Everyone loves cookies, especially those that look beautiful and taste delicious. Stained glass cookies are festive and fun. They are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to birthday parties. The cookies not only taste good; they also look like colorful pieces of art. Using crushed candies to fill the center gives these cookies their unique stained-glass look. With a delightful combination of buttery dough and sweet candy, these cookies will impress your family and friends. They offer a perfect balance of texture and flavor, making them a treat everyone will enjoy.
Why Make This Recipe
Making stained glass cookies is a wonderful way to bring joy to your kitchen. This recipe is easy and does not require any complicated techniques. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced baker, you can succeed with this recipe. The process of creating these cookies is enjoyable, especially when you cut out shapes and fill them with colorful candies. Plus, the smell of baking cookies fills your home with warmth and happiness.
These cookies also make excellent gifts, especially during the holiday season. People love receiving homemade treats, and these cookies stand out with their vibrant colors and delightful taste. They are also great for decorating; kids will love creating their unique shapes. Because stained glass cookies are so eye-catching, they are perfect for sharing. Just imagine bringing a box of these beautiful cookies to a family gathering or gifting them to a neighbor.
Moreover, this recipe allows for creativity. You can use different cookie cutters to make various shapes, which is especially fun for kids. You can also use different flavors of hard candies, making your cookies unique each time you bake. The possibilities are endless!
How to Make Stained Glass Cookies
Creating stained glass cookies is simple and fun. Follow these easy steps to make your own delicious batch.
Ingredients
To make stained glass cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Assorted Jolly Ranchers (or other hard candies), crushed
Directions
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a mixer or a wooden spoon to cream these together. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg. Then add the vanilla extract. Stir these ingredients together until they are well blended.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these ingredients together helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a spatula or mixer to combine them until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix; just blend until you can’t see any flour.
Roll Out Dough: Sprinkle some flour on your work surface, then roll out the dough. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick. Use a rolling pin for even thickness.
Cut Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough. This is where your creativity shines! Make sure to cut out the center of each shape to create the stained-glass effect.
Fill with Candies: Place the cookie shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Carefully fill the center of each cookie shape with crushed candies. Don’t overfill, or the candies might spill out while baking.
Bake: Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes. The edges should turn lightly golden brown.
Cool: Once baked, let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before serving. This cooling time allows the candies to harden again.
How to Serve Stained Glass Cookies
Once your stained glass cookies are cool, they are ready to be served! You can enjoy them as is, or you can decorate them further with icing for an extra touch. These cookies make great snacks for parties, gatherings, or just for a sweet treat at home. To serve, simply arrange them on a colorful plate to show off their beautiful designs. Pair them with milk, coffee, or tea for a delightful experience.
How to Store Stained Glass Cookies
Properly storing your stained glass cookies is essential to keep them fresh. Once they are completely cooled, place them in an airtight container. If you stack them, use parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. Store the cookies at room temperature for up to one week. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature.
Tips to Make Stained Glass Cookies
Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened; this makes it easier to cream and blend with sugar.
Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes too soft to work with, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before rolling it out.
Experiment with Shapes: Try different cookie cutter shapes to make seasonal or themed cookies.
Candy Choices: You can use other types of hard candies, like Life Savers or peppermint candies, for different flavors and colors.
Decorate: Get creative with icing. You can drizzle icing over the cooled cookies or even use edible glitter for an extra festive look.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe. Here are a few variations to try:
Flavored Cookies: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest for a twist on the classic vanilla flavor.
Chocolate Stained Glass Cookies: Substitute some of the flour with unsweetened cocoa powder to make chocolate-flavored cookies.
Holiday Themes: Use holiday-themed cookie cutters, like stars for Christmas or hearts for Valentine’s Day.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of candy?
Yes! You can use any hard candy to fill the center. Just remember to crush them into small pieces.
2. Are stained glass cookies difficult to make?
No! Stained glass cookies are easy to make and fun. By following the steps, you will create beautiful cookies.
3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Roll it into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the freezer. When you are ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling it out and cutting shapes.
With this recipe, you can create beautiful stained glass cookies that are not only delicious but also visually stunning. Bake a batch today and share the joy of these delightful treats with family and friends!
Stained Glass Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Beat in the egg and then add the vanilla extract, stirring until well blended.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Sprinkle flour on your work surface, and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut out shapes using cookie cutters, ensuring to cut out the center of each shape.
- Place the cut-out cookie shapes on a lined baking sheet and fill the centers with crushed candies.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.