Easy Stained Glass Cookies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
These delightful Easy Stained Glass Cookies are a fun and colorful treat that will brighten up any occasion. Perfect for holidays or just a sweet snack, they are easy to make and even more fun to eat!
Stained glass cookies have a charming look that can delight both children and adults alike. These cookies are not only visually appealing but also a delicious treat that can be enjoyed any time of the year. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a batch of these colorful cookies that will impress everyone!
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Bright and colorful design that adds fun to any gathering
- Crispy edges with a chewy center for the perfect texture
- Easy to customize with different flavors and colors of candy
A Colorful Twist on Classic Cookies
Stained glass cookies are a delightful twist on traditional sugar cookies, bringing a splash of color and creativity to your baking repertoire. The combination of buttery dough and vibrant candy centers creates not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Whether you're planning a festive gathering or simply want to impress your family with a fun dessert, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
The beauty of stained glass cookies lies in their versatility. You can choose different colors and flavors of hard candies to customize your creations. From holiday-themed colors to pastel shades for springtime celebrations, the possibilities are endless. This makes them perfect for any occasion, whether it's Halloween, Christmas, or a birthday party.
Perfect for Kids and Adults Alike
One of the best things about these Easy Stained Glass Cookies is how much fun they are to make with kids. The process of crushing candies, rolling out dough, and cutting out shapes offers an engaging activity that fosters creativity and teamwork in the kitchen. Plus, kids love the anticipation of watching their colorful candy windows melt and transform in the oven.
Adults will appreciate the nostalgic charm of these cookies as well. The crispy edges combined with a chewy center create a delightful texture that appeals to all ages. Perfect for sharing at gatherings, these cookies are bound to spark conversations and bring smiles to everyone who tries them.
Tips for Baking Success
To ensure your stained glass cookies turn out perfectly, it's crucial to keep your dough well-chilled. Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle but also helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. If your kitchen is warm, consider chilling the dough for a bit longer to achieve the best results.
When it comes to the candy filling, feel free to experiment with different types of hard candies. Using a mix of flavors can add an extra layer of fun to your cookies. Just make sure to crush the candies into small pieces for even melting. This way, you’ll have a beautiful, colorful window that is not only visually appealing but also delicious!
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Stained Glass Filling
- 1 cup crushed hard candies (such as Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers)
Make sure to crush the candies into small pieces for the best effect!
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal parts, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Roll Out and Cut Shapes
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Make a smaller cutout in the center of each cookie to create a window for the candy.
Add Candy and Bake
Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Fill the cutout with crushed candy. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet.
Once cooled, enjoy your beautiful stained glass cookies!
Storing Your Cookies
To keep your stained glass cookies fresh and vibrant, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to a week, but be sure to keep an eye on the humidity, as this can affect the texture of the cookies. Avoid refrigerating them, as the cold can cause the candy centers to become sticky.
If you plan to make cookies ahead of time, consider freezing them. Once baked and cooled, place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. You can also freeze the dough before baking. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling out and cutting shapes.
Creative Variations
While the classic stained glass cookie recipe is a winner, don’t hesitate to get creative! Experiment with different flavor extracts in the dough, such as almond or lemon, to create a unique twist. You can also add sprinkles or edible glitter to the dough for an extra festive touch.
For a more sophisticated version, consider using chocolate or vanilla-flavored hard candies. These can enhance the flavor profile of your cookies, appealing to those with a more refined palate. The key is to have fun and let your imagination guide you in creating these colorful treats.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of candy?
Yes, you can use any type of hard candy that can melt down, but avoid chocolate candies as they won't create a stained glass effect.
→ How do I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
→ Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies. Just make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in an airtight container.
→ What can I do if the candy bubbles over?
If the candy spills out while baking, simply let it cool and break off any excess candy around the edges.
Easy Stained Glass Cookies
These delightful Easy Stained Glass Cookies are a fun and colorful treat that will brighten up any occasion. Perfect for holidays or just a sweet snack, they are easy to make and even more fun to eat!
Created by: Arabella Scott
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Stained Glass Filling
- 1 cup crushed hard candies (such as Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers)
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Divide the dough into two equal parts, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Make a smaller cutout in the center of each cookie to create a window for the candy.
Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Fill the cutout with crushed candy. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 1g