Jello Sugar Cookies – Soft, Chewy & Colorful Treats Recipe
Introduction
Jello Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with vibrant colors and flavors. These delightful treats combine classic sugar cookie goodness with a fun twist from flavored gelatin powder, making them perfect for parties or everyday snacking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3–4 flavors of Jello gelatin powder (e.g., strawberry, lime, grape)
- Additional sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Beat in the egg until fully combined with the butter and sugar mixture.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Step 6: Divide the dough into 3 to 4 equal portions. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of a different Jello flavor to each portion and mix well to color and flavor the dough.
- Step 7: Chill the dough portions in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes to make shaping easier.
- Step 8: Roll each dough portion into balls, then coat them in additional sugar. Slightly flatten each ball with your hand or the bottom of a glass.
- Step 9: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops show a crackled appearance.
- Step 10: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For more intense color and flavor, add a bit more Jello powder, but avoid adding too much to keep the dough from becoming sticky.
- Try using different gelatin flavors to create a rainbow assortment of cookies for festive occasions.
- If dough feels too soft, chill it a bit longer before rolling to make shaping easier.
- Roll cookies in colored sanding sugar for extra sparkle and texture.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them soft, add a slice of bread to the container to maintain moisture. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer warm cookies.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use sugar-free gelatin for these cookies?
Yes, sugar-free gelatin powders can be used, but keep in mind they may affect the texture and sweetness of the cookies slightly. Adjust sugar accordingly if needed.
Can these cookies be frozen?
Absolutely! Shape and sugar-coat the dough balls, then freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
PrintJello Sugar Cookies – Soft, Chewy & Colorful Treats Recipe
Jello Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and colorful treats that bring a fun twist to traditional sugar cookies by incorporating vibrant Jello gelatin powders in multiple flavors. These cookies are perfect for parties, festive occasions, or anytime you crave a sweet, playful dessert with a delightful jiggly flavor infusion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Flavoring & Coating
- 3–4 flavors of Jello gelatin powder (e.g., strawberry, lime, grape)
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating the base for your cookie dough.
- Add Egg: Incorporate the egg into the butter and sugar mixture, beating well until fully combined to help bind the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a uniform dough forms without overworking to keep the cookies tender.
- Divide and Flavor Dough: Separate the dough into 3 to 4 equal parts. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of a different Jello gelatin powder flavor to each portion and mix thoroughly, creating vibrant, flavored dough balls.
- Chill Dough: Place the dough portions in the refrigerator to chill for 15 to 20 minutes. This firms the dough, making it easier to handle and helping cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Shape Cookies: Roll each dough portion into balls, then coat them completely in granulated sugar. Lightly flatten each sugar-coated ball to prepare for baking.
- Bake: Arrange the coated dough balls spaced on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops exhibit cracking for a classic sugar cookie appearance.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes to firm up slightly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For best results, do not overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients to ensure tender cookies.
- Use different Jello flavors to create a colorful assortment of cookies for variety and visual appeal.
- Chilling the dough is important to prevent spreading during baking and to enhance flavors.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Rolling cookies in sugar before baking adds a delightfully sweet, slightly crunchy exterior texture.
Keywords: Jello Sugar Cookies, Chewy Sugar Cookies, Colorful Cookies, Soft Cookies, Jello Dessert Recipes, Easy Cookie Recipe, Fun Kids Cookies
