Easter Bunny Coconut Tails

Easter Bunny Coconut Tails bring a touch of whimsy to your holiday table with their colorful appearance and sweet coconut flavor. These bite-sized treats capture the playful spirit of Easter with their bunny-inspired design and pastel colors. I've found they're always the first to disappear at springtime gatherings, appealing to both children and adults alike with their creamy texture and gentle sweetness.

Last Easter, my sister's children spent the afternoon helping me make these coconut tails. Their little faces lit up as they transformed plain coconut balls into colorful "bunny tails" with their own hands. They proudly arranged them on the serving plate, and I noticed them pointing out to everyone which ones they had made themselves. Creating food memories like these is what holiday cooking is all about.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

• Coconut: Use two different textures of unsweetened coconut for the best results. Medium shred provides substance for the interior, while fine shred creates a fuzzy exterior coating.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Acts as both sweetener and binder. Eagle Brand offers a smooth consistency that works well.
• Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and enhances the homemade flavor.
• Food Coloring: Gel colors provide vibrant results without excess liquid. Natural food dyes create a gentler pastel palette.

pin it

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Create the Binding Mixture:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk, 2 tablespoons melted butter (cooled), and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.

Incorporate the Coconut:

Gently fold in 5 cups medium shredded coconut and ¼ cup sifted confectioner’s sugar until well combined.

Chill for Consistency:

Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (30 minutes preferred) to allow the mixture to firm up.

Prepare Colored Coconut:

Divide 2 cups fine shredded coconut into small bowls, add 3-4 drops of food coloring to each, and mix until evenly coated.

Form the Balls:

Using a 1½ teaspoon scoop, roll chilled mixture into uniform balls. Lightly dust hands with confectioner’s sugar if needed.

Coat with Color:

Roll each ball in colored coconut, gently pressing to ensure adhesion.

Set for Serving:

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Allow to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before enjoying.

The Perfect Consistency

The key to successful bunny tails is achieving the right consistency—neither too wet nor too dry. If too sticky, gradually add additional coconut. If too dry, mix in a few drops of condensed milk until moldable.

Color Coordination

Creating an ombré effect with gradually darker shades of the same color makes for a stunning presentation. Arranging them in coordinated color groups enhances the visual impact on your Easter dessert table.

Make-Ahead Magic

These treats improve in flavor after resting for a day or two. Store in an airtight container with parchment layers between them. They also freeze well for up to three months—just thaw overnight before serving.

Serving Suggestions

For a festive display, place bunny tails in pastel cupcake liners and arrange in an Easter basket with decorative grass. They pair well with macarons, sugar cookies, or light tea cakes.

Allergy-Friendly Adaptations

For dairy-free versions, use coconut condensed milk and plant-based butter. A sugar-free condensed milk alternative also works for those reducing sugar, though the texture will differ slightly.

I've made these Easter Bunny Coconut Tails for fifteen years, and they’ve become more than just a recipe—they’re a cherished family tradition. Watching them bring joy to loved ones reminds me that the best holiday treats are those made with care, shared with laughter, and remembered for years to come.

pin it

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened?

Yes, but you may want to reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly as the treats will be sweeter.

→ How long do these Easter Bunny Coconut Tails keep?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they'll keep fresh for up to 5-7 days.

→ Can I freeze these coconut treats?

Yes, they freeze well for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

→ What if I don't have liquid food coloring?

Gel food coloring works too, just mix a small amount with a few drops of water before adding to the coconut.

→ Can I add other flavors to these treats?

Yes, try almond extract instead of vanilla, or add a bit of lemon zest for a citrus twist to the coconut mixture.