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Easy Colorful Sugar Cookies with Jell-O

Pastel Jell-O Sugar Cookies

These pastel Jell-O sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and topped with colorful frosting and sprinkles. Perfect for spring, Easter, baby showers, or fun baking with kids!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Américaine
Calories: 160
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Cookies:
  • 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp dry Jell-O powder any flavor/color, divided if doing multiple colors
  • For the Frosting:
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 –2 tbsp milk
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Food coloring pastel colors
  • Sprinkles optional but recommended ✨

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Cookie scoop (optional, for even cookies)
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Small bowls (for dividing dough/colors)
  • Offset spatula or butter knife (for frosting)

Method
 

  1. Make the Dough
  2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Mix in egg and vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until combined.
  6. Add Jell-O Flavor + Color
  7. Divide dough into portions (depending on how many colors you want).
  8. Mix 1 tbsp dry Jell-O powder into each portion.
  9. Chill dough for 30 minutes (makes it easier to handle).
  10. Bake
  11. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  12. Roll dough into balls and slightly flatten.
  13. Place on a lined baking sheet.
  14. Bake for 9–11 minutes (edges set, centers soft).
  15. Let cookies cool completely.
  16. Make Frosting
  17. Beat butter until smooth.
  18. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until creamy.
  19. Divide and tint with pastel food coloring.
  20. Decorate
  21. Spread frosting on cooled cookies.
  22. Add sprinkles for that pastel cookie look 🎉

Notes

  • For softer cookies, slightly underbake and let them finish setting on the baking sheet.
  • Chill the dough to prevent spreading and keep cookies thick.
  • You can use any Jell-O flavor for different pastel colors and light fruity flavor.
  • Gel food coloring works best for vibrant pastel frosting without thinning it.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
  • These cookies freeze well (unfrosted) for up to 2 months.