Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Patriotic Jello Cookies are soft, chewy sugar cookies flavored and colored with red and blue gelatin, making them the perfect festive dessert for Independence Day. These colorful cookies are easy to make, kid-friendly, and bring a burst of fruity flavor to your summer celebrations. Whether served at a barbecue or packed into party favor bags, they’re sure to be a crowd favorite.

ingredients

Patriotic Jello Cookies – A Fun and Easy 4th of July Treat!

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

all-purpose floursugarunsalted buttereggsbaking powderred and blue flavored Jello gelatinvanilla extractsalt

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a dough forms.

Divide the dough into two equal parts.

Add red Jello powder to one half and blue Jello powder to the other, kneading each until evenly colored and flavored.

Roll small portions of each color into balls, then roll them in the corresponding dry Jello powder for extra color and taste.

Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart.

Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are set but centers remain soft.

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 8-10 minutesCooling time: 10 minutesTotal time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use other Jello flavors like grape or lime for a wider variety of colors and tastes.

Swirl the red and blue doughs together for a tie-dye effect.

Add festive sprinkles on top before baking for extra holiday flair.

Try making them in star shapes using cookie cutters for a patriotic touch.

storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 10 days or freeze for up to 2 months.To reheat, microwave for 5-10 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.

FAQs

What kind of Jello works best?

Use regular fruit-flavored Jello gelatin powder for the best flavor and color intensity.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.

Can I use sugar-free Jello?

Sugar-free Jello can be used, but the color and flavor might be less vibrant.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, but butter provides a richer flavor and better texture.

Are these cookies overly sweet?

They are moderately sweet, with a fruity tang from the Jello that balances the flavor.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling is required, making this a quick and easy recipe.

Can I use food coloring instead of Jello?

Jello adds both color and flavor, so food coloring alone won’t achieve the same effect.

Are these cookies good for kids?

Absolutely! Kids love the bright colors and fruity flavors.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.

Do they travel well?

Yes, they hold their shape and texture, making them great for holiday picnics and parties.

Conclusion

Patriotic Jello Cookies are a festive, flavorful way to celebrate the 4th of July. With their vibrant red and blue hues and fruity taste, they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Easy to make and fun to eat, these cookies are the perfect addition to your summer holiday dessert lineup.