Real Recipes From Real Home Cooks ®

gaiety pastel cookies

(9 ratings)
Blue Ribbon Recipe by
Linda Locke
Troy, TX

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!

— The Test Kitchen @kitchencrew
(9 ratings)
yield 30 servings or 5 dozen cookies
prep time 30 Min
cook time 10 Min
method Bake

Ingredients For gaiety pastel cookies

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

How To Make gaiety pastel cookies

  • 1
    Preheat oven to 400.
  • 2
    Mix flour and baking powder; set aside.
  • 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.
  • 4
    Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
  • 5
    Gradually add flour mixture, beating until well blended.
  • 6
    Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place two inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
  • 7
    Flatten with the bottom of a clean glass.
  • 8
    Bake 8 to 10 minutes, watching carefully. Edges should turn slightly golden when the cookies are done.
  • 9
    Remove from baking sheets to wire racks and allow to cool completely.
  • 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.
  • 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.
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