Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these cherry jello cookies! They’re not just another cookie; they’re soft, chewy little bites of happiness that burst with cherry flavor in every single mouthful. Seriously, the idea of using jello in cookie recipes is pure genius! It adds this vibrant color and a flavor punch that you just can’t resist. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them the perfect treat for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try these cherry jello cookies, they’ll become a staple in your dessert rotation!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing!)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 package (3 oz) cherry jello (this is the magic ingredient that gives these cookies their unique flavor!)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (just a splash for that extra depth of flavor!)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt (don’t skip this; it balances the sweetness perfectly!)
How to Prepare Cherry Jello Cookies
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and warm for those cookies to bake perfectly!
- In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes. You can really feel that texture change!
- Next, add in the large egg and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined; it should look smooth and creamy.
- Now, here comes the fun part! Stir in the cherry jello until it’s evenly mixed into the batter. You’ll see that lovely pink color start to pop!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to combine the dry ingredients evenly.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want those cookies to stay soft and chewy!
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between them, as they will spread a little while baking.
- Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set. Don’t worry if they seem a bit soft in the center; they’ll firm up as they cool!
- Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them hold their shape while still being super soft!
Nutritional Information
Before I dive into the numbers, I just want to remind you that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. But here’s a general idea of what you can expect per cookie, so you can munch on these cherry jello cookies with a little bit of knowledge:
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Protein: 1g
These cookies are a sweet treat, but they’re still light enough that you can enjoy one (or maybe two!) without any guilt. Just remember, moderation is key, even with delightful cherry jello cookies!
Why You’ll Love Cherry Jello Cookies
- They’re super easy to make—perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
- Quick baking time means you’ll have fresh cookies in just about 30 minutes.
- The cherry flavor is vibrant and fun, making these cookies a standout treat!
- Soft and chewy texture that just melts in your mouth—who could resist?
- Kids and adults alike will love these colorful cookies; they’re a hit at any gathering!
- Customizable with different jello flavors for endless fun variations!
- Great for satisfying your sweet tooth without a ton of fuss—perfect for last-minute cravings!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your cherry jello cookies turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips for success:
- Dough Consistency: Your dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but not too wet. If it feels too runny, you can add a tiny bit more flour, but do it gradually. You want that chewy texture, so don’t overdo it!
- Chill the Dough: If you have the time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies hold their shape better, especially if your kitchen is warm. Just cover it in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge!
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake! Ovens can vary, so start checking around the 10-minute mark. You want the edges to be set and just a hint of softness in the center.
- Cooling Time: Don’t rush the cooling process! Letting them sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack helps prevent breakage and keeps them soft.
- Storage Tips: To keep them fresh, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft for up to a week, but I bet they won’t last that long!
With these little tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be a cherry jello cookie pro in no time! Happy baking!
Variations for Cherry Jello Cookies
One of the best things about cherry jello cookies is how versatile they are! Once you’ve got the basic recipe down, feel free to let your creativity run wild. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Different Jello Flavors: Swap out the cherry jello for any flavor you love! Try strawberry for a sweet twist, or lime for a zesty kick. Each flavor will give your cookies a unique taste and color!
- Add Chocolate Chips: Who doesn’t love chocolate? Stir in some mini chocolate chips for a delightful contrast. The chocolate pairs beautifully with the fruity jello flavor!
- Nuts for Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added texture. They bring a lovely crunch that complements the softness of the cookie.
- Sprinkles Galore: For a festive touch, mix in some colorful sprinkles. They’ll not only make your cookies look fun, but they’ll also add a little extra sweetness!
- Frosting Finish: Once your cookies have cooled, drizzle a simple glaze or cream cheese frosting on top. This adds an extra layer of deliciousness that’s simply irresistible!
With these variations, you can make every batch of cherry jello cookies a new adventure. I can’t wait to hear what combinations you come up with!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve baked a batch of these delicious cherry jello cookies, let’s talk about how to keep them fresh and tasty! The best way to store your cookies is in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their soft, chewy texture for up to a week. Trust me, they’ll still be delightful days later!
If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze your cookies. Just make sure they cool completely first! Then, wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just take out the desired amount and let them thaw at room temperature. No need to reheat—these cookies are perfect chilled, or you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds if you like them warm and gooey!
With these simple storage tips, you can savor your cherry jello cookies whenever the craving strikes!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different flavor of jello?
Absolutely! One of the best parts of making cherry jello cookies is that you can easily switch up the jello flavor. Try strawberry, orange, or even blue raspberry for a fun twist—each will bring its own unique taste and color!
What if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels a bit too sticky, don’t panic! Just add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a soft but manageable consistency. You want it to be slightly sticky for that chewy texture, but not so much that it’s unworkable.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Keep an eye on them! You’ll want to pull them out when the edges are set and the centers still look a bit soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, so don’t worry if they seem a little underbaked!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can totally make the dough ahead of time! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking.
Are cherry jello cookies suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes! These cherry jello cookies are perfect for vegetarians since they don’t contain any meat or meat byproducts. Just make sure to check the jello packaging to confirm that it meets your dietary preferences!
Cherry Jello Cookies: 7 Soft Bites of Pure Joy
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cherry jello cookies are soft, chewy cookies with a burst of cherry flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 package (3 oz) cherry jello
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Stir in the cherry jello until evenly mixed.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- You can use other flavored jello for different cookie variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cherry jello cookies, cherry cookies, dessert cookies