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These adorable Easter Bunny Shortbread Bites are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats dipped in a simple two-ingredient icing. They're a fun and easy project to do with kids (of all ages), and the free printable labels make them perfect for gifts!
The inspiration for these Easter Bunny Shortbread Bites came from a Café reader. A few weeks ago, she wrote, requesting the free printable labels for our Sugar Plum Fairy Shortbread Bites, but also had a question:
"Would you possibly have something to use for Easter (with bunny rabbits)?"
I told her no, I didn't, but it sounded like a wonderful idea for Spring. Ever since, I've been mulling the idea over and experimenting with different decorating techniques. My goal was something easy, whimsical and fun.
So here you go...I'm pleased to introduce you to our Easter Bunny Shortbread Bites!
Too fussy
When I looked online for Easter-themed cookie decoration inspiration, there were lots of great ideas. But most of them were too complicated and way too time-consuming. I wanted something simple that didn't require a Master's degree in cookie decor, something that would be fun and easy to do with kids.
It took a bit of playing in the kitchen before I was happy with these Easter Bunny Shortbread Bites, but I'm delighted with how they turned out. Melt-in-your-mouth, bite-size shortbread, dipped in a simple pastel icing colors and finished off with a sweet little bunny face.
All it takes is one M&M, one jelly bean and an edible marker (or a toothpick and a dab of food coloring).
How to make these shortbread bites
The recipe is so easy that you'll be surprised at how delicious the results can be -with minimal labor!
- Mix the dough - Just stir everything together in one bowl until a soft dough forms.
- Press and chill - Pat the dough into a 9-inch square pan, chill briefly, then cut into little squares.
- Bake - Until just barely golden on the bottom.
- Make the easy two-ingredient icing.
- Decorate - Dip each square in icing, add an M&M face and two jelly bean "ears."
- Let dry - Once the icing is set, they're ready to serve or store.
- You want it fairly thick, but still spoonable. Transfer the icing to a shallow bowl and have a cooling rack nearby.
- Place 3-4 of the shortbread bites in the bowl and spoon the icing over each one to submerge. Using a fork, lift one bite up and let the excess icing drip off.
- Add the M&M for the bunny face and two jelly bean halves for the bunny ears while the glaze is wet!
- Lastly, let the glaze harden. It will take 3-4 hours. Flip them over and give the underside a chance to harden and they're ready to give away!
A delightful Easter treat
Whether you're making these for an Easter brunch, to tuck into baskets, or to gift to friends and/or neighbors, they're guaranteed to bring smiles all around.
A wonderful gift from the kitchen!
Speaking of gifts, these Easter Bunny Shortbread Bites make a wonderful gift. Surprise neighbors, friends, family members, co-workers, service people, whoever you want to send a little whimsical cheer to.
Get your free printable labels...
Make it a party!
These little shortbread bites are as tasty as they are cute-crisp and buttery with a sweet, festive touch. They're a super fun project to make with kids, grandkids, school kids, neighborhood kids, nieces, nephews...
Make the shortbread squares ahead, then have the M&Ms, jelly beans and bowls of colored icing set out. Let everyone have fun dipping their own unique creations. Call it an Easter Bunny Shortbread Bites party and let the kids take their works of art home to share with family and friends. You might just start a new tradition that will be remembered for years to come!
Café Tips for making these Easter Bunny Shortbread Bites
- Because this recipe doesn't require a mixer, you want the butter to be nice and soft. You can leave butter sit out at room temperature to soften but if the air is chilly it won't get soft enough. Here are a few easy tricks for softening butter.
- You can soften the butter in the microwave at a 10% power level. It works like magic. You'll need to experiment a bit with your microwave as they're all different. Start with 1 minute. Add 20 to 30-second increments until you learn how long your microwave will take to get the butter nice and soft, but not melted.
- Another technique I often use to soften butter is to put it in the microwave for 30 minutes to an hour with the light on. To keep the light on in the microwave, I put a folded paper towel in the door. Don't leave it in there too long though. I forgot about it a few days ago and was amazed when I opened the door and found a plate of melted butter!
