Why Make This Recipe
Stained Glass Cookies are a delightful treat that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also captivates your eyes with their vibrant colors. These cookies have a lovely buttery flavor and are perfect for any occasion. Whether you are baking for a holiday, a birthday party, or just to enjoy at home, Stained Glass Cookies are sure to impress anyone who sees (and tastes) them. The hard candy at the center of each cookie melts while baking, creating a beautiful stained glass effect that is both fun and delicious.
Baking these cookies can also be a great family activity. Kids love helping in the kitchen, and making these cookies involves cutting shapes, crushing candies, and of course, enjoying the final