Looking for a fun and colorful twist on classic cookies? Try Jello cookies! Made with Jello gelatin powder, these cookies come in a variety of flavors and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Who loves making cookies? I sure do. It is one of my favorite things to do on the weekends. I’m always looking for ways to sweeten up the weekend and these vibrant and colorful cookies are just the perfect way to do that.
The fun part about these particular cookies is that they are made with flavored gelatin powder – so they have that great fruity flavor. This makes them great for class parties and gatherings with the kiddos.
Kids love the bright colors and especially the flavor you wouldn’t expect from a cookie. Not only that – they are super easy to make, and don’t require any chilling so you can enjoy them in just 30 minutes after the craving strikes.
That’s the perfect cookie in my book. I know you’ll love these as much as we do.
cookies made with jello
Common Questions About Jello Cookies
What are jello cookies?
Jello cookies are cookies made with Jello gelatin powder mixed into the dough, which gives them a unique flavor and vibrant color.
How do you make jello cookies?
To make jello cookies, you mix Jello gelatin powder with butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and baking powder to form a dough. The dough is then rolled into balls and baked in the oven.
Do I have to chill the dough?
Fortunately this dough doesn’t require any chilling. So you can whip these up – start to finish – in about 30 minutes. In my opinion, that is a major criteria when I am deciding which recipe to make.
I don’t have a lot of patience, so anything that whips together quickly is a huge plus in my book.
Are these cookies difficult to make?
These cookies are not typically difficult to make, and they can be a great option for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a fun and easy recipe to try.
The basic recipe typically involves mixing together butter, sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, and Jello gelatin powder to form a dough, which is then shaped into balls and baked in the oven. The dough is typically easy to mix together, and the baking time is usually only around 10-12 minutes.
However, like any recipe, the difficulty level may depend on the individual’s experience with baking and their comfort level in the kitchen.
Some tips to keep in mind when making these colorful cookies include making sure the butter is softened to room temperature, measuring ingredients accurately, and being careful not to overmix the dough, which can result in tough cookies. With a little attention to detail and some patience, anyone can make delicious Jello cookies.
Ingredients for Making Jello Cookies
- unsalted butter – room temperature
- granulated sugar
- large egg
- vanilla extract
- all-purpose flour
- baking powder
- baking soda
- cream of tartar
- jello – powder, not the pre-made dessert
- food coloring- optional
What flavors of Jello can you use for jello cookies?
You can use any flavor of Jello gelatin powder to make jello cookies, including strawberry, raspberry, lime, lemon, orange, and more.
Why does the butter need to be soft?
Butter needs to be soft in baking because it allows for easier mixing and blending with other ingredients. Soft butter will incorporate more air into the dough or batter, creating a lighter and fluffier texture in the final product.
It also helps to ensure even distribution of the butter throughout the dough, which affects the cookie’s shape, texture, and flavor.
If the butter is too hard, it can be difficult to mix properly and may result in clumps, uneven texture, or a tough cookie. Softened butter also helps the sugar to dissolve more easily, resulting in a smoother and creamier batter.
colorful cookies
How to Make Jello Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Combine the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla. Mix until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Stir.
- Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in several increments, stirring until just combined after each addition.
- Divide the dough into 4 sections into separate bowls if you are making 4 colors.
- Add 2 tbsp of the jello powder to each bowl of dough.
- Knead the dough until it is well blended. If you need more color, this is the time to add the food coloring.
- Use a medium cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll it between your hands to smooth it out and then roll it in some granulated sugar if desired before placing it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Gently flatten the balls of dough with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Remove and allow the cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container.
Can you make jello cookies without eggs?
Yes, you can make jello cookies without eggs by using a substitute such as applesauce or a flaxseed meal.
Can you freeze jello cookies?
Yes, you can freeze jello cookies for up to three months. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
How long do jello cookies last?
Jello cookies can last for up to a week at room temperature in an airtight container.
What to serve with these cookies
These cookies are a fun and colorful dessert that can be enjoyed on their own or with a variety of accompaniments. Here are a few ideas for what to serve with this tasty treat:
- Milk: A classic pairing with any cookie, a glass of cold milk is the perfect way to wash down a few cookies.
- Ice Cream: These cookies can be a great addition to an ice cream sundae or simply served alongside a scoop of your favorite flavor.
- Fruit: Since these cookies are often fruit-flavored, pairing them with fresh fruit can be a delicious and refreshing combination. Try serving them with sliced strawberries, raspberries, or citrus fruits.
- Tea or Coffee: For a more grown-up pairing, enjoy this batch of cookies with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
- Whipped Cream: Adding a dollop of whipped cream to a plate of Jello cookies can be a fun and festive way to enjoy these colorful treats.
Ultimately, the best way to serve Jello cookies is with whatever you enjoy most! Whether it’s a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of tea, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Can you decorate jello cookies with frosting?
Yes, you can decorate jello cookies with frosting or icing. Use colors that complement the flavor and color of the Jello used in the cookie dough.
Are jello cookies suitable for vegans?
Jello cookies are not suitable for vegans as Jello gelatin powder contains animal-derived gelatin.
Pro Tips
- If the jello powder is white and would require the water to activate the color, you will need to use food coloring in the dough to get the vibrant colors, as shown here.
- Keep in mind that the sugar-free jello will be a different weight. You want the box that requires 1 cup of hot water & 1 cup of cold water. Not the “family-size” that calls for 2:2 cups of water.
- I like to line my cookie sheet with parchment paper not only for easy clean up but also to help the cookies release easily.
- Be sure to roll dough into 1-inch balls.
- Similar to cake mix cookies, these cookies don’t work with cookie cutters to shape dough into anything but rounds.
- Make sure to have a large bowl and a small bowl when making these jell-o cookies – this is especially helpful when mixing the different flavors of jello mix.
- These chewy cookies are similar to sugar cookie dough and so much fun with just a handful of simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Allow the cookies to completely cool on a cooling rack before wrapping in plastic wrap.
- The cookie dough balls for these fruity treats can be frozen if desired. Be sure to freeze on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once hardened you can transfer them to a ziptop bag and they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw prior to baking.
If you love this easy Jello Cookies recipe, you’ll love these other colorful cookie recipes too.. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
More Great Recipes Made with Jello
- Jello Jigglers
- Blue Raspberry Jello Cups for Kids
- Strawberry Jello Salad
- Jello Poke Cake
- Broken Glass Jello
- Raspberry Pretzel Salad
- Jello Popsicles
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Jello Cookies
Ingredients
- 1½ cups unsalted butter – room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar + more for rolling
- 1 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp cream of tartar
- 12 ounces jello – you can do 4 different colors with each box being 3 ounces if you like.
food coloring- optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Combine the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla. Mix until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Stir.
- Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in several increments, stirring until just combined after each addition.
- Divide the dough into 4 sections into separate bowls if you are making 4 colors.
- Add 2 tbsp of the jello powder to each bowl of dough.
- Knead the dough until it is well blended. If you need more color, this is the time to add the food coloring.
- Use a medium cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll it between your hands to smooth it out and then roll it in some granulated sugar if desired before placing it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Gently flatten the balls of dough with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Remove and allow the cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
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