Easter Day Jello Cookies Recipe
Looking for a fun and colorful treat to celebrate Easter? Easter Day Jello Cookies are the perfect way to bring some joy to your holiday! These vibrant cookies are soft and chewy with the added burst of flavor from Jello powder. The colorful layers make them a festive addition to any Easter table, and they’re easy to make too. With a sweet, tangy taste from the Jello and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive & Fun – The bright colors and flavors make these cookies perfect for Easter celebrations.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and steps make these cookies quick and fun to bake.
- Customizable – You can choose your favorite Jello flavors to create different color combinations.
- Perfect for Sharing – These cookies are great for parties, potlucks, or as a fun Easter treat for the family.
Ingredients
▢1 17.5 ounce bag snickerdoodle cookie mix (you will not be using the cinnamon-sugar package for this recipe)- ▢½ cup (1 stick) salted butter melted
- ▢1 large egg
- ▢3 tbsp red flavored gelatin powder (about ½ of a 3 ounce package)
- ▢3 tbsp blue flavored gelatin powder (about ½ of a 3 ounce package)
- ▢3 tbsp green flavored gelatin powder (about ½ of a 3 ounce package)
- ▢3 tbsp yellow flavored gelatin powder (about ½ of a 3 ounce package)
- ▢1 cup granulated white sugar
How to Make Easter Day Jello Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until combined.
- Add in the Jello powder and mix until the dough takes on the color of the Jello. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten the dough balls with the bottom of a glass or your hand.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
- Bake the cookies for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on the thickness of the dough.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Decorate (Optional)
- For extra flair, you can drizzle a little white icing on top of the cookies and sprinkle some colored sugar or Easter-themed sprinkles for a festive touch.
Pro Tips for the Best Easter Day Jello Cookies
- Use Different Jello Flavors – Mix and match flavors and colors to create a rainbow effect or stick to a single flavor for a more uniform look.
- Adjust the Texture – If you prefer a slightly firmer cookie, add a bit more flour to the dough. For chewier cookies, add a touch more butter.
- Make Mini Cookies – To make smaller, bite-sized treats, simply reduce the dough size and bake for a shorter time (around 6-7 minutes).
How to Serve
- On an Easter Cookie Tray – These colorful cookies are perfect for an Easter cookie tray with other festive treats.
- With a Glass of Milk – Serve your Jello cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate snack.
- As a Gift – Package them in colorful Easter-themed boxes or bags for a sweet homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
- Store leftover Jello cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Freezing
- Freeze the cookie dough before baking for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw the dough and follow the instructions for shaping and baking the cookies.
Reheating
- Reheat cookies in a microwave for 5-10 seconds to soften them, or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use sugar-free Jello for this recipe?
Yes, you can use sugar-free Jello, but the cookies may have a slightly different texture or sweetness.
2. How can I make the cookies more colorful?
Use multiple Jello flavors to create a rainbow effect or mix several colors of Jello powder into the dough for a fun and vibrant look.
3. Can I make these cookies without Jello?
Yes! If you prefer a plain sugar cookie base, simply omit the Jello and add extra vanilla extract for flavor.
4. Can I use Jello gelatin instead of Jello powder?
For best results, use Jello powder. The gelatin doesn’t provide the same vibrant color or flavor as the powder does.
Conclusion
Easter Day Jello Cookies are the perfect treat to celebrate the holiday in a fun, colorful way. With their soft, chewy texture and vibrant hues, these cookies are a crowd-pleasing addition to any Easter celebration. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family gathering, or simply to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Get creative with your Jello flavors and colors, and enjoy this festive snack with family and friends!