Patriotic Jello Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Patriotic Jello Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with fruity flavor and color. Made using flavored gelatin in red and blue hues, these cookies are a festive twist on classic sugar cookies—perfect for Fourth of July celebrations. With their bold colors, sweet taste, and easy prep, they’re a fun baking project for kids and a standout treat for your patriotic dessert table.

ingredients

this Recipe

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

unsalted butter (softened)
granulated sugar
egg
vanilla extract
all-purpose flour
baking powder
salt
red and blue Jello powder (strawberry, cherry, blue raspberry, etc.)
optional: red and blue food coloring
patriotic sprinkles

directions

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

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

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.

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

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

Divide dough into two equal portions. Mix one with red Jello powder and the other with blue Jello powder. Add food coloring if you want a more vibrant hue.

Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough, roll into balls, and dip tops in sprinkles if using.

Place dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.

Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass or your fingers.

Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are just set. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 8–10 minutes
Cooling time: 15 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Use different Jello flavors for more variety (e.g., grape, lemon).
Roll in sanding sugar or coarse sugar for extra sparkle.
Swirl red and blue doughs together for a tie-dye effect.
Add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness and contrast.

storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Microwave for 5–10 seconds to enjoy warm.

FAQs

Can I use sugar-free Jello?

Yes, but the flavor and color may be less intense.

Do I need food coloring?

No, but it helps intensify the red and blue shades.

Can I make these ahead?

Yes, dough balls can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for longer.

Will the cookies taste like Jello?

Yes, they’ll have a light, fruity flavor matching the gelatin used.

Can I mix flavors?

Yes, just keep dough portions separate or swirl together for a fun design.

Can I use boxed sugar cookie mix?

Yes, mix in the Jello powder with the dry ingredients and proceed as directed.

Are these soft or crispy?

They’re soft with slightly crisp edges.

Can kids help with these?

Absolutely! They’re fun to color, roll, and decorate with sprinkles.

Do they spread while baking?

Slightly—flattening helps control their shape.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales easily for larger batches.

Conclusion

Patriotic Jello Cookies are a vibrant, flavorful treat that’s easy to make and perfect for celebrating Independence Day. With their fruity twist, eye-catching colors, and soft texture, these cookies are a sweet way to add red, white, and blue spirit to your holiday spread. Bake a batch, share with friends, and let the festivities begin!

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