- Boil a cup of water in the microwave for 2-3 minutes and get things nice and steamy. Leave the water cup in the microwave, add the butter and close the door. The warmth from the steamy water will help to quickly soften the butter within 20-30 minutes.
- Cutting the butter into small pieces helps it soften quickly.
- Put the butter in the oven with the light turned on. This will take 1-2 hours.
- The fastest way to soften butter is to put cold butter in the microwave for 10 seconds. Turn it to the opposite side and microwave for another 10 seconds. It might be ready at this point, but if it's not completely soft, add one or two more 5-second stints, turning the butter each time. Don't walk away when using this option or you'll have the prettiest puddle of melted butter you've ever seen.
- The glaze recipe calls for half and half. Half and half, for those of you living outside of the U.S., is an American convenience product often used for coffee. It's simply a mixture of half milk and half heavy cream.
- If you prefer to use a mixer, go for it! You won't need the butter to be as soft.
- Another decorating idea for these shortbread bites is to use 3 small jelly beans in the center of each one. It's easy and pretty!
- You'll need a 9×9-inch square baking pan for this recipe. I really love this OXO Good Grips pan. I've had mine for years and, as you can imagine, it's gotten lots of use. It still looks like it's brand new!
- Normally, I like to line my sheet pans with parchment paper for easy clean-up, however, it seems that skipping the parchment with this recipe keeps the dough from spreading in the oven.
- If you're in the market for sheet pans, I love these OXO Good Grip pans. I've gone through lots of sheet pans over the years. These are my all-time favorites!
Thought for the day:
And there is salvation in no one else
for there is no other name under heaven,
given among men by which
we must be saved.
Acts 4:12
What we've been listening to for inspiration:
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Easter Bunny Shortbread Bites
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 cup very soft butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
For the glaze:
- 3 cups powdered sugar, maybe a bit more
- 6 tablespoons half & half, maybe a bit more
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon almond extract
- liquid food color
Instructions
For the prep:
- Heat oven to 325°F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with foil, leaving a 1-inch overhang on 2 sides. Spray the foil and sides of the pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
For the dough:
- Add the soft butter to a medium-large bowl. Stir for 20-30 seconds until smooth and fluffy. Add the sugar and extracts and stir until creamy and well combined.
- Add the flour and salt. Stir with a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon until all of the flour is incorporated. The mixture will be crumbly. Use one hand to knead the dough in the bowl until it comes together.
- Grab a handful of dough and crumble it into the pan. Repeat with remaining dough, creating a layer of large crumbs in the pan. Pat the dough into an even layer. I like to use a flat-bottom glass or a metal hamburger spatula to help pat and even out the dough.
- Refrigerate for 10 minutes, then use the foil to lift the dough from the pan onto a cutting surface. Cut the dough into 1½-inch squares. I like to use a ruler to score the dough evenly before cutting with a long, sharp knife.
- Place squares 1 inch apart on 2 ungreased cookie sheets; discard the foil.
- Refrigerate the squares again for at least 30 minutes and up to 12 hours.
To bake:
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 325˚F.
- Bake on the center rack for 15-20 minutes or until the bottoms of the bites are just beginning to brown.
- Transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely. Repeat with the second pan of cookies. Proceed with the glazing right away or store in an airtight container until ready to glaze.
For the bunny faces:
- For each shortbread bite, cut one jelly bean in half, lengthwise, for the bunny ears.
- For the faces, use an edible marker or a toothpick dipped in black (or a dark-hued) food color to make two little dots for eyes and one for the nose. Set aside to dry.
For the glaze:
- Combine all glaze ingredients in a medium-size bowl and whisk until nice and smooth. The glaze should be fairly thick but spoonable. If it seems too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. If it's too thick, add more half and half, a few drops at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. If too thin, add more powdered sugar. (See the picture above in the post.)
- Transfer the icing to 2-3 shallow bowls (depending on how many colors you want to use). Add food color, one drop at a time, stirring well after each addition, until the desired color is reached.
- Add 3-4 of the shortbread bites to one of the bowls and spoon the icing over each one to completely coat.
