Jelly Bean Sugar Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Jelly Bean Sugar Cookies are a fun and colorful twist on a classic treat. Soft, buttery, and studded with sweet jelly beans, they’re perfect for festive occasions or anytime you want a cheerful cookie.

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 cups (188g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 bag jelly beans

Instructions

1. Step 1: Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed until creamed, about 1 minute. Add the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract and beat on high speed until combined, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl and beat again as needed to combine.
3. Step 3: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low until combined. The dough will be thick and a little sticky. Scoop dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll into balls. Place dough balls onto a large plate or lined baking sheet.
4. Step 4: Cover and chill the cookie dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 1–2 hours and up to 4 days.
5. Step 5: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
6. Step 6: Arrange chilled cookie dough balls 3 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until very lightly browned on the sides. The centers will look very soft.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes. Press a couple jelly beans into the centers of the warm cookies. Cooling for only 3 minutes is the magic number so the jelly beans stick! Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Step 8: Enjoy your cookies fresh or store as instructed below.

Tips & Variations

• For a different flavor profile, try substituting the almond extract with lemon or orange extract.
• Use mini jelly beans for smaller, more evenly distributed bursts of sweetness.
• If you don’t have time to chill the dough for hours, freezing the dough balls for 30 minutes can also help them hold their shape while baking.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave before serving if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of candy instead of jelly beans?

Yes, you can substitute jelly beans with small candies like mini chocolate chips, M&Ms, or even chopped candy bars to suit your preference.

Why do I need to press jelly beans on after baking and not before?

Pressing the jelly beans on after baking, while the cookies are still warm, ensures they stick without melting completely or burning during the bake.

Jelly Bean Sugar Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 79 reviews

These Jelly Bean Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and lightly sweetened sugar cookies with a delightful twist of colorful jelly beans pressed into the center. Perfect for festive occasions or a fun treat, they combine classic cookie flavors with a playful, chewy surprise.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 cups (188g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Topping

• 1 bag jelly beans

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until fully combined. Set the dry mixture aside for now.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed for about 1 minute until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add Egg and Extracts: Add the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, then beat on high speed for another minute or until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
5. Form Cookie Dough Balls: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie, rolling each into a ball. Place them on a large plate or a lined baking sheet.
6. Chill the Dough: Cover and refrigerate the cookie dough balls for at least 1 to 2 hours, up to 4 days, to firm up the dough for easier baking.
7. Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
8. Arrange and Bake: Place the chilled dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 3 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are very lightly browned and the centers are still soft.
9. Add Jelly Beans: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes. Quickly press a couple of jelly beans into the center of each cookie while still warm to ensure they stick well.
10. Cool Completely: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
11. Storage: Keep the cookies fresh by storing them covered at room temperature for up to one week.

Notes

• For best results, chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and achieve a thicker cookie.
• Using room temperature butter and egg allows for better mixing and texture.
• You can substitute jelly beans with other candy pieces such as chocolate chips or M&Ms for variety.
• Ensure the jelly beans are pressed in while the cookies are still warm for optimal sticking.
• If preferred, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra flavor.

Keywords: Jelly Bean Cookies, Sugar Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Festive Treats, Soft Cookies, Butter Cookies