Jell-O Cookies

Welcome to Ms. Nicolette's Pantry! So happy to have you here and in the kitchen with your kiddo adding something new to your lifestyle.

I have hand-picked recipes and activities that are easy for you to create at home with the help of your children. Based on their age you can decide which tasks they can help with, and which ones they should let an adult do. Make this a learning experience for you both - let your child explore the baking/cooking process and explain each item, ingredient, and step to them, and watch how your child interacts!

This month I have chosen Jell-O Cookies! This is such a fun and simple recipe to add to my collection. Kiddos (and parents) will be in awe that Jell-O, an extremely kid-friendly treat, can be added to cookies! The best thing about this recipe is that any kind of Jell-O can be used!! Personally, my favorites are strawberry, raspberry, and lemon. But, feel free to adventure and make the entire rainbow if you so choose!

Tools Needed:

Stand or hand mixer

Baking sheet

Parchment paper

Whisk

Medium mixing bowl

Cookie or ice cream scoop

Cooling rack

Spatula

Ingredients Needed:

1 stick butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 Tablespoon vanilla

1 egg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 3-ounce package jello powder

Optional: 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. TIP: a good basic thing for children to know is how the oven works. Teach them that it gets very hot and can hurt them, and that only an adult should use the oven.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and jello powder. Set aside.

3. In the mixer bowl, beat butter and sugar on medium-high for 3 minutes until pale and creamy.

4. Add the egg and vanilla. TIP: kids love cracking eggs! Use a separate bowl to let them crack the egg into to avoid eggshells.

5. Slowly incorporate the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Use the spatula to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl.

6. If you are choosing to add white chocolate chips (this is completely optional), mix them in until incorporated throughout the dough at this stage.

7. Scoop the dough using a cookie or ice cream scoop.

8. Use hands to roll scoops into smooth balls. TIP: this is a good step for kids to help with to work on their fine motor skills. Let them observe how to do it first before helping them.

9. Line rolled cookie balls on baking sheet.

10. Slightly press down and flatten each cookie. TIP: kids can do this part, but watch them closely to ensure they are not flattening the cookies too much - otherwise they will burn!

11. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are barely beginning to brown.

12. Allow to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, and then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. TIP: if your baking sheet has cooled enough by the time the cookies can be moved, kids can help by using a spatula.

NOTES:

• Please be aware when purchasing your Jell-O powder - ONLY the 3 ounce packages work for this recipe.

• Pudding Jell-O can be used also! Only one thing changes: add 2 Tablespoons of milk to the dough during step 4 (with the egg and vanilla)

• These cookies are best enjoyed once entirely cool and have had a while to set up a bit. They may be a little soft when first finished.

• Make sure kiddos are washing their hands after handling raw ingredients such as flour or eggs.

• HAVE FUN!