Bring a smile to anyone's face with these whimsical, simple-to-make handheld Jell-O treats that are fun and tasty!
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What makes Jello Jiggers a favorite retro snack?
Home cooks may have made Jell-O Jigglers before, but it wasn't until the late 70s when General Foods, the company behind Jell-O, started to actively promote the recipe. It was an attempt to revitalize the brand, and it worked! Soon, everyone was eating them.
But what are Jello Jigglers? They're just regular Jell-O prepared with less water. This tiny change makes them solid enough to pick up. Cut into any imaginable shape with a knife or cookie cutter, they make a fun and easy snack for kids and fun-loving adults.
Why you'll love this recipe
Simple to make, cheap, and tasty, these gelatin snacks allow you to get creative. They are ideal to serve as an afterschool snack since they last a long time in the fridge and are an easy and safe item for kids to serve themselves.
Since this Jello Jigglers recipe is low-calorie and fat-free, you don't have to feel bad about letting your kids have just one more.
Ingredients you will need
- Jell-O
- Water
- Non-stick unflavored spray (optional)
Any instant gelatin dessert should work in this Jello Jiggers recipe as long as you use 3-ounce packets. Choose your favorite brand and flavor of Jello. Check out the 'Recipe variation' section below for a few cool ideas on how to make Jell-O Jigglers even cuter.
How to make Jello Jigglers
To prepare the homemade Jello Jigglers:
- Boil water.
- While the water is boiling, dump two packets of the Jell-O into a mixing bowl. If you have a mixing bowl with a spout, use it to help with pouring.
- Add the boiling water to the mixing bowl with the Jell-O powder.
- Stir until the Jell-O is fully dissolved.
- Very lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch pan to help prevent sticking.
- Pour the liquid Jell-O mixture into the pan, cover it with plastic wrap, and place it in the fridge until set. Setting can take 3-4 hours, so don't rush it.
To cut the Jello Jigglers:
- Once the Jell-O sets, use cookie cutters for decorative shapes or a knife for squares or triangles.
- Serve straight from the fridge.
Recipe variations
Cool cookie-cutter shapes can be fun, but why not get even more creative than that? Here are some options:
- Layered Jell-O Jigglers. Pour a thin layer of liquid Jell-O into the pan and let it set. Pour another layer of liquid Jell-O on top and let that set. You can repeat the layering with as many different flavors of Jell-O as you want! To define each color more clearly, use a thin layer of unflavored gelatin between each flavored Jell-O layer.
- Magic Rainbow Jigglers. Magic Rainbow Jigglers are similar to layered Jell-O, but there is a blending of colors like a prism. The Magic Rainbow Jello Jigglers recipe is a bit complex, but you can check it out here.
- Decorated Jello Jigglers. Try dressing up your Jell-O Jigglers with whipped cream, sprinkles, edible glitter, and other food-grade decorations. This is a great activity to share with your little ones.
How to store homemade Jello Jigglers
To keep the Jell-O fresh and prevent them from absorbing the smell of other food, keep them inside an airtight container in the fridge.
How long do they last?
Stored correctly in the refrigerator, Jigglers will stay fresh for up to 10 days!
More Jello recipes
- Christmas Ribbon Salad
- Cranberry Jello Salad
- Broken Glass Jello
- Lime Jello Salad
- Orange Cottage Cheese Jello Salad
- Strawberry Jello Parfait
Jell-O Jigglers
Ingredients
- 2 3-ounce packages Jell-O
- 1 ¼ cups boiling water
Instructions
- Place the Jell-O in a bowl and add 1 ¼ cups boiling water. Stir until the Jell-O is dissolved.
- Spray a 9 X 13-inch pan with cooking spray and wipe it with a paper towel to remove the excess.
- Pour the Jell-O mixture into the pan and chill until firm, about 4 hours. Cut with a cookie cutter.
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