Stained Glass Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Stained Glass Cookies are a delightful treat that combines buttery cookies with colorful, melted candy centers. These festive cookies are perfect for holidays or any special occasion, adding a cheerful and eye-catching touch to your dessert table.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Assorted hard candies (like Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers), crushed into small pieces

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl, mixing until well combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
5. Step 5: Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to make rolling easier.
6. Step 6: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use large cookie cutters to cut shapes, then use smaller cutters to remove the centers from each shape.
7. Step 7: Transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheets. Fill the center of each cookie with a small amount of crushed hard candy, making sure it stays within the cut-out area.
8. Step 8: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden and the candy centers have fully melted.
9. Step 9: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring, allowing the candy centers to harden as they cool.

Tips & Variations

• Use assorted colored hard candies for a vibrant stained glass effect, and crush them finely for even melting.
• Refrigerate the dough before rolling to prevent sticking and make it easier to handle.
• To avoid candy sticking to your rolling pin, roll your dough between two sheets of parchment paper.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

Storage

Store stained glass cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keep them separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking. These cookies are best enjoyed within a few days, but they can be gently reheated at low temperature if the candy centers lose some crunch.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of candy for the centers?

Yes, hard candies like Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers work best because they melt evenly and harden nicely. Avoid chocolates or soft candies as they will not set properly.

How do I prevent the candy from spreading outside the cut-out centers?

Make sure to fill the centers with a moderate amount of crushed candy, keeping it within the boundaries of the cut-out shapes. Overfilling can cause the candy to overflow during baking.

Stained Glass Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 123 reviews

These delightful Stained Glass Cookies combine buttery sugar cookie dough with melted hard candy centers to create a colorful, eye-catching treat. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, these cookies feature a crisp texture with a sweet, translucent candy window that adds both flavor and charm.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 to 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Candy Centers

• Assorted hard candies (like Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers), crushed into small pieces

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender and airy cookie texture.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, ensuring the dough has a uniform consistency.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually blend these dry ingredients into the wet mixture to form a soft dough without overmixing.
5. Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two halves, flatten each half into a disk, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to roll and cut shapes.
6. Roll and Cut Shapes: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use large cookie cutters to cut out shapes, then use smaller cutters to remove the centers, creating a frame for the candy.
7. Fill with Crushed Candy: Place the cut-out cookie frames onto the prepared baking sheets. Fill the center of each cookie with a small amount of the crushed hard candy, keeping the candy within the cut-out area to create the stained glass effect.
8. Bake: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden and the candy centers have melted completely into a smooth, colorful window.
9. Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the parchment paper. The candy centers will harden as they cool, forming a glossy stained glass appearance. After cooling, carefully remove the cookies from the baking sheets.

Notes

• Ensure the hard candies are crushed evenly but not too finely to get a beautiful stained glass effect.
• Use parchment paper to prevent melted candy from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Keep the candy within the cut-out area to avoid spreading outside the cookie frame during baking.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent candy centers from becoming sticky.
• For colorful candy centers, use a variety of hard candy flavors and colors.

Keywords: Stained Glass Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Sugar Cookies with Candy, Melted Candy Cookies, Festive Cookies