Jello Cookies are a fun and vibrant twist on the classic sugar cookie, made extra special with fruity gelatin powder. These cookies are soft, chewy, and come in a rainbow of colors and flavors depending on the Jello you choose—strawberry, lime, orange, or even blue raspberry. Perfect for parties, holidays, bake sales, or just adding a pop of color to your cookie jar, these cookies are simple to make and guaranteed to brighten any day.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
Jello Cookies are more than just pretty—they deliver a punch of fruity flavor in every bite. The gelatin powder not only gives the cookies their bright colors, but also infuses them with a sweet, tangy taste that makes them stand out. Kids love them for their bold appearance, and adults enjoy their soft, nostalgic texture. They’re also endlessly customizable with different Jello flavors, sprinkles, or even sandwiching them with frosting for an extra treat.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: About 24 cookies
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 (3 oz) box Jello (any flavor) – use more for multiple colors
- Optional: additional Jello powder or sprinkles for rolling
Instructions
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and the Jello powder. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
3. Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
4. Shape and Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out dough and roll into 1-inch balls. If desired, roll each ball in extra Jello powder or sprinkles. Place on the baking sheet 2 inches apart and flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until edges are set. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Variations
- Multi-Flavored Batch: Divide the dough and add different Jello flavors for a colorful cookie assortment.
- Swirled Cookies: Mix two Jello flavors slightly in one dough for a marbled look.
- Frosted Jello Cookies: Add a simple vanilla or cream cheese frosting on top.
- Sandwich Cookies: Pair two cookies with frosting in between for a fruity sandwich cookie.
- Holiday Theme: Use red and green Jello for Christmas, or pink and red for Valentine’s Day.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Plastic wrap (for chilling)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: ~110
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 1g
Nutrition may vary based on exact ingredients and cookie size.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing Dough: Wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before baking.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze cooled cookies in a sealed container with parchment between layers.
My Cooking Experience
With over 4 years of hands-on baking, I’ve made Jello Cookies more times than I can count—especially for birthdays and themed events. What I love most is how adaptable and cheerful they are. Kids can even help roll the dough or choose the colors, which makes baking more fun and interactive. No matter the occasion, they always bring smiles and compliments. They’re a playful yet nostalgic cookie that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Conclusion
Jello Cookies are a playful, fruity twist on classic cookies, with their vibrant colors and soft, chewy texture. They’re perfect for every age and occasion, and their customizable nature makes them a baker’s dream. Whether you’re making a single flavor or going full rainbow, these cookies are bound to become a favorite in your recipe box. Give them a try—you’ll be surprised how something so simple can be so delightfully flavorful.
Jello Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and the Jello powder. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out dough and roll into 1-inch balls. If desired, roll each ball in extra Jello powder or sprinkles. Place on the baking sheet 2 inches apart and flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until edges are set. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing Dough: Wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before baking.
