1-First Step: Prep the oven and baking sheet Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the cookies release easily and the bottoms do not overbrown. This small step makes cleanup easier too, which is always a win on a busy day. If you are baking with kids, this is a great moment to let them help place the parchment and count out the candy.

2-Second Step: Mix the dry ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first helps spread the leavening evenly through the dough. That means your M&M Bunny Cookies will bake more evenly and have a nicer texture. If you need a gluten-free version, this is the point where you would use your gluten-free flour blend instead.

3-Third Step: Combine the wet ingredients and sugars In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, light brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then stir again until everything looks creamy and blended. The melted butter makes the dough rich and soft, while the two sugars work together for a chewy center and lightly crisp edges. Try not to overmix here, because a gentle hand keeps the cookies tender.

4-Fourth Step: Bring the dough together Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir just until a soft dough forms. Then fold in the white chocolate chips and 1/2 cup pastel candies. If the dough seems a little sticky, let it rest for a few minutes before scooping. This short rest helps the flour absorb the moisture and makes shaping easier.

5-Fifth Step: Scoop and shape the cookies Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a few inches between each cookie. For a more polished bunny look, gently round each dough ball with your fingers. You do not need to make them perfect, since the pastel candy decorations will give them plenty of charm. If you want smaller cookies for lunchboxes or party trays, use smaller scoops and shorten the baking time by a minute or two.

6-Sixth Step: Bake until just set Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges look lightly golden and the centers still seem soft. The cookies will keep cooking a little after they come out of the oven, so avoid waiting for them to look fully done in the middle. That is the trick to getting chewy M&M Bunny Cookies instead of dry ones. If you are baking in batches, keep the later trays on the counter while the oven finishes up.

7-Seventh Step: Add the bunny decorations As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press extra pastel candies onto the tops to create bunny faces or simple holiday patterns. The warm cookies will be soft enough to hold the candy without cracking. If you want a more playful look, add two candies for eyes and one in the center for a nose. You can also use extra candies around the edges for a bright Easter finish.

8-Final Step: Cool and serve Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up without falling apart. Once cooled, serve them on a platter, tuck them into Easter baskets, or pack them for school snacks and holiday gatherings. If you are making them ahead, wait until they are fully cool before storing.