Jello Sugar Cookies – Soft, Chewy & Colorful Treats Recipe
Introduction
Jello Sugar Cookies are a fun and colorful twist on classic sugar cookies. These soft, chewy treats are infused with vibrant Jello flavors, making them perfect for parties or any time you want a playful dessert. Easy to make and sure to delight, they bring a burst of fruity taste in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp 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 light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Beat in the egg until fully combined into the mixture.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a 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.
- Step 7: Chill the flavored dough portions in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Step 8: Roll each chilled dough portion into balls, coat them in additional sugar, and slightly flatten each ball with your hand.
- 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 have a crackled appearance.
- Step 10: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- Use different Jello flavors to create a colorful mix of cookies—perfect for holidays or themed parties.
- For extra sparkle, sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking.
- If you want a stronger Jello flavor, add a bit more gelatin powder but avoid too much to keep the dough from becoming sticky.
- To make these gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Storage
Store cooled Jello Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture. They can also be frozen for up to three months; thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer a warm cookie.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use gelatin instead of Jello powder?
Gelatin alone won’t add flavor or color like Jello powder does. It’s best to use flavored Jello gelatin powder to get the colorful taste and appearance.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If the butter is too soft or the dough too warm, cookies may spread excessively. Chill the dough well before baking and avoid using melted butter for best results.
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Jello Sugar Cookies – Soft, Chewy & Colorful Treats Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Jello Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with colorful fruity flavors thanks to different Jello gelatin powders mixed into the dough. Perfect for adding a fun twist to classic sugar cookies, they are easy to make and delightful for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 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
Flavoring and Topping
- 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 for easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your cookies.
- Add Egg: Beat in the large egg thoroughly until fully incorporated, which helps bind the dough and adds moisture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms, careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Add Jello Flavors: Divide the dough into 3 to 4 equal portions. To each portion, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of a different Jello gelatin flavor and mix well until the color and flavor are evenly distributed.
- Chill Dough: Place the dough portions in the refrigerator and chill for 15 to 20 minutes to firm up the dough, which helps in shaping and prevents spreading during baking.
- Shape Cookies: Roll each chilled dough portion into balls. Coat each ball with additional granulated sugar and slightly flatten them to prepare for even baking.
- Bake: 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 crackling, indicating they are perfectly baked but still soft inside.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent cookies from spreading too much and helps develop flavor.
- Use various Jello flavors to create a colorful assortment of cookies that are fun and visually appealing.
- If you want extra sparkle, roll the cookie balls in colored sanding sugar instead of plain granulated sugar.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for maximum freshness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Jello sugar cookies, colorful cookies, soft chewy cookies, easy dessert, fruity sugar cookies
