Jello Sugar Cookies – Soft, Chewy & Colorful Treats Recipe

Introduction

Jello Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with colorful fruity flavors. These delightful treats combine classic sugar cookie goodness with the fun twist of flavored gelatin, making them perfect for holidays or anytime you want a playful cookie.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light.
3. Step 3: Beat in the egg until fully combined with the butter and sugar mixture.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Step 6: Divide the dough into 3–4 equal parts. To each portion, add 1–2 tablespoons of a different Jello flavor and mix thoroughly until the color is even.
7. Step 7: Chill the dough portions in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to make handling easier and to prevent spreading during baking.
8. Step 8: Roll each dough portion into balls, then coat them lightly with additional sugar. Place them on the prepared baking sheets and gently flatten each ball slightly with your hand or the bottom of a glass.
9. Step 9: Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops have a delicate crackled appearance.
10. 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

• Use regular Jello powder (not sugar-free) for the best color and flavor intensity.
• Chilling the dough is essential to prevent the cookies from spreading too much and losing their shape.
• Try combining different Jello flavors in one batch for a festive, multi-colored cookie platter.
• If you prefer a more intense fruity taste, add an extra tablespoon of Jello powder to the dough.

Storage

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. To enjoy after freezing, thaw at room temperature and optionally warm slightly in the oven to refresh softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use sugar-free Jello powder for these cookies?

While you can use sugar-free Jello, the cookies will have less color and flavor impact. Regular Jello is recommended for the best results.

Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. This helps keep the cookies soft and gives them a nice shape.

Jello Sugar Cookies – Soft, Chewy & Colorful Treats Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 68 reviews

Jello Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and colorful treats infused with vibrant Jello gelatin flavors. These easy-to-make cookies feature a buttery base enhanced with fruity gelatin powders, creating a fun twist on classic sugar cookies perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24–30 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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), 1–2 tbsp each per portion
• Additional granulated sugar for rolling the dough balls

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which ensures a tender, airy cookie texture.
3. Add Egg: Beat in the large egg thoroughly until fully incorporated to help bind the cookie dough.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the butter and sugar mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing to avoid tough cookies.
6. Divide and Flavor Dough: Divide the dough into 3 to 4 equal parts. To each portion, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of a different Jello gelatin flavor (such as strawberry, lime, or grape) and mix well to evenly incorporate the flavor and color.
7. Chill Dough: Cover and chill the flavored dough portions in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes. Chilling firms the dough, which helps prevent excessive spreading while baking.
8. Shape and Coat Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into small balls, then coat each ball thoroughly with additional granulated sugar. Slightly flatten the coated dough balls before placing them on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops show a crackled appearance, indicating the cookies are done but still soft inside.
10. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents breaking and retains softness.

Notes

• Use regular Jello gelatin powder (not sugar-free) for the best vibrant color and flavor.
• Chilling the dough before baking is essential to reduce spreading and achieve a thicker cookie.
• Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
• You can also freeze the cookies for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

Keywords: Jello Sugar Cookies, Soft Cookies, Chewy Cookies, Colorful Cookies, Fruity Cookies, Easy Dessert, Handmade Cookies