Add bunny features: Let the cookies cool for 1-2 minutes on the pan. Gently press one whole M&M into the center for the bunny’s face and two halves above for the ears.
How to Serve Holiday Bunny M&M Cookies
Serving these cookies is as delightful as baking them! Here are some suggestions on how to present your charming Holiday Bunny Cookies:
- Holiday Basket Treats: Use cute, colorful baskets to place your cookies. It gives such a festive look and makes it easy for guests to grab and go.
- Plate of Joy: Arrange them on a beautiful cake stand adorned with spring flowers or decorative napkins for a stunning centerpiece during your Holiday brunch.
- Party Favors: Package cookies in small cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbons for take-home treats.
Keeping Your Holiday Bunny M&M Cookies Fresh
To ensure that your cookies stay fresh for as long as possible, follow these storage tips:
- Cool completely: Make sure your cookies are completely cooled before storing them. This helps prevent moisture buildup.
- Airtight container: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also keep them in the fridge for a longer shelf life, but they may lose some texture.
- Freezing: If you want to keep them even longer, place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can last for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Pro Tips for Perfect Holiday Bunny M&M Cookies
Here are some expert tips for making your cookies an absolute success:
- Measure accurately: Baking is all about precision, so make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.
- Chill the dough: If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it for about 30 minutes. This makes rolling and shaping much easier.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add a hint of almond extract or lemon zest to the dough for an extra twist of flavor.
Delicious Variations of Holiday Bunny M&M Cookies
Want to shake things up? Here are a few creative variations on this classic recipe:
- Chocolate Chunk: Swap some of the M&Ms for chocolate chunks or chopped nuts for a richer cookie.
- Different Shapes: Instead of just bunny faces, try using cookie cutters to create different shapes, like carrots or eggs.
- Decorative Icing: Add some royal icing details to make your bunny cookies even more attractive. Think cute whiskers or colorful sprinkles for more personality!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use different types of M&Ms?
Absolutely! While pastel M&Ms are perfect for Holiday, feel free to use regular chocolate M&Ms or any seasonal colors you find.
2. What can I substitute for butter?
You can use a vegan butter alternative for a dairy-free option or even coconut oil, but keep in mind it may alter the flavor slightly.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The cookie dough can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 48 hours or frozen for up to a month. Just let it thaw in the fridge before baking.
So, are you ready to bake some magic this Holiday? With these whimsical Holiday Bunny M&M Cookies, you are sure to impress your family and friends while creating sweet memories together. Happy baking!
Print
Holiday Bunny M&M Cookies
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully cute and flavorful Holiday Bunny M&M Cookies that combine sweet M&Ms with buttery cookie dough.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Butter, softened
- 1 ½ cup White Granulated Sugar
- 1 Large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 2 ¾ cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 bag Pastel M&Ms (for faces and ears)
Instructions
- Prepare the ‘ears’: Slice half of your M&Ms in half vertically with a sharp knife.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Cream butter and sugar: In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully incorporated.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine mixtures: Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the mixer on low speed until the dough just comes together.
- Form the cookies: Scoop two tablespoons of dough at a time and roll into balls. Place them on the baking sheet and flatten them slightly into disks.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are just set but the tops still look soft.
- Add bunny features: Let the cookies cool for 1-2 minutes on the pan. Gently press one whole M&M into the center for the bunny’s face and two halves above for the ears.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to a week. Can also be frozen for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg