Jello Sugar Cookies

In my home, sugar cookies are usually baked  for special occasions...stars, trees and candy canes at Christmas...and hearts for Valentine's Day.  But here's a simple sugar cookie recipe that the grands enjoy anytime of the year...one that requires no icing since the dough is coloured.  The jello makes a very pale pastel cookie; if you prefer a somewhat deeper colour...add food colouring.  An added bonus is the flavour of the jello.

• 3-1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1-1/2 cups  butter or margarine, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 packages Jello (4-serving size /any flavor), divided
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla 

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix flour and baking powder; set aside.
3. Beat butter in large bowl with electric mixer until creamy.
4. Add sugar and 1 pkg. of the dry gelatin, beating until light and fluffy.
5. Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
6. Gradually add flour mixture, beating until well blended after each addition.
7. Shape dough into 1-inch balls.
8. Dip top half of each ball into reserved gelatin crystals.
9. Place on ungreased baking sheets...crystal side up.
10. Flatten with bottom of clean glass...one with a design if you want a pattern.  
11. Bake 8 to 10 min. or until edges are lightly browned.
12. Remove from baking sheets to wire racks.

*The featured cookies were made with peach jello.

 To make cut out cookies in any shape or form...use the same recipe and roll out the dough to about 1/4" thick.  Omit the gelatin crystals on top.  They make great 'cookiegrams' for any occasion!