Jello Cookies Recipe
If you’re ready for a treat that’s as cheerful as it is delicious, Jello Cookies are your next must-bake. These playful, jewel-toned cookies are buttery and soft with a delightful punch of fruity flavor in every bite. Jello Cookies are a family favorite that turn any baking day into a mini celebration—whether you mix just one flavor or go full rainbow, everyone will be reaching for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Jello Cookies takes just a few pantry staples and your favorite flavors of gelatin powder—each one adds a pop of color and sweetness that makes these cookies so unique. Every ingredient serves its purpose, from the softness of the butter to the bright sparkle of that final sugar roll.
- Salted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth base with just a hint of salt to balance the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/4 cup, plus more for rolling): Sweetens the dough and creates a sparkling, crisp edge after rolling.
- Eggs (2): Bind everything together and keep the cookies extra soft and pillowy.
- All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups): The backbone of the dough, providing structure so your cookies bake up just right.
- Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Offers lift, making the cookies light instead of dense.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): A pinch keeps the flavors balanced and prevents the cookies from tasting overly sweet.
- Flavored gelatin powder (12 tbsp or 6 oz total): The star ingredient infusing every bite with bold flavor and vibrant color—experiment with any flavors you love!
How to Make Jello Cookies
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F and let it warm up while you begin the dough. Preheating ensures your Jello Cookies will bake evenly and achieve that perfect, slightly crisp edge with a soft center.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened salted butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes. This step creates a creamy base that ensures every cookie will be soft and tender.
Step 3: Add Eggs
Crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The eggs will help bind everything together and keep your cookies soft and chewy.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Add in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until no dry flour remains—avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough. At this point, your dough should be soft and smooth.
Step 5: Add Gelatin Flavor
If you’re going simple (and who could blame you?), add a 6 oz box of your favorite flavored gelatin powder to the whole batch of dough. Mix until the color is even and the dough is fragrant and vibrant. For classic cherry red or zingy lime green, the choice is yours!
Step 6: Make it Rainbow!
For the full iconic Jello Cookies experience, divide the dough into six equal portions and add 2 tablespoons of a different flavored gelatin powder to each. Mix each portion until the color is fully blended. You’ll end up with a palette of vibrant doughs—perfect for playful variety in every batch.
Step 7: Shape and Sugar
Using about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough per cookie, roll each portion into a ball. Roll each ball in additional granulated sugar for that classic sparkle once baked. Arrange the balls on a parchment or silicone-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for spreading.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Slide your tray into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies—when they’ve spread and the centers are no longer glossy, they’re ready. Don’t worry if they look a little soft; they’ll finish setting up as they cool.
Step 9: Cool Down
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This brief cooling time keeps them tender and prevents breakage, especially when they’re fresh out of the oven.
Step 10: Enjoy!
Once cooled, it’s time to dig in! Jello Cookies are best when shared—if you can resist eating them all yourself, of course.
How to Serve Jello Cookies
Garnishes
The ultimate charm of Jello Cookies comes from their candy-bright colors and glittery sugar coating, but you can add even more flair. Drizzle a thin layer of white chocolate, or sprinkle a touch of rainbow nonpareils right after baking. For a holiday spin, use themed gelatin flavors and colored sugars.
Side Dishes
Pair Jello Cookies with a cold glass of milk, a fruity punch, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These cookies also make a fantastic addition to dessert platters or as a sweet treat alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or bake sales, layer different colored Jello Cookies in clear treat bags tied with ribbon. Arrange them on platters for a “rainbow” cookie bar, letting everyone pick their flavor. You can also cut the dough with cookie cutters before baking for fun shapes in every hue.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Jello Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll keep soft and fresh for up to five days. Be sure to layer parchment between them to maintain that lovely sugared finish.
Freezing
Jello Cookies freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a sweet, colorful treat.
Reheating
If you love your cookies warm, pop a few onto a plate and microwave for just 8-10 seconds. This brings back a fresh-from-the-oven softness and revives the fruity aroma. Avoid overheating so they stay tender.
FAQs
Can I use sugar-free gelatin to make Jello Cookies?
Yes, sugar-free gelatin works quite well, though you may notice the colors or flavors aren’t quite as bold as with regular gelatin. The cookies will still be delicious and beautiful!
Why did my cookies come out flat?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to overly soft butter or warm dough. Try chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping and baking the cookies to help them hold their shape.
What’s the best way to get vibrant colors?
Be sure to use full-strength, brightly colored flavored gelatin and fully mix each dough portion so there are no streaks. If you want even richer color, a tiny drop of gel food coloring can boost the intensity.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Jello Cookies are always a crowd-pleaser, so making a double batch is a great idea for parties, school events, or gifting. Simply double all the ingredients and watch the cookie magic happen.
Which flavors of gelatin are best?
Classic choices like cherry, lime, orange, and berry are always hits, but don’t be afraid to try fun combos like pineapple, grape, or watermelon for unique color and taste. Use your favorite or whatever you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about the bright colors and fruity flavors of Jello Cookies that instantly lifts your mood and delights everyone who tries them. I hope you’re inspired to bring a little extra joy to your kitchen by baking a batch (or two). Don’t wait—grab your favorite flavors and watch these happy cookies come to life!
Print
Jello Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful and colorful Jello Cookies that are not only fun to make but also delicious to eat. These cookies are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 2 eggs
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 12 tbsp (6 oz. total) flavored gelatin powder (can make multiple colors/flavors from one batch)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Mix butter and sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the butter and granulated sugar.
- Add eggs: Mix in the eggs until well combined.
- Add dry ingredients: Mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Add gelatin: Add the flavored gelatin powder and mix well. For multiple colors, divide the dough and add different flavors to each portion.
- Shape dough: Divide the dough into portions, roll into balls, and coat with sugar.
- Bake: Place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before enjoying!
Notes
- You can get creative with different gelatin flavors for a variety of colors and tastes.
- Ensure the cookies are not overbaked to keep them soft and chewy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Jello cookies, flavored gelatin cookies, colorful cookies
