If time is a huge issue - buy and attach a bunch of cheap wire pulls. Get a size that the drill holes will be within the footprint of your cutout handles. This spring or summer - take the drawer fronts out as you have time and saw/rout the pulls. I understand that is not what you are wanting to do but worth a consideration?
I really like the look you are intending so my suggestion is not an alternate - just a deferred gratification plan .
BB will require 3 passes with a router unless you precut to near the line. I like BB too but it can be brutal on high speed cutters.
"... for when we become in heart completely poor, we at once are the treasurers & disbursers of enormous riches."
WQJudge