Have you ever wanted a cookie that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat? Something bright, cheerful, and full of surprising flavor? If so, you have come to the right place. These Jello Cookies are about to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
This is one of those wonderfully simple recipes that delivers big results. Using a box of strawberry dessert powder gives these cookies a fantastic color and a sweet, fruity taste that’s just so good. It’s a fun twist on a classic sugar cookie, and it is so easy to customize.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the flavor is amazing. It’s a sweet, tangy strawberry taste that feels light and summery. It is not just a plain sugar cookie. It has a little something extra that makes you come back for another bite. These are a great example of Easy Jello Desserts you can make anytime.
The texture is also fantastic. They have a soft, chewy center with slightly crisp edges. Rolling them in sugar before baking gives them a lovely, sparkly finish that creates a delicate crunch. They are very similar to Crinkle Cookies in that regard.
Plus, let’s talk about how easy they are. This Jello Cookies recipe easy enough for anyone to tackle. You do not need any fancy equipment or complicated steps. It’s a straightforward recipe that is great for baking with kids or for when you need a quick treat.
And the color! The dessert powder gives them a beautiful pink hue that is just so pretty. They really brighten up a cookie platter and are wonderful for parties, holidays, or just a Tuesday afternoon pick me up. Making Jello Cookies is always a good idea.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 ounce box of strawberry flavored dessert powder (gelatin free) (Set aside 1 TBSP for frosting)
- 2 eggs
- 2 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
For Rolling the Cookies
- 1/4 cup sugar
For the Frosting
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 TBSP milk
- 1 TBSP strawberry flavored dessert powder (gelatin free) (reserved from box)
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Get Ready To Bake
First thing’s first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Go ahead and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This step makes cleanup a total breeze later on. Seriously, you will thank yourself.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a big bowl, preferably with a stand mixer, beat together the softened butter and the 3/4 cup of sugar. You want it to get light and fluffy. This process adds air into the mixture, which helps make your Jello Cookies nice and soft.
Step 3: Add Flavor and Eggs
Now for the fun part. Add the strawberry dessert powder, but remember to save a tablespoon for the frosting if you plan on making it. Mix that in until it is all combined. Then, add your eggs one at a time. Make sure you mix well after each egg is added.
Step 4: Combine The Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking them together first ensures that everything is evenly distributed. This means you will not get a bite of cookie with too much salt. Nobody wants that!
Step 5: Mix It All Together
With your mixer on a low speed, slowly add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients. Mix it just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix here. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, and we are aiming for soft and chewy Jello Cookies.
Step 6: Scoop and Roll
Use a cookie scoop to make evenly sized dough balls. This helps them all bake at the same rate. Roll each ball in the shallow dish of sugar until it is fully coated. This gives them that sparkly, slightly crunchy exterior we talked about. Place them on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 7: Flatten and Bake
Grab a flat bottomed glass and gently press down on each cookie ball to flatten it just a little. This helps them spread into a nice cookie shape. Now, pop them in the oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes. You will know they are done when the edges look set but the centers are still a tiny bit glossy.
Step 8: Cool The Cookies
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 3 to 5 minutes. This lets them set up a bit so they do not fall apart. After that, move them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This is an important step before frosting. Warm cookies and frosting do not mix well.
Step 9: Make The Frosting
If you are making frosting, now is the time. In a bowl, mix the softened butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar. Add the milk a little at a time until you get a smooth, spreadable consistency. Finally, mix in that reserved tablespoon of strawberry powder. Beat it until smooth, and then spread it onto your completely cooled Jello Cookies.
How To Store Leftovers
Storing your delicious Jello Cookies is super simple. Once they have cooled completely, you can place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for about three to four days. That is, if they even last that long!
If you have frosted the cookies, it is best to store them in a single layer to keep the frosting looking nice. If you need to stack them, place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together. This is a great tip for many Easy Jello Desserts.
You can also freeze the baked cookies. Just place them in a freezer safe container or bag. They will be good for up to three months. When you are ready to eat them, just let them thaw at room temperature. This makes having a Jello Cookies recipe easy to enjoy anytime.
Tips
Want to make the best Jello Cookies ever? Here are a few little tips. First, make sure your butter is properly softened, not melted. Softened butter will cream nicely with the sugar, creating a better cookie texture. Just leave it on the counter for about an hour.
Feel free to experiment with flavors. While this recipe uses strawberry, you could easily use lemon, lime, orange, or raspberry dessert powder. Imagine a whole platter of colorful Jello Cookies. Each color could be a different flavor. How fun is that?
