Jello cookies are quick and easy to make with cookie dough and jello powder. Each cookie has its own flavor and color combination, making it a fun mix of rainbow sugar cookies!

Why this recipe works

Jello cookies are made of a simple sugar cookie dough. Once the dough is prepared, you separate it into 4 equal sections and mix in colorful flavored jello powder then knead it together and roll each dough ball in sugar before baking.

I know it might sound odd to combine jello and cookies, however, there’s no gelatin texture to them. It’s simply a unique way to make your cookies bright and cheery while adding jello flavors into the mix, it’s sort of similar to making cake mix cookies.

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

JELLO – The flavors and colors of jello you use are up to you. We chose red, blue, green, and yellow but the possibilities are endless.

COOKIE – To save a bit of time on prep, we picked up a package of dry sugar cookie mix from the store but you can totally use a homemade sugar cookie dough instead. Simply mix the dry jello mix into the prepared cookie dough as you would following the directions below. If using a sugar cookie mix from the store, make sure you grab all the necessary ingredients it calls for on the back of the packet/box as well. The egg and butter you see in the ingredient shot above is what was called for in our particular dry mix – yours might vary depending on which brand you go with.

How to Make Jello Cookies

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

Preheat oven to sugar cookie package directions (or according to homemade sugar cookie directions), approximately 350F.
Line 2 large cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare sugar cookie mix using the ingredients listed on the back of the package/box or according to homemade sugar cookie directions. Ours called for softened butter and an egg. Mix until well combined.
Divide dough into four equal portions. You can use a scale if you’d rather not eyeball it.
In individual bowls, combine one of the balls of dough with 3 tablespoons of one color of jello.
Knead dough until well combined.
Set aside, continue until all four colors have been made.
Using a 1 inch cookie scoop, scoops the dough into 1 inch balls.
Roll dough in sugar, set on a cookie sheet.
Continue until all dough is rolled. I got 9 cookies of each color using 4 different colors of jello.
Bake for 10 minutes or until the edges become firm and start to turn golden.
Cool on wire rack for 5 minutes and enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

How do I store jello cookies and how long do they keep?

Store jello cookies in an air-tight container or large ziptop bag at room temperature for up to 4 days. A little trick for keeping your cookies soft – add a half slice of bread to your container when storing. The cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread slice and keep them from becoming hard and stale.

Can I freeze them?

Yes, freezing these cookies is really simple. Before baking and after rolling them into balls

stack of Jello Cookies with a plate of cookies in back

Serving Suggestions

Of all the different ways to use jello aside from jello shots, parfaits, and poke cakes galore, we’re crafting up these sweet jello sugar cookies. It’s yet another fun twist on regular ole jello!

Kids will love helping make these jello cookies as it looks almost like playdough when you’re kneading the dough with the jello mix. Make them in any color combination you’d like to match holidays like Easter, Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, or Valentine’s Day. You can even make them with the colors of your favorite sports teams and use cookie cutters to shape them.

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