Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Preparing everything beforehand helps streamline the baking process.

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat 1 cup (2 sticks) of softened butter with 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar. Mix on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Creaming the butter and sugar properly creates a tender, soft cookie texture.

Crack 2 large eggs into the mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until fully combined. The eggs provide structure and moisture, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough instead of light and chewy.

Divide the dough into separate portions based on how many Jello flavors you’re using. For each portion, add 2–3 tablespoons of Jello powder and knead gently to incorporate the color and flavor. Use different flavors like strawberry, lime, or orange to create a variety of vibrant cookies.

Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheets. For even baking, leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie. If desired, roll the dough balls in additional Jello powder or sugar for an extra pop of color and sweetness.

Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes. The edges should be slightly golden, but the centers should remain soft. Avoid overbaking, as the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, serve and enjoy these colorful, fruity Jello cookies. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for several days!