1-First Step: Gather your tools and preheat the oven Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so the cookies do not stick and clean-up stays easy. Gather a large mixing bowl, a medium bowl, a whisk, a spatula, and a cookie scoop if you have one. This makes the process smooth and keeps you from rushing once the dough is ready.

2-Second Step: Mix the dry ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps spread the leavening evenly through the dough. If you are using a gluten-free flour blend, whisk it the same way so the texture stays even.

3-Third Step: Combine the wet ingredients In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter, light brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture looks smooth and glossy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix again until everything is fully combined. The dough should smell sweet and buttery at this stage.

4-Fourth Step: Bring the dough together Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix, or the cookies can turn tough. Fold in the white chocolate chips and half cup of pastel candies. The dough will look colorful and a little chunky, which is exactly what you want for M&M Bunny Cookies.

5-Fifth Step: Chill if needed If the dough feels soft or sticky, chill it for 20 to 30 minutes. This helps the cookies keep their shape and prevents too much spreading. Chilling is especially helpful if your kitchen is warm or if you want cleaner bunny-shaped cookies.

6-Sixth Step: Shape the cookies Scoop the dough into equal portions, about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons each, and place them on the lined baking sheets with space between each one. For a bunny look, gently shape each mound into a slightly oval form. You can also press the tops a little flatter so the decorations sit nicely after baking.

7-Seventh Step: Bake until just set Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers still look soft. The cookies should not look dry. Freshly baked cookies keep baking a little on the hot tray, so pulling them out at the right time is important for a soft middle.

8-Eighth Step: Add the decorations As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press additional pastel candies into the tops. This is the best time to decorate because the cookies are still warm and soft. If you want a cute bunny face, use candies for eyes and a nose, or simply scatter them on top for a bright spring look. This step is especially fun for kids because they can help make each cookie unique.

9-Ninth Step: Cool and serve Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This helps them set without breaking apart. Once cooled, serve them on a plate, pack them for lunchboxes, or stack them for a party tray. If you like a softer cookie, enjoy them while they are still slightly warm.