Jello Cookies Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these cookies because one basic dough can become several different flavors simply by changing the gelatin mix. Strawberry, raspberry, orange, lime, lemon, and berry varieties all give me a different color and fruity twist.

I also like how easy these cookies are to prepare. I don’t need complicated decorating techniques to make them colorful, and I can roll them in sugar before baking for a lightly sparkling finish.

They’re especially fun when I want cookies for birthdays, holidays, bake sales, or colorful dessert trays. I can coordinate the flavors and colors with almost any occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Large eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Flavored gelatin dessert mix, such as strawberry, raspberry, orange, lime, or lemon
• Additional granulated sugar, for rolling

Directions

1. I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and line large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. I whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl and set the mixture aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, I beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and creamy.
4. I add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. I then mix in the vanilla extract.
5. I gradually add the dry ingredients and mix just until a soft cookie dough forms.
6. If I’m making one flavor, I add the flavored gelatin powder directly to the dough and mix until the color and flavor are evenly distributed.
7. If I want several flavors, I divide the dough evenly between separate bowls. I add a different gelatin flavor to each portion and mix until each dough has an even color.
8. I scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into a smooth ball.
9. I roll each dough ball lightly in granulated sugar and arrange the cookies on my prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between them.
10. I gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or the palm of my hand. I keep them fairly thick so the centers stay soft.
11. I bake the cookies for approximately 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set. I avoid waiting for the cookies to brown because I want to preserve their bright colors and soft texture.
12. I let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 30 cookies.

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Bake time: 8–10 minutes per batch
• Cooling time: about 15 minutes
• Total time: about 45 minutes
• Yield: approximately 30 cookies

If I divide the dough into several flavors, I allow a few extra minutes of preparation time for mixing and shaping each color separately.

Variations

For strawberry Jello Cookies, I use strawberry-flavored gelatin for a sweet berry flavor and bright pink-red color. I especially like these for Valentine’s Day.

For lime cookies, I use lime gelatin to create a vibrant green cookie with a citrusy flavor. I can pair lime and strawberry batches for a colorful summer cookie platter.

For orange creamsicle-inspired cookies, I use orange gelatin and add a little extra vanilla extract. I can also mix in white chocolate chips for a creamy contrast.

For lemon cookies, I use lemon gelatin and add fresh lemon zest to the dough. I like how the zest makes the citrus flavor even brighter.

When I want rainbow Jello Cookies, I divide the dough into several portions and use a different gelatin flavor in each one. This gives me a colorful assortment without preparing completely separate cookie recipes.

Storage/Reheating

I store completely cooled Jello Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days. I place parchment paper between layers if I’m stacking them.

For longer storage, I freeze the baked cookies in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months. I let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

I can also prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. I let chilled dough soften slightly before rolling it into balls if it becomes too firm.

For make-ahead baking, I can freeze individual dough balls and store them in a freezer-safe container. I thaw them enough to roll in sugar before baking.

These cookies don’t require reheating. I prefer serving them at room temperature so they maintain their soft texture.

FAQs

Can I use any flavor of Jello for Jello Cookies?

Yes. I can use different flavored gelatin dessert mixes depending on the color and flavor I want. Strawberry, raspberry, cherry, orange, lemon, lime, and berry flavors are some of my favorite choices.

Do I prepare the Jello before adding it to the cookie dough?

No. I add the dry gelatin powder directly to the cookie dough. I don’t mix it with water or prepare it according to the package directions first.

Why did my Jello Cookies lose their bright color?

I avoid overbaking the cookies because excessive browning can dull their color. I remove them when the edges are just set and the centers are still soft. I can also choose strongly colored gelatin flavors when I want especially vibrant cookies.

Can I make several flavors from one batch of dough?

Yes. I divide my prepared base dough into separate portions before adding the gelatin powder. I mix a different flavor into each portion, which lets me create several colors and flavors from one batch.

How do I keep Jello Cookies soft?

I measure the flour carefully and avoid overbaking. I remove the cookies while their centers still look slightly soft and let them finish setting on the warm baking sheet. I also store them in an airtight container once completely cooled.

Conclusion

Jello Cookies are a fun way for me to turn a simple sugar cookie into a colorful, fruity treat. I love being able to change the flavor and appearance just by choosing a different gelatin mix, which makes this recipe especially versatile for holidays and celebrations.

Jello Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Jello Cookies are soft, colorful sugar cookies flavored with dry gelatin mix for a bright fruity twist. Make one flavor or divide the dough to create a rainbow assortment for parties, holidays, and dessert trays.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 30 cookies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Large eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Flavored gelatin dessert mix, such as strawberry, raspberry, orange, lime, or lemon
• Additional granulated sugar, for rolling

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl.
3. Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and creamy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix just until a soft cookie dough forms.
6. For one flavor, mix the dry flavored gelatin powder directly into the dough until evenly distributed. For multiple flavors, divide the dough among separate bowls and mix a different gelatin flavor into each portion.
7. Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into a smooth ball.
8. Lightly roll each dough ball in granulated sugar and arrange on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
9. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or the palm of your hand, keeping the cookies fairly thick.
10. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set but the cookies have not browned significantly.
11. Cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Add the gelatin dessert mix to the dough as dry powder; do not prepare it with water first.
• Divide the base dough into portions and use different gelatin flavors to create a colorful assortment.
• Avoid overbaking because browning can dull the cookies’ bright color and make them less soft.
• For orange creamsicle cookies, use orange gelatin with extra vanilla and optional white chocolate chips.
• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days.
• Freeze baked cookies for up to 2–3 months or refrigerate prepared dough for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 125 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg