Colorful and whimsical holiday treats displayed on a festive table

Whimsical Holiday Treats in 10 Minutes

ByJOHN
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Why Make This Recipe

Whimsical Holiday Treats are not just cookies; they are a fun expression of the holiday spirit! These vibrant, colorful treats bring joy and excitement during the festive season. They are perfect for parties, gatherings, or as thoughtful gifts for friends and family. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity and quick preparation time – just 10 minutes! It’s ideal for busy schedules when you need a delightful treat without spending hours in the kitchen.

These cookies are not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. The combination of cookie dough with a hint of fruity Jell-O brings a unique twist to the classic sugar cookie. Plus, the white sanding sugar adds a beautiful sparkle that makes them look festive and inviting. Kids and adults alike will love these treats, making them an instant hit at any holiday celebration.

Another reason to make these Whimsical Holiday Treats is their versatility. Depending on the colors of the Jell-O you choose, you can create cookies that fit any holiday theme. Red and blue for the Fourth of July, pastel colors for Easter, or green and red for Christmas. You can easily adapt this recipe to match your event’s color scheme.

The ease of preparation also makes this recipe perfect for baking with children. It’s a great way to spend quality time together and teaches them the joy of baking. Watching the cookies change from dough to golden treats in the oven can be an exciting and magical experience, especially during the holidays.

So gather your loved ones, put on some holiday music, and get ready to create these delightful holiday cookies that will surely bring smiles to everyone!

How to Make Whimsical Holiday Treats

Making Whimsical Holiday Treats is simple and requires just a few steps. Follow these easy instructions to whip up a batch in no time!

Ingredients:

  • 1 package Sugar Cookie Mix
  • 3 oz Jell-O Mix (Red and Blue)
  • 2 large Eggs
  • 1/2 cup Butter (Melted)
  • 1/2 cup White Sanding Sugar

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that the cookies bake evenly and develop that perfect texture.

  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix and Jell-O mix. Stir them together until well blended. This step is crucial because it mixes the dry ingredients effectively and infuses the vibrant color and flavor of the Jell-O into the cookie base.

  3. Add the eggs and melted butter to the dry mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. The butter adds richness, and the eggs act as a binder to hold everything together.

  4. Form small balls of dough, about 1 inch in diameter. You can use a cookie scoop or simply your hands. Making uniform balls will help them bake evenly.

  5. Roll each ball in white sanding sugar to coat. This step gives the cookies a festive sparkle, which is perfect for the holiday season. The sugar adds a sweet crunch to the exterior.

  6. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie. Proper spacing is essential because the cookies will spread as they bake.

  7. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden at the edges. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake. They should still be soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.

  8. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them set and prevents them from breaking apart.

  9. Serve and enjoy at gatherings or as gifts. Whether you place them on a beautiful platter or gift them in a cute tin, they are sure to impress.

How to Serve Whimsical Holiday Treats

Serving Whimsical Holiday Treats can be as fun as making them! Here are a few ideas to make your presentation pop:

  1. Festive Platters: Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter. You can use holiday-themed patterns or colors to match the occasion. Add some greenery or edible glitter for an extra touch.

  2. Gift Packaging: If you’re gifting these cookies, consider packaging them in clear bags tied with a ribbon, or use a decorative tin. You can also add a tag with a cheerful message or the recipe.

  3. Cookie Bar: For parties, set up a cookie bar where guests can help themselves. Include different toppings or dips, like chocolate or caramel, for a unique twist.

  4. Hot Cocoa Pairing: Serve these delightful cookies alongside a steaming cup of hot cocoa or holiday eggnog. The combo will warm everyone’s hearts and create a cozy atmosphere.

  5. Ice Cream Sandwiches: For a fun dessert, use two cookies to sandwich a scoop of ice cream in between. Roll the edges in sprinkles or crushed candy for extra fun.

How to Store Whimsical Holiday Treats

Storing your Whimsical Holiday Treats properly will keep them fresh and delicious for days. Here are some tips on how to store them:

  1. Cool Completely: Before storing your cookies, make sure they are completely cool. Storing warm cookies can trap moisture and make them soggy.

  2. Airtight Container: Place the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can layer parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.

  3. Room Temperature: Store them at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

  4. Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.

  5. Thawing: When ready to enjoy, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. They will taste just as fresh as the day you baked them!

Tips to Make Whimsical Holiday Treats

To ensure your Whimsical Holiday Treats turn out perfectly, consider these handy tips:

  1. Use Good Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your cookies largely depends on the quality of your ingredients. Opt for high-quality butter and fresh eggs for the best results.

  2. Experiment with Flavors: While this recipe uses red and blue Jell-O, feel free to experiment with different flavors and colors. Each variation can yield a unique taste and appearance.

  3. Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, which is not what you want!

  4. Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop helps in making uniformly sized balls of dough for even baking. It also saves time!

  5. Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies a minute or two before the suggested baking time. They should be set around the edges but still soft in the middle.

  6. Leave Space on the Baking Sheet: Make sure to space the cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. This helps prevent them from merging during baking.

  7. Cool Before Storing: Remember to let the cookies cool completely before placing them in an airtight container to prevent moisture buildup.

Variation

If you want to mix things up, here are some fun variations of the Whimsical Holiday Treats:

  1. Chocolate Chip Addition: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious chocolatey surprise. The combination of fruity Jell-O and chocolate is a delightful contrast.

  2. Different Jell-O Flavors: Experiment with other flavors of Jell-O, like lime (for a green hue) or orange. This way, you can customize them for various holidays.

  3. Sprinkles: Instead of rolling the dough balls in sanding sugar, roll them in colorful sprinkles. This adds more texture and color to your treats.

  4. Cream Cheese Frosting: Once the cookies have cooled, top them with cream cheese frosting to add a creamy and tangy flavor. Decorate further with edible glitter or sprinkles for a festive look.

  5. Mini Versions: Make mini cookies by forming smaller balls of dough. They’re perfect for snacking and fit nicely in gift bags.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of cookie mix?

    • Yes! While sugar cookie mix works best for this recipe, you can try chocolate chip cookie mix or any other flavor you enjoy. Just be mindful that it may alter the color and flavor slightly.

  2. Can I substitute the Jell-O with something else?

    • If you don’t have Jell-O, you can use powdered drink mixes or flavored gelatin powders for a similar effect. However, they may not produce the same vibrant color.

  3. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

    • The cookies should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to set as they cool. If they look too pale after 10 minutes, you can leave them in for an additional minute or two, but be cautious of overbaking!

  4. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

    • Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Just roll it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container. When ready to bake, you can place them directly in the oven; just allow an extra minute or two for baking time.

  5. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this recipe?

    • Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, candies, or dried fruits to the cookie dough to enhance texture and flavor. Just keep in mind that adding too many mix-ins can affect the dough’s consistency.

These Whimsical Holiday Treats are not just delicious but also a fun way to celebrate the festive season. Enjoy making, sharing, and indulging in these treats that capture the joy and colors of the holidays in just a few minutes!

Print

Whimsical Holiday Treats

Print Recipe

Fun and colorful holiday cookies made with a twist of fruity Jell-O, perfect for celebrations and gatherings.

  • Author: anna
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package Sugar Cookie Mix
  • 3 oz Jell-O Mix (Red and Blue)
  • 2 large Eggs
  • 1/2 cup Butter (Melted)
  • 1/2 cup White Sanding Sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix and Jell-O mix. Stir until well blended.
  3. Add the eggs and melted butter to the dry mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  4. Form small balls of dough, about 1 inch in diameter, and roll each ball in white sanding sugar.
  5. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring space between each cookie.
  6. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden at the edges.
  7. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Serve and enjoy at gatherings or as gifts.

Notes

Experiment with different Jell-O colors and flavors to match your holiday theme. These cookies are also great for baking with kids.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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