Easy Stained Glass Cookies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
These beautiful and colorful stained glass cookies will delight both kids and adults alike. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, they are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Stained glass cookies are a delightful treat that not only taste amazing but also look stunning. With a colorful candy center that resembles stained glass windows, these cookies are a wonderful addition to any dessert table. They are perfect for holiday baking or as a fun weekend project with the kids.
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Visually stunning with a colorful candy center
- Fun activity for all ages
- Perfect for gifting or sharing at gatherings
The Perfect Holiday Treat
Stained glass cookies are not just a delight to the eyes; they are a perfect treat for any holiday gathering. Their vibrant colors and beautiful designs make them an attractive addition to your festive celebrations. Whether you're celebrating Christmas, Halloween, or Easter, these cookies can be customized to fit any occasion, making them a versatile option for your dessert table.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, these cookies are also a fun activity to do with family and friends. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the process of rolling out the dough, cutting out shapes, and filling them with colorful candies. It’s a great way to bond and create lasting memories while making something delicious.
Tips for Success
To achieve the best results with your stained glass cookies, it’s essential to use high-quality hard candies. Brands like Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers work wonderfully because they melt down beautifully and create that stunning glass-like effect. Make sure to crush them into small pieces, as larger chunks may not melt evenly and could affect the cookie's appearance.
Chilling the dough is another crucial step. It helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking, preventing them from spreading too much. If the dough becomes too soft while rolling, simply pop it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes before continuing. This will ensure that your cookies come out perfectly shaped and easy to handle.
Storing Your Cookies
Once your stained glass cookies are baked and cooled, you’ll want to store them properly to maintain their freshness and beauty. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to store them longer, consider freezing the cookies before adding the candy centers. Just thaw them, fill with crushed candies, and bake when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
These cookies also make fantastic gifts! Package them in a decorative box or cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade present. Friends and family will appreciate the effort you put into creating such a delightful and visually appealing treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 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
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Candy Centers
- 1 cup crushed hard candies (such as Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers) in assorted colors
Make sure to choose vibrant colors for the candies to enhance the stained glass effect!
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
Cut Out Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out one half of the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
Add Candy
Fill the center of each cookie cut-out with crushed hard candies. Repeat with the remaining dough. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the candy has melted.
Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your beautiful stained glass cookies!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of candy for the centers? Absolutely! While hard candies are traditional, feel free to experiment with your favorite types of candy. Just ensure they can melt and harden well to create that stained glass effect.
What can I do if my cookies spread too much? If you notice your cookies spreading in the oven, it could be due to the dough being too warm. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly before rolling it out, and keep the dough cool while you work.
Variations and Customizations
Consider adding a twist to your stained glass cookies by incorporating various flavors into the dough. Experiment with citrus zest or different extracts like peppermint or coconut for a unique taste. You can also use themed cookie cutters to enhance the festive spirit, such as hearts for Valentine’s Day or pumpkins for Halloween.
For a fun surprise, try adding edible glitter or sprinkles on top of the cookies before baking. This will add an extra layer of sparkle and make them even more festive, perfect for parties or special occasions.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different types of candy?
Yes! Any hard candy that melts well can be used. Just be sure to crush it into small pieces.
→ How do I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to a month.
→ What if the candy doesn't melt completely?
If the candy doesn't melt fully, you can return the cookies to the oven for a minute or two to help it along.
Easy Stained Glass Cookies
These beautiful and colorful stained glass cookies will delight both kids and adults alike. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, they are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Created by: Amber Walsh
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
Cookie Dough
- 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
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Candy Centers
- 1 cup crushed hard candies (such as Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers) in assorted colors
How-To Steps
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out one half of the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Use a smaller cookie cutter to cut out the center of each cookie. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Fill the center of each cookie cut-out with crushed hard candies. Repeat with the remaining dough. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the candy has melted.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your beautiful stained glass cookies!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 1g