- Using a fork, bring one of the shortbread bites up out of the icing and allow the excess icing to drip back into the bowl. When most of the extra icing has dripped off, wipe the bottom of the fork against the side of the bowl then transfer the cookie to a cooling rack. Repeat with remaining shortbread bites and other colors of icing.
- While the icing is still wet, place one M&M and two jelly bean halves on each shortbread to form the bunny face and ears.
- Allow the shortbreads to completely dry on the rack. It will take 2-4 hours. When you touch them, the icing should feel hard and dry. When the icing is dry, flip the cookies over and let them sit until the bottoms are also nice and dry. If there's excess icing on the bottoms, you can remove it with a sharp knife.
To store:
- Once the glaze has set, the shortbread bites can be stacked on a plate or platter or packed in bags or boxes to be given as gifts. If giving as a gift, I like to place the cookies in a plastic or cellophane bag and secure it with a twist tie to keep them fresh.
- Store in an airtight container. These cookies can also be frozen. When ready to serve, remove them from the freezer and thaw in a single layer.
Notes
Nutrition
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I know my eyes are getting on in years, but don't some of the pictures depict sprinkles or something in the cookie dough? I checked the recipe and don't see that listed.
Hi Benna, your eyes are just fine! I did add sprinkles to some of the dough, but it's not necessary, so I didn't add them to the ingredients list.
Please could I receive the .pdf for the labels for these bunny shortbreads?
Hi there: Please send the labels my way. Thank you for your wonderful recipe. I am always blessed by your words of inspiration.
So glad to hear that, Dot! Sending the labels your way.
Big hit! I’m not very artistic, and they certainly were not perfect, but still adorable. My 3 year old grand daughter was delighted! And they taste great too. I froze half of them and that seems to be fine too. Thanks so much!
Great! Thank you for letting us know, Linda!
Made these for neighbors and they really enjoyed them.
Thank you
Awesome! Thanks for letting us know, Nadine!
These were a big hit at my Easter dinner! So cute. I also used one of your salad recipes, your brioche dinner rolls recipe, and your Easter asparagus recipe, served alongside my beef stroganoff and noodles. It was all enjoyed by my guests! And I copied your table setting ideas, purchasing the pretty napkin rings and folding my napkins in the Fleur de lis way your posting showed. Thank you for your wonderful recipes and tips. Your site is the first place I look when I want a new recipe!
Thank you for the kind and encouraging comment, Jill! So happy to hear you're enjoying the site!
Hi Lindsay:
May I please have the darling labels? Chris outdid herself with this one! Adoreable
Hi Patti, hope you are doing well! Sending the labels your way!
Hi, love all your recipes, this one is especially so adore able, could you please send me the pretty labels, what great gifts they make! Thank you
For brightening my days, Karen
Thank you for the kind comment, Karen! We are happy to send the labels.
Love this bunny idea. Can't wait to try it. I sure would love the labels. Thanks so much!
Happy to send them, Mary Lou!
Please may I have the Easter Bunny Labels, thank you
Sure, Jane!
Thank you, Chris, for the super cute bunny shortbread cookie recipe. I’m excited to make them with my granddaughters and would appreciate the labels. Happy Easter!
Christine
Happy Easter, Christine! Sending the labels your way.
I've made these Easter Bunny Shortbread Bites for our grandchildren for Easter, and they are adorable! My only problem was getting them to be the right shape because my 9x9 pan turned out not to be 9x9 inside!
I would love to have the printed label as well too!
Many thanks, Moira White
Thanks, Moira! Sending them your way.
They are so cute. I can’t wait to make them, please send labels .
THANK YOU
Sure, Dotti!
Yes, I would love a copy of the labels. I love your site and every recipe I have made from your site has come out beautifully and was delicious. I have mentioned your site to many friends. You and your husband are a lovely talented team.
Thank you, Shirley! We are happy to send the labels.
Please send the labels for the Easter bunny treats! Thank you
Sure, Carol!
These are so cute! I think I’ll make them with my grandson. Please send the label. Thank you.
Thanks, Teresa! We are happy to send the labels.
These are so cute & look delicious. Please send me the odds & label directions.
Thanks
Sending them your way, Jean!
These are so adorable. I would love the labels please.
Sure, Debbie!
