Jello Cookies (soft and chewy sugar cookies) (2024)

These bright and colorful Jello Cookies are quick and easy to make using only 4 simple ingredients plus jello mix. This recipe is perfect for baking with kids because it is practically foolproof and is a fun way to bake deliciously soft and sweet sugar cookies that can be customized according to their favorite color-flavor combinations.

Jello Sugar Cookies – Double Duty Dough

When my kids were little, I was always searching for fun activities to keep them occupied and treats that we could make together. If you too are looking to spend time with kids in the kitchen, this recipe is so much more than simply baking jello cookies; it’s the perfect pastime for little fingers to make their own creative edible creations. Why? Because the dough serves a dual purpose–it makes the easiest, yet tastiest cookies AND it doubles as homemade playdough!

Just like the original playdough, I love that the texture of this sugar cookie dough is soft and squishy and the colors can be made into so many bright shades. Using only a bag of cookie mix, some butter, and an egg, kids will have fun making their own jello-flavored cookie combinations while squashing and mushing the dough into delicious handmade moldable masterpieces.

To me, this is the best nostalgia baked inside a cookie!

Why We Love This Jello Cookies Recipe

• Quick and super easy to make–you almost can’t mess this one up!
• Uses only 4 ingredients plus jello mix.
• Fun recipe to make with kids.
• Soft and chewy sugar cookie recipe.
• Kids will love the bright colors and fun flavor combinations.
• Perfectly portable to take to a potluck or a holiday party.
• Easy to customize the colors for Valentine’s Day, Easter, baby showers, Mother’s Day, Christmas, or any other special occasion.

• Snickerdoodle cookie mix: You can use a sugar cookie mix, but then make sure to use softened butter, not melted.
• Salted butter: You can use unsalted butter but I recommend adding a pinch of salt to the mix if you do.
• Egg
• Red flavored gelatin powder (Jell-O)
• Blue flavored gelatin powder (Jell-O)
• Green flavored gelatin powder (Jell-O)
• Yellow flavored gelatin powder (Jell-O)
• Granulated white sugar

Substitutions and Additions

• Color Combinations: If you can’t find or don’t want to use 4 different colors/flavors, you can just use more or less of the others. Add 1 ½ additional Tablespoons of gelatin powder to the dough for each color you omit. For example, if you prefer only 2 colors, use 6 Tablespoons of powder per bowl when you mix it into the dough. For 3 colors, use 4 ½ Tablespoons of powder per bowl of dough.
• Cutout Cookies: This jello cookie dough is great for making fun shaped cookies with cookie cutters. Simply prepare the cookie dough as instructed. Instead of rolling into balls and baking, form the dough into a disk and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill the dough into the fridge for about 2 hours and then roll the chilled dough out on a lightly floured surface or between two sheets of parchment paper. Use cookie cutters to cut out your favorite shapes.
• Mix-Ins:Since the jello adds so much flavor and color to the cookies, you honestly don’t to add anything to the dough. But if you want to mix in some extra treats, feel free to use M&Ms, chocolate chips, peppermint, caramel, peanut butter cups, or your favorite candy.
• Jell-O Mix: You can use sugar-free jello mix if preferred.

• Glass mixing bowls
• Measuring tools
• Sheet pan
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• 2-inch Cookie scoop

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How to Make Jell-O Cookies

This recipe is so easy to make using Jell-O and 4 simple ingredients. These bright and colorful cookies are fun to bake with kids and add instant pleasure to any plate!

1. Mix together the cookie mix, butter, and egg. Separate the cookie dough into four bowls.
   
2. Knead a different color gelatin powder into each portion of cookie dough.
   Pro Tip: I find it easiest to use my hands to knead the dough with the gelatin.
   
3. Scoop cookies and roll them into balls. Roll each ball of cookie dough into sugar until completely covered.
   
4. Place each ball of cookie dough on parchment lined sheet pan.
   Pro-Tip: For an even sweeter cookie, you can roll the cookie dough balls into the extra jello powder prior to baking.
   
5. Bake, cool, plate, and enjoy!
   Pro-Tip: Bake the cookies until the bottoms are just barely golden and the tops are firm to the touch.
   

Tips

• Bake the cookies until the bottoms are just barely golden and the tops are firm to the touch.
• You can use sugar-free jello mix if preferred.
• For an even sweeter cookie, you can roll the cookie dough balls into the extra jello powder prior to baking.

Storage Tips

• To Store: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
• To Freeze: Completely cool your baked cookies and freeze in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

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