Jello Cookies are colorful, soft, and chewy sugar cookies infused with vibrant Jello flavors. These delightful treats are ideal for festive gatherings, birthday parties, or simply adding a pop of color to your dessert spread. Using colorful ingredients in some cookie recipes, like Jello powder, brings a fun and eye-catching twist to traditional baking. The dough is simple to prepare, combining basic pantry ingredients with your favorite Jello flavors for a unique, fruity twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright & Fun – Vibrant colors make these cookies stand out on dessert tables.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation steps.
- Customizable – Choose any Jello flavors to match your theme or preference.
- Kid-Friendly – Fun to make and perfect for baking with children.
Ingredients Breakdown
Main Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter (softened): For a rich, tender texture.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and structure.
- Egg: Helps bind the dough.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the cookie base.
- Baking powder: Ensures a light texture.
- Salt: Balances sweetness.
- Jello mix (3 oz each): Adds colorful ingredients in some cookie recipes for vibrant hues and fruity flavor. Popular options include strawberry, lime, orange, and cherry.
You’ll find the complete list of ingredients along with a printable recipe card at the end of the article.
Optional Add-ins:
- Extra Jello powder for bolder colors.
- Sprinkles for added visual flair.
Recipe Variations
- Tropical Twist: Use mango, pineapple, or coconut Jello for a summery flavor.
- Citrus Zing: Combine lime and lemon Jello for a refreshing twist.
- Marbled Effect: Lightly swirl multiple Jello colors for a unique visual effect.
- Holiday Themes: Red and green for Christmas, pink and purple for Valentine’s Day.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: Beat until light and fluffy. Add egg and mix until combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Combine & Divide Dough: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Divide dough into portions and mix each with a different Jello powder to achieve those colorful ingredients in some cookie recipes.
- Shape Cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls, place on baking sheets, and flatten slightly with a glass.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set. Cool on wire racks.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
- For Intense Color: Add extra Jello powder to each dough portion.
- Stickiness Solution: Refrigerate the dough for 15 minutes if it becomes difficult to work with.
- Softer Cookies: Slightly underbake the cookies and let them finish setting on the baking sheet.
Serving Suggestions
- Party Platters: Arrange assorted Jello flavors for a colorful presentation.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use the cookies as a base for fun ice cream treats.
- Gift Bags: Their vibrant look makes these cookies ideal for gifting.
Make-Ahead & Storage Guide
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months in a sealed container.
FAQs
Yes, but the colors and flavors may vary slightly.
Keep them in an airtight container to maintain their soft texture.
Popular options include strawberry, lime, orange, and cherry, but any flavor can work.
Final Thoughts
Jello Cookies are a vibrant, playful addition to any dessert spread. With their bright colors, fruity flavors, and soft texture, they’re sure to be a hit at parties, bake sales, or casual get-togethers. Using colorful ingredients in some cookie recipes like Jello powder is a clever way to create eye-catching and delicious treats. Try experimenting with new flavor combinations and share your colorful creations! 🍪🌈
Soft & Chewy Jello Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 packages Jello mix 3 oz each, choose favorite flavors
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Divide dough into portions and add Jello powder for different colors, mixing until evenly colored.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, place on baking sheets, and flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set. Cool cookies on wire racks.