Too cute! Labels please 🙂
Happy Easter!
Happy Easter, Debbie! Sending the labels your way.
I love the poka dot teapot.
Please send the bunny printable.
Sure, Karen!
Label, please. Thank you.
Sending them your way, Karen!
Too cute!! Would adore sharing your labels just as I adore sharing your recipes. Thank you for your creativity that makes baking fun! Happy Easter and Blessings to you and your family!
Thank you for the kind comment, Stella! We are happy to send the labels.
May I have the labels for these cuties, please? Thank you.
Hi Chris - may I have the labels please? Am getting ready to bake some now. Thank you Wendy
Sure, Wendy!
May I have the labels please? Thank you
Just sent them, Dotti! Enjoy!
Hello! Looks so cute and easy. I'd love the labels, please! Thank you!!
Sure, Benna!
So so cute! Can’t wait to make them. Please send the labels. Thank you!
Hi Carol, they're on the way!
Please send the labels for these adorable Easter treats. They will be so cute for the holiday! Thanks
Linda
Please send the labels for these adorable shortbread treats. So cute for Easter treats!
Thanks
Linda
Thanks, Linda! They will make you smile! Sending the labels now.
These look so cute! I’d love to try them for Easter. Would you kindly send me the labels!
5 starts for cuteness!
How did you make eyes and nose on the M&Ms?
Please share the labels.
Thank you kindly, Kayc
Hi Kayc, sending the labels your way.
Regarding your question, just check the instructions under "For the bunny faces".
Happy to send them, Anne-Louise!
What a creative yet easy treat for Easter. Thank you for sharing.
Might you send the label template...I'm so looking forward to sharing these with family and friends.
Thanks, Kathy! The labels should be in your inbox.
Please send me the pdf for the labels. The Easter Bunny Bites look adorable. Thank you.
You're welcome, Beverly, sending them your way.
This is absolutely a "must do" for my grandchildren and neighbors! May I please have the adorable labels that you designed? Thank you
Sure, happy to send them C J!
I can't wait to try these treats! Please send me the the gift labels. Thanks so much!
Hope you enjoy them, Gabrielle! Sending them your way.
Would love the labels. Thank you so much for the adorable recipe:)
You're welcome, Sue. Happy to send them.
Really, really cute. Perfect edible Easter project to make with the grandkids. Please do send me the pdf for the Easter Bunny Bites. Thank you very much.
It will be a fun project, Candace. Sending the labels your way!
These are too cute!!🥰 please send
E the labels for Easter!!
Thank you
Sure, sending them now, Gayle.
Please send labels! adorable!
Thanks, MaryJo - sending them now.
Adorable idea and easy too, Please send the label. Thank you
Sure, they will be in your inbox shortly, Nadine.
Hi Chris,
This Easter Bunny shortbread bites are sooo cute. I would to have the labels pls.
Thank you for all your recipes & ideas.
Linda P.
You're welcome, Linda! Happy to send the labels.
Darling! Did I miss your instructions for the black eyes and nose?
Hi Linda, check in the recipe under "For the bunny faces".
These are adorable. Please send labels.
Hi Liz, sending the labels your way.
These are so cute. Looks like a fun project with our grandchildren! I would appreciate receiving the cute labels. Thank you
For sure! Sending the labels now, Beverly!
Oh my goodness. These are adorable. I can’t decide if I am going to make these for the neighbors or with the neighbors children! Could I please have a copy of the labels. Thanks so much!
Thanks so much, Letitia! They will be so fun to do with kids, whoever you decide on. The labels are coming your way.
Oooh! These look so good. Such a lovely idea. I’d love to have the labels please and thank you so much for sharing. A Blessed Easter to you and your family
Thank you, Beth - same wishes to you! The labels are on the way.
Please send me the free printable Easter Bunny label. Thank you!
Sending them now, K!
Very creative, will definitely try. Will you please send the labels? Thanks!
Happy to send them, Julie!
So cute. I can't wait to make these. May I please have the labels? Thank you.
Sure, sending them now, Donna!
Looking forward to making these for Easter! Or as I like to refer to it, Resurrection Sunday! May I please have the labels?
Sending them your way, Kathryn!