Soft Easter Bunny M&M Cookies – Thick, Chewy & Perfectly Festive

Easter baking is all about color, joy, and soft, irresistible treats that feel just as special as the holiday itself. These Soft Easter Bunny M&M Cookies are everything an Easter dessert should be: thick, chewy, buttery, and bursting with pastel chocolate candies that scream springtime happiness. Whether you’re baking for an Easter brunch, filling treat bags for kids, or simply want a cozy seasonal cookie, this recipe delivers bakery-style results every single time.

Unlike thin or crunchy cookies, these cookies are intentionally soft-baked. The centers stay tender for days, while the edges are just lightly set. Each bite melts in your mouth with buttery vanilla flavor, balanced sweetness, and pops of chocolate from colorful Easter M&M candies. They’re festive without being complicated, making them perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike.

What truly sets these cookies apart is their texture. By using a carefully balanced ratio of brown sugar to granulated sugar, plus chilled dough and a slightly underbaked finish, the cookies stay thick and plush instead of spreading flat. The pastel Easter M&M candies add crunch, color, and visual charm — making these cookies as beautiful as they are delicious.

These cookies aren’t just for Easter Sunday. They’re ideal for spring bake sales, classroom parties, gifting, or freezing ahead for later celebrations. Once you try them, they’ll become a yearly tradition you look forward to baking again and again.

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Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups pastel Easter M&M candies
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional but recommended)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix.
6. Gently fold in the pastel Easter M&M candies and chocolate chips, reserving a handful of M&Ms for topping the cookies.
7. Scoop the dough into large balls (about 2½ tablespoons each) and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2–3 inches apart.
8. Press a few extra M&M candies onto the tops of each dough ball for a bakery-style look.
9. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked.
10. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Why These Easter Cookies Stay So Soft

The secret to ultra-soft cookies is moisture control and sugar balance. Brown sugar contains molasses, which keeps cookies chewy and tender. The extra egg yolk adds richness and softness without making the dough cakey. Slightly underbaking the cookies ensures they stay plush long after they cool.

Chilling the dough isn’t mandatory, but even 20 minutes in the fridge can help maintain thickness and prevent spreading. This step is especially helpful if your kitchen is warm.

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Easter M&M Candy Tips

Pastel Easter M&M candies are slightly larger and thicker than regular M&Ms, which makes them ideal for baking. To prevent cracking or bleeding colors:

• Press candies into the tops after scooping the dough
• Avoid overbaking
• Let cookies cool before stacking

You can also mix pastel M&Ms with mini chocolate eggs for an extra festive look.

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Flavor Variations

• White Chocolate Easter Cookies: Replace chocolate chips with white chocolate chips
• Bunny Trail Cookies: Add shredded coconut and mini marshmallows
• Funfetti Style: Mix in Easter sprinkles for extra color
• Double Chocolate: Replace ¼ cup flour with cocoa powder

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Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies slightly warm with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or vanilla almond milk. They also pair beautifully with Easter brunch spreads, dessert platters, or wrapped individually in pastel bags as party favors.

For gifting, stack cookies in clear bags with ribbon and a bunny-shaped tag for a charming homemade treat.

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Storage & Freezing

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To freeze, place baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.

You can also freeze the dough balls and bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.

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Fun Easter Cookie Facts

Easter cookies became popular in the U.S. during the mid-20th century as pastel candies and themed baking decorations became widely available. Bunny-themed treats symbolize spring renewal, joy, and celebration — making cookies like these a perfect seasonal dessert.