Do not overbake the cookies. The key to a soft, chewy center is to pull them from the oven when they still look a little underdone in the middle. They will continue to bake on the hot pan for a few minutes after you take them out.
If your dough feels too sticky to roll, just pop it in the refrigerator for about 20 to 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will make it much easier to handle. This is a common trick for many cookie recipes, including these wonderful Crinkle Cookies style treats.
Conclusion
So there you have it! A simple, fun, and incredibly tasty recipe for Jello Cookies. They are a wonderful treat to make for any occasion, or for no occasion at all. The bright color and fruity flavor are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
I really hope you give this recipe a try. It is one of those delightful little recipes that proves you do not need to be an expert baker to create something special. Enjoy every colorful, chewy, and delicious bite of your homemade Jello Cookies!
FAQ
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Dessert Powder?
Absolutely! That is one of the best things about this recipe. You can use any flavor you like. Lemon, lime, orange, and raspberry are all great options. It is a fun way to customize your Jello Cookies for different holidays or preferences.
Do I Have to Use Frosting?
Not at all. The cookies are delicious on their own, especially with the sweet sugar coating they get before baking. The frosting just adds an extra layer of creamy, fruity flavor. Feel free to leave them plain if you prefer.
Why Are My Cookies Flat?
A couple of things could cause flat cookies. Your butter might have been too soft or even melted. Or, your oven temperature could be off. Another common reason is not using enough flour. Make sure to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can. You can prepare the dough, roll it into balls, and then freeze the dough balls. When you are ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This is a great time saver.
Jello Cookies
These Jello Cookies are a fun, easy, and flavorful twist on classic sugar cookies. With a bright strawberry taste and soft, chewy texture, they’re perfect for any occasion. Simple to make, especially with creamy frosting.
Requirements
Ingredients
For Rolling the Cookies
For the Frosting
Instructions
- First thing’s first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Go ahead and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This step makes cleanup a total breeze later on. Seriously, you will thank yourself.
- In a big bowl, preferably with a stand mixer, beat together the softened butter and the 3/4 cup of sugar. You want it to get light and fluffy. This process adds air into the mixture, which helps make your Jello Cookies nice and soft.
- Now for the fun part. Add the strawberry dessert powder, but remember to save a tablespoon for the frosting if you plan on making it. Mix that in until it is all combined. Then, add your eggs one at a time. Make sure you mix well after each egg is added.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking them together first ensures that everything is evenly distributed. This means you will not get a bite of cookie with too much salt. Nobody wants that!
- With your mixer on a low speed, slowly add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients. Mix it just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix here. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, and we are aiming for soft and chewy Jello Cookies.
- Use a cookie scoop to make evenly sized dough balls. This helps them all bake at the same rate. Roll each ball in the shallow dish of sugar until it is fully coated. This gives them that sparkly, slightly crunchy exterior we talked about. Place them on your prepared baking sheet.
- Grab a flat bottomed glass and gently press down on each cookie ball to flatten it just a little. This helps them spread into a nice cookie shape. Now, pop them in the oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes. You will know they are done when the edges look set but the centers are still a tiny bit glossy.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 3 to 5 minutes. This lets them set up a bit so they do not fall apart. After that, move them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This is an important step before frosting. Warm cookies and frosting do not mix well.
- If you are making frosting, now is the time. In a bowl, mix the softened butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar. Add the milk a little at a time until you get a smooth, spreadable consistency. Finally, mix in that reserved tablespoon of strawberry powder. Beat it until smooth, and then spread it onto your completely cooled Jello Cookies.
Notes
Want to make the best Jello Cookies ever? Here are a few little tips. First, make sure your butter is properly softened, not melted. Softened butter will cream nicely with the sugar, creating a better cookie texture. Just leave it on the counter for about an hour.
Feel free to experiment with flavors. While this recipe uses strawberry, you could easily use lemon, lime, orange, or raspberry dessert powder. Imagine a whole platter of colorful Jello Cookies. Each color could be a different flavor. How fun is that?
Do not overbake the cookies. The key to a soft, chewy center is to pull them from the oven when they still look a little underdone in the middle. They will continue to bake on the hot pan for a few minutes after you take them out.
If your dough feels too sticky to roll, just pop it in the refrigerator for about 20 to 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will make it much easier to handle. This is a common trick for many cookie recipes, including these wonderful Crinkle Cookies style treats.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
