Stained Glass Cookies
Stained glass cookies are a delightful treat that not only taste delicious but also add a fun, festive touch to any occasion. With their vibrant candy centers and buttery cookie dough, these cookies will enchant both children and adults alike. Perfect for holidays, parties, or just a cozy afternoon snack, they are as fun to make as they are to eat!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 140
- Protein: 1.5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 21 grams
- Fat: 6.5 grams
- Fiber: 0.5 grams
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Sodium: 60 mg
Why Make This Stained Glass Cookies
Stained glass cookies are not just eye-catching; they are a sweet treat that brings joy to your baking routine. The colorful candy centers resemble stained glass windows, making them a perfect centerpiece for holidays and celebrations. Additionally, their simple preparation makes them an excellent project for baking with kids. They’ll love watching the candy melt and transform into shimmering shapes. Plus, the cookies have a delicious buttery flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the crushed candies.
How to Make Stained Glass Cookies
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper, which will help prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Mixing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well incorporated.
Step 3: Cooking
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients from the first bowl into the butter mixture. Stir until just combined; do not overmix. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and use cookie cutters to cut out your shapes. Remember to use a smaller cookie cutter to cut the center of each cookie, creating a window for the colorful candy. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and fill each center with the crushed hard candies.
Step 4: Finishing
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Stained Glass Cookies
These cookies shine on a dessert platter at parties or festive gatherings. Serve them on their own, or pair them with a cup of tea or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon treat. They can also be wrapped in festive cellophane for holiday gifts, adding a personal and delicious touch to your gifting.
How to Store Stained Glass Cookies
Store your stained glass cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep fresh for about 1 week. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just remember to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Expert Tips for Perfect Stained Glass Cookies
- Use different flavored hard candies for unique flavors and colorful cookies.
- Make sure the hard candies are crushed into small pieces to ensure they melt evenly and create a smooth stained glass effect.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it out for easier handling and less sticking.
- If using cookie cutters, try to cut the cookies close together to minimize dough waste.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Stained Glass Cookies: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate twist. Use mint or cherry flavored candies for an extra kick.
- Spiced Stained Glass Cookies: Add cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, spiced cookie perfect for autumn and winter holidays.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use other candies besides Jolly Ranchers?
Yes, you can use any hard candy that melts well, such as Life Savers or Werther’s Originals. Just be mindful of color as it affects the cookie’s appearance! -
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Ensure that your dough is well-chilled before baking, which can help reduce spreading. Also, avoid overmixing the dough. -
How can I color the cookie dough?
You can add gel food coloring to the dough for colorful variations. Just be cautious with the amount to avoid altering the dough’s texture significantly. -
Why are my candy centers cloudy?
If your candy centers are not clear, it might be due to moisture getting into the candy. Bake them just until the edges are golden to maintain clarity. -
Can I decorate the cookies with icing?
Absolutely! You can use royal icing to add details to your cookies once they have cooled. This can be especially fun for festive occasions.
Conclusion
Stained glass cookies are a joyful and visually stunning treat that everyone will adore. Their beautiful design and delightful taste make them perfect for any occasion, and the preparation is straightforward enough for bakers of all skill levels. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the fun of baking these charming cookies. Happy baking!
Print
Stained Glass Cookies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful stained glass cookies with vibrant candy centers and buttery dough, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Crushed hard candies (e.g., Jolly Ranchers)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together.
- In another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until fluffy, then add egg and vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients with the wet mixture until just combined.
- Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface and cut out shapes, making windows for candy centers.
- Place cookies on baking sheet and fill centers with crushed candies.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden. Cool before transferring to wire racks.
Notes
Chill the dough for easier handling. Use flavored hard candies for variations.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6.5g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
