gaiety pastel cookies

Troy, TX
Updated on Apr 14, 2011

I have known these cookies by several names; pastel cookies, gelatin cookies, and gaiety pastels. I learned to make these cookies over 20 years ago so I have forgotten who shared them with me but I still make them today. They are beautiful and versatile as you can make them in any flavor you like. My favorite is orange but I have used cherry and lemon and lime. They are the perfect springtime cookie because of their pastel coloring. They are dainty enough to use for showers and parties and especially for Easter! Make several batches in different flavors and colors for parties!

Blue Ribbon Recipe

Can you say "adorable"?! I can't, because my mouth is full! These sweet little cookies are cute AND tasty. A great addition to any cookie tray or bake sale!

prep time 30 Min
cook time 10 Min
method Bake
yield 30 servings or 5 dozen cookies

Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 1/2 cups butter, softened (3sticks)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 package gelatin, any flavor, reserve 1 tbsp. for glaze (small pkg)
  • 1 - egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • GLAZE
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon reserved gelatin dissolved in 1 tbsp. hot water

How To Make gaiety pastel cookies

  • Step 1
    Preheat oven to 400.
  • Step 2
    Mix flour and baking powder; set aside.
  • Step 3
    Beat butter in large mixing bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add sugar and 1 pkg. of dry gelatin minus 1 tbsp. for icing. Beat until light and fluffy.
  • Step 4
    Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
  • Step 5
    Gradually add flour mixture, beating until well blended.
  • Step 6
    Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place two inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
  • Step 7
    Flatten with the bottom of a clean glass.
  • Step 8
    Bake 8 to 10 minutes, watching carefully. Edges should turn slightly golden when the cookies are done.
  • Step 9
    Remove from baking sheets to wire racks and allow to cool completely.
  • Step 10
    For the glaze: mix together powdered sugar, vanilla, and reserved gelatin dissolved in hot water. Add more water one tablespoon at a time if needed to make the glaze liquid enough to drizzle.
  • Step 11
    Leave cookies on wire racks but put wax paper underneath to catch glaze. Using a spoon or measuring cup with spout, drizzle glaze on cookies in any fashion you like. A little glaze is just as good as a lot of glaze.

Discover More

Category: Cookies
Keyword: #gelatin
Keyword: #Spring
Keyword: #easter
Method: Bake
Culture: American
Ingredient: Flour
Collection: Spring Recipes

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