Colorful Jello Cookies

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Why Make This Recipe

Colorful Jello Cookies are a fun and vibrant twist on classic sugar cookies. They’re not just delightful in taste but also visually appealing, making them a favorite for parties, family gatherings, or just a fun treat at home. The mixture of flavors from Jello adds a fruity sweetness that makes these cookies stand out. This recipe offers an exciting way to get creative in the kitchen, allowing you to experiment with colors and flavors. Plus, they’re very simple to make, which can be a great activity to do with kids who will love the colorful results.

These cookies also bring nostalgia for many who remember making Jello desserts as children. The bright colors can lift your mood, making these cookies perfect for celebrations like birthdays, holidays, or any festive occasion. They are not only delicious but are also an eye-catching dessert that speaks to the joyful spirit of cookie making. So, gather up your ingredients and let’s jump into the steps to create these delightful cookies!

How to Make Colorful Jello Cookies

Making Colorful Jello Cookies is a straightforward and enjoyable process. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create something so colorful and tasty. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

Ingredients:

1 box Sugar Cookie Mix
1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
1 large Egg
1 box Cherry or Strawberry Jello
1 box Orange Jello
1 box Lemon Jello
1 box Lime Jello
1 box Berry Blue Jello
1 box Grape Jello
1/4 cup Granulated Sugar

Directions:

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is hot and ready for baking.
Mix the Cookie Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, softened butter, and the egg. Use a mixer or a wooden spoon to mix these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Prepare the Jello: To create your colorful cookies, divide the dough into six equal portions in separate bowls. Open each box of Jello and add one different flavor to each bowl of dough. For instance, you can mix Cherry in one bowl, Lemon in another, and so on. Stir each mixture well, blending the Jello completely into the dough so it holds the color.
Chill the Dough: Once you have mixed in the Jello, wrap the bowls with plastic wrap or cover them with a kitchen towel, and place them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Form the Cookies: After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator. Take a tablespoon of each colored dough and roll them into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
Coat in Sugar: Once you’ve rolled the balls, roll each one in the granulated sugar. This not only adds a sweet crunch but also gives your cookies a nice sparkle when they bake.
Bake the Cookies: Place the sugar-coated balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
Cool the Cookies: After baking, remove the cookies from the oven. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

The result? Beautifully colorful Jello Cookies that taste as great as they look!

How to Serve Colorful Jello Cookies

Serving Colorful Jello Cookies is easy and fun! These cookies are perfect for any occasion. Here’s how to make them shine:

Platter Display: Arrange these cookies on a colorful platter. The mix of colors will make them eye-catching and inviting.
Party Treat Bags: If you are hosting a party, consider filling small bags with a few cookies each and tie them with colorful ribbons. This makes a wonderful take-home treat for guests.
Dessert Table: Add these cookies to a larger dessert table spread during gatherings. They can complement other desserts and showcase their vibrant colors.
Serve with Milk: For a classic touch, serve the cookies with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of ice cream.
Pair with Coffee or Tea: They can also be enjoyed as a sweet snack with coffee or tea, making them a delightful accompaniment to your favorite afternoon beverage.

How to Store Colorful Jello Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh and maintain their vibrant colors, proper storage is key. Here are a few tips:

Room Temperature Storage: Allow the cookies to cool completely. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 5-7 days.
Refrigeration: If you want to keep them longer, you can store them in the refrigerator. Be sure to use an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing odors.
Freezing Cookies: For longer-term storage, these cookies can be frozen. Lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. They can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Thawing: When you want to enjoy a frozen cookie, simply take the desired amount out and allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes or until soft.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your Colorful Jello Cookies for days to come!

Tips to Make Colorful Jello Cookies

Here are a few additional tips to make your experience baking Colorful Jello Cookies even better:

Mix Different Jello Flavors: Don’t be afraid to customize the flavors and colors! You can mix and match Jello flavors to create unique cookie variations. Just ensure that the colors contrast well to maintain the aesthetic appeal.
Use Gel Food Coloring: For even more intense colors, consider adding a small amount of gel food coloring to your dough along with the Jello. This can enhance the vibrancy of your cookies.
Experiment with Shapes: Instead of rolling them into balls, try cutting the dough into different shapes using cookie cutters. It’s a fun way to change the appearance of the cookies for special occasions.
Add Sprinkles: For added fun, sprinkle some colorful sprinkles on top of the dough balls before baking. This extra decoration not only looks great but adds a crunchy texture as well.
Keep Ingredients at Room Temperature: Ensure your butter is room temperature before mixing with sugar cookie dough. This makes it easier to blend and results in better cookie consistency.
Taste Test: Don’t shy away from adjusting the recipe to suit your taste. You can always cut down on sugar if you prefer less sweetness.

Variations

While the basic recipe is delightful, there are also several variations you can try to mix things up:

Different Sugar Cookie Base: You can replace the sugar cookie mix with a chocolate or butter cookie mix for a different flavor profile.
Add Ins: Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor. Be mindful that this may slightly alter the baking time.
Theme Decorated Cookies: Tailor the colors and flavors to fit special occasions, like red and green for Christmas, or pastels for Easter.
Frosted Cookies: After the cookies have cooled, consider decorating them with a simple icing or glaze for added sweetness and a beautiful finish.
Place in Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use these cookies as a sandwich base for your favorite ice cream flavor. The colorful cookies will make your ice cream sandwiches even more festive!

FAQs

Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of a mix?
- Absolutely! You can make your own sugar cookie dough if you prefer. Just ensure it has a similar flavor and texture to the store-bought mix.
What if I can’t find Jello in certain flavors?
- Don’t worry! You can use any Jello flavors you like. Just remember that the color and taste may differ based on the flavors you choose.
Can I customize the size of the cookies?
- Yes! You can make them larger or smaller depending on your preference. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as larger cookies may require more time to bake through.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
- If your cookies spread too much, it may be due to the dough being too warm. Make sure to chill the dough before baking, as this helps control spreading.
Can I add food coloring if I don’t have Jello?
- Yes, if you don’t have Jello, you can use gel food coloring directly in the dough for color. Just be sure not to overdo it; add a little at a time until you reach your desired shade.

Using these tips and variations, you can make the perfect batch of Colorful Jello Cookies every time. Happy baking!

Colorful Jello Cookies

Print Recipe

These colorful Jello Cookies are a fun and vibrant twist on classic sugar cookies, perfect for parties or family gatherings.

Author: hbibamine1980
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 box Sugar Cookie Mix
1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
1 large Egg
1 box Cherry or Strawberry Jello
1 box Orange Jello
1 box Lemon Jello
1 box Lime Jello
1 box Berry Blue Jello
1 box Grape Jello
1/4 cup Granulated Sugar

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, softened butter, and the egg. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Divide the dough into six equal portions and add different flavors of Jello to each bowl, stirring until completely blended.
Wrap the bowls and chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Roll tablespoon-sized portions of the colored dough into balls.
Roll the dough balls in granulated sugar.
Place sugar-coated balls on a baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart, and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes.
Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack.