What is Easter without cookies? I love a good sugar cookie with pastel frosting, but I’m here to tell you about something else. What makes a good salad even more fun? Easter Jello Cookies. Think of the soft, chewy texture of a drop cookie, but with an burst of fruity flavor. What is your favorite jiggly dessert? What are some of the best cookies you’ve ever had? Is it easy to make? If you love a good thumbprint cookie, prepare to have your world rocked!
What are Easter Jello Cookies?
Easter Jello Cookies are essentially drop cookies infused with the flavor and color of jello gelatin. What is a great way to add tastiness to classic treats? What’s the difference between a sugar cookie and Jello poke cake? What are some of the best flavors to use in Jello? I like to bake cookies – but it also gives them a beautiful, slightly chewy texture that’s just right. What is the best way to make moist and delicious cookies for kids? The name comes from the occasion they are mostly made for, Easter Celebration.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What I love most about this recipe is how unbelievably easy it is. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry! Forget fussing with complicated doughs or intricate decorating. What are some quick baking ideas?
Flavor Explosion:What makes Jello a great fruity drink? How do you experiment with different flavors of Jello? Lemon for a refreshing zing, or orange for classic citrusy treat.
Simple & Speedy: What canWhat are some quick dessert recipes? What is the best way to make dough in minutes? Perfect for those spontaneous baking urges!
Budget FriendlyWhat are some of the best cookie recipes you’ve ever made? Can you use store-brand Jello and still get amazing results?
Versatile Fun:I always make these cookies for Easter and the colors fit the theme. What are some of the best gifts for any occasion? Can you use different colors of Jello to match the holiday or event? Think red and green for Christmas, pink and red for Valentine’s Day, or even just your favorite color. What is a fun afternoon treat? Is it better to make sugar cookies than plain old cookies?
How do you make Easter Jello Cookies?
Quick Overview
How do you make Easter Jello Cookies? I’ll start by creaming together butter and sugar, then mixing in the jello powder, egg, and salt. I will add more if I have time. Add your wet ingredients, mix until just combined, and then drop by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, let them cool, and voila! What are some of the best cookies you’ve ever had? What is the simplicity of this recipe?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: What are some examples?
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s really soft, but not melted! I usually leave mine out for about an hour before I start baking.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
What is the magic of Jello gelatin powder? What’s your favorite flavor?
• 1 large egg: This binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting flavor.
• 2 12 cups all-purpose flour: Use good quality flour for the best results. I prefer unbleached.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the cookies rise and become light and airy.
• 12 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
For the Glaze:
• 2 cups powdered sugar: Sift it before using to avoid any lumps in your glaze.
I usually use whole milk for a richer glaze, but you can use any kind you like. I’ve used almond milk and it turned out great!
• 12 teaspoon vanilla extract: A little extra vanilla never hurt anyone.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). How do I grease a baking sheet? How can you prevent cookies from sticking? I learned this the hard way after a few batches stuck to the pan. It is so important.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. What is the best way to whisk baking soda and salt into the flour? What is the key to consistently good results?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Add the jello powder, egg, vanilla extract and beat until well combined. Make sure the egg is at room temperature for best results. If you add a cold egg, it can sometimes cause the batter to curdle.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix cookies, as this can lead to tough cookies. I always stop mixing when I still see a few streaks of flour and then gently fold in the remaining flour. How do I clean flour with a spatula
Step 5: Drop by spoonfuls
Drop by spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. I like to use a cookie scoop for even sizes, but I usually eyeball it. They don’t spread too much, so you don’t have to worry about them running into each other.
Step 6: Bake
Is it safe to bake for 8-10 minutes? Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily. When you bake cookies, they’ll still be soft in the center. They’re going to firm up as they cool. I always set a timer for 8 minutes and then check them every minute after that.
Step 7: Cool & Glaze
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. I like to use a spoon or a whisk for drizzling. You can also dip the cookies in the glaze for a more even coating.
Step 8: Slice & Serve
Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but can also be stored in an airtight container. Temperature for up to 3 days. In my house, they never last that long!
What should I serve it with?
Easter Jello Cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of other cookies. What are some good ideas?
For Breakfast:Serve with coffee or tea for a sweet start to the day. I love pairing them with a latte for extra indulgence.
For Brunch:Add them to a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, and quiche. What are some of the best brunch flavors?
As Dessert:Serve them after dinner with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. What are some good side dishes to serve with a glass of milk or hot chocolate?
For Cozy Snacks:Enjoy them as a snack or snack with your favorite book or movie. What are some of the best comfort foods to eat in the afternoon? I also like to pack them in my kids’ lunchboxes for a fun surprise. My family loves to have these every Easter holiday, it’s tradition now.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Easter Jello Cookies
Want to make sure your Easter Jello Cookies turn out perfectly every time? Here are a few of my top tips:
Butter Softening: Make sure your butter is properly softened before creaming it with the sugar. This will help create a light and fluffy batter. I usually leave my butter out for about an hour before I start baking.
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined, and then gently fold in any remaining flour with a spatula. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which makes the cookies tough and chewy.
Jello Selection: Feel free to experiment with different Jello flavors to create your own unique variations. I’ve tried everything from strawberry to lime to orange, and they’ve all been delicious.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have all-purpose flour on hand, you can substitute it with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure to add a little extra baking powder to help the cookies rise. I’ve also used almond flour, but the texture is a little different.
Baking Tips: Keep a close eye on the cookies while they’re baking, as they can burn easily. The cookies will still be soft in the center when they’re done. They’ll firm up as they cool. I always set a timer for 8 minutes and then check them every minute after that.
Glaze Variations: You can add a variety of flavors to the glaze, such as lemon extract, almond extract, or even a little bit of Jello powder. Just be careful not to add too much liquid, as this can make the glaze too thin. I’ve also added a pinch of salt to the glaze to balance the sweetness.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to make sure your Easter Jello Cookies stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible? Here are a few storage and reheating tips:
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them extra fresh, you can add a slice of bread to the container. The bread will absorb any moisture and keep the cookies from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can store the cookies in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before serving.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning on storing the cookies, it’s best to wait to glaze them until just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it: my go-to recipe for Easter Jello Cookies! They’re easy, flavorful, and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. If you’re looking for a fun and festive treat to bake this Easter (or any time of year, really!), I highly recommend giving these a try. Trust me, the combination of soft, chewy texture and fruity flavor is simply irresistible. And while you’re at it, why not explore my other cookie recipes? I’ve got everything from classic chocolate chip to decadent peanut butter blossoms. Happy baking, friends! And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your Easter Jello Cookies turn out!
