Irresistible Vintage Cherry Jello Cookies: A Buttery, Flavorful Classic
Step back in time with a batch of delightful Vintage Cherry Jello Cookies! These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats are infused with a vibrant cherry flavor and a unique chewy texture, making them an absolute joy to bake and savor. This classic Jello cookie recipe, featuring juicy maraschino cherries, is perfect for brightening up holiday cookie trays, adding a splash of color to any celebration, or simply enjoying as a sweet everyday indulgence.
Our easy Jello cookie recipe is designed for simplicity and incredible taste. You’ll find yourself reaching for these cookies again and again, whether for a special event or just a cozy evening at home. The addition of maraschino cherries provides an extra burst of fruity goodness and a beautiful visual appeal, though the cookies are undeniably delicious even without them. The secret to their irresistible charm lies in the innovative use of Jell-O mix, which not only imparts a fantastic hue but also contributes to their wonderfully tender and slightly chewy consistency.
The Magic of Jello in Cookies: Color, Flavor, and Texture
You might be surprised to learn how transformative Jell-O can be in baking, particularly in sugar cookies. While many recipes opt for Jell-O pudding mix, this recipe harnesses the power of flavored gelatin mix to infuse both vivid color and intense flavor directly into your cookie dough. It’s a clever trick that elevates a standard sugar cookie into something truly extraordinary. The gelatin helps create a soft yet delightfully chewy cookie that stands out on any platter. These cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds; their cheerful red color makes them especially fitting for festive occasions like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or summer picnics.
Essential Ingredients for Your Cherry Jello Sugar Cookies
Crafting these delectable cherry-flavored cookies requires a few pantry staples and one star ingredient. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is vital:
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of any great cookie, you’ll need 2 cups of all-purpose flour. It provides structure and body to the cookie dough, ensuring your cookies hold their shape while remaining tender.
- Large Egg: One large egg acts as a crucial binding agent, bringing all the ingredients together and contributing to the cookie’s rich texture and moisture.
- Unsalted Butter: For that signature buttery taste and tender crumb, 1 ½ sticks (¾ cup) of unsalted butter at room temperature is essential. Room temperature butter creams beautifully with sugar, creating a light and airy base for your dough.
- Granulated Sugar: Half a cup of granulated sugar sweetens the cookies and helps achieve a slightly crisp edge. When creamed with butter, it also incorporates air, leading to a lighter cookie.
- Cherry Flavored Jell-O Mix: The magic ingredient! One 3-ounce box of cherry-flavored Jell-O mix is what gives these cookies their vibrant color and unmistakable cherry taste. This powder is key to both flavor and the unique chewy texture.
- Vanilla Extract: One tablespoon of pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors. Opt for a higher-quality vanilla if you have it; it truly makes a difference in the overall aroma and taste profile of your cookies.
- Baking Powder: Half a teaspoon of baking powder provides the necessary lift, allowing the cookies to puff up beautifully and achieve a soft, airy interior.
- Maraschino Cherries: This ingredient is optional but highly recommended! About ½ cup of halved maraschino cherries (well-drained and patted dry) adds a delightful visual element and an extra burst of sweet cherry flavor, making these truly maraschino cherry cookies.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Cherry Jello Cookies
Making these vibrant cookies is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of delicious Jello sugar cookies:
- Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the room temperature butter and granulated sugar. Beat for approximately 1 minute until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, contributing to a tender cookie.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Introduce the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Continue to whip the mixture with the hand mixer for another minute, ensuring all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Jello Powder: Add the entire packet of cherry-flavored Jell-O powder mix into the wet ingredients. Mix with the hand mixer for another minute. The mixture will take on a beautiful pink hue and develop its signature cherry aroma.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Ensure they are thoroughly combined to distribute the leavening evenly.
- Gradually Add Dry to Wet: Slowly add the flour mixture to the Jell-O mixture, mixing with your hand mixer on low speed until just combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Pipe the Cookie Dough: Transfer the cookie dough into a frosting bag fitted with an Ateco #866 tip (a large star tip or a round tip with a wide opening will also work). Pipe dollops of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can simply drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet.
- Add Maraschino Cherries: Gently place a halved maraschino cherry in the center of each cookie dough dollop. Press it down lightly into the dough. This adds a beautiful garnish and an extra burst of cherry flavor.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be set but still soft. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on the pan before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up and prevents breakage. Enjoy your delightful cherry Jell-O cookies!
CHERRY Jell-O Cookies
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Ingredients
- 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Large Egg
- ¾ Cup Unsalted Butter room temperature (1 ½ sticks)
- ½ Cup Granulated Sugar
- 3 oz Cherry Jell-O mix (one box)
- 1 Tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- ½ Teaspoon Baking Powder
- ½ cup Maraschino Cherries sliced in half, well-drained and patted dry (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C) and line a standard baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar for 1 minute until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and whip for another minute until well combined.
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Add the entire 3 oz box of Cherry Jell-O powder mix into the wet ingredients and mix for another minute until the color is uniform.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
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Gradually combine the Jell-O mixture with the flour mixture. Mix with the hand mixer on low speed until just smooth and no dry streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix.
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Place the cookie dough into a frosting bag fitted with an Ateco #866 tip (or a similar large star/round tip). Pipe dollops of cookie dough, about an inch apart, onto the prepared baking sheet. Alternatively, drop spoonfuls of dough.
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If desired, place half a well-drained maraschino cherry in the middle of each cookie dollop. Gently press it into the cookie dough.
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Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking pan before transferring. Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful cookies!
Nutrition
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Jello for These Cookies?
Absolutely! One of the most exciting aspects of this Jello cookie recipe is its versatility. While cherry provides a classic and vibrant option, these cookies will taste equally fantastic with other Jell-O flavors. You can experiment with:
– **Lemon Jello:** For a bright, zesty cookie that pairs wonderfully with a dusting of powdered sugar.
– **Strawberry Jello:** For another classic red fruit flavor, similar to cherry but with its own unique sweetness.
– **Lime Jello:** To create a striking green cookie with a tangy, refreshing twist, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or spring.
– **Orange Jello:** For a sunny, citrusy cookie that’s great for Halloween or summer.
– **Berry Blue Jello:** To make incredibly fun blue cookies, ideal for kids’ parties or patriotic events.
Keep in mind that the color and flavor profile of your cookies will change significantly with each flavor you choose, allowing for endless creative possibilities!
Can I Use a Different Frosting Tip or Shape the Cookies Differently?
Yes, certainly! While an Ateco #866 tip creates those lovely dollops, you are by no means limited to it. Feel free to use any larger frosting tip you prefer. A smaller tip might make the dough a bit harder to pipe, so aim for something with a decent opening. If you don’t have a piping bag or tips, you have several options:
– **Spoon Drop:** Simply use two spoons to drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet.
– **Roll into Balls:** Lightly flour your hands and roll the dough into uniform balls before flattening them slightly with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass.
– **Pressed with a Fork:** For a traditional look, roll the dough into balls and then press them down with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
– **Cookie Cutters:** For firmer dough, you can chill it for 30-60 minutes, then roll it out and use cookie cutters to create various shapes. This is especially fun for themed holidays!
Just remember that changing the shape or size of your cookies might affect the baking time. Keep a close eye on them in the oven; smaller cookies will bake faster, and larger or thicker cookies may need a few extra minutes. The key is to bake until the edges are lightly set and the centers still look soft.
Tips for Perfect Jello Cookies Every Time
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together properly, creating a smooth, emulsified dough that will bake evenly and result in tender cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, dense cookies instead of soft, chewy ones.
- Drain Maraschino Cherries Well: If using maraschino cherries, make sure to drain them thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel. Excess moisture can cause the cookies to spread or become soggy.
- Cool on the Pan: While it’s tempting to move cookies immediately, allowing them to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes helps them firm up and prevents them from breaking when transferred to a wire rack.
- Storage: Store these cherry Jello cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days to maintain their freshness and chewiness. They can also be frozen for longer storage (up to 2-3 months).
Serving Suggestions for Your Delightful Cookies
These cherry-flavored Jello cookies are incredibly versatile and perfect for a variety of occasions:
- Holiday Platters: Their vibrant red color makes them a standout addition to Christmas cookie exchanges or Valentine’s Day celebrations.
- Kids’ Parties: The fun color and sweet flavor are always a hit with children.
- Potlucks and Picnics: Easy to transport and universally loved, they’re a great dessert to share.
- Afternoon Tea or Coffee: A perfect little treat to enjoy with your favorite hot beverage.
- Homemade Gift: Package a batch in a pretty box or tin for a thoughtful, handmade gift.
More Delicious Cookie Recipes Like This:
If you loved these Cherry Jello Cookies, you might enjoy exploring other flavorful cookie recipes. Here are some more ideas from our collection:
- LEMON JELLO SUGAR COOKIES
- JELLO SUGAR COOKIES
- CHERRY CHOCOLATE CHIP NO BAKE COOKIES
- CHOCOLATE CHERRY COOKIES
- CHERRY ALMOND COOKIE BARS
- CHERRY CHOCOLATE COOKIES
- CHERRY CHEESECAKE COOKIES
- CHERRY PIE COOKIES
- WHITE CHOCOLATE CHERRY OATMEAL COOKIES
- DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CHERRY COOKIES
Here’s a throwback picture of my two daughters – aren’t they just adorable?! Oh man, the one on the right is a teenager now, and the one on the left? Well, she certainly acts like a teenager! Ha! Mothering daughters is an absolute joy though, as much as they drive me crazy sometimes. Their laughter and company make every moment special, even the chaotic ones.
Whatever you do, DO NOT tell them I posted this! I’ll never hear the end of it!
These Jello sugar cookies are truly a fun, easy, and memorable treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their cheerful color, delightful texture, and bursting cherry flavor, they are sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and enjoy the delicious magic of these classic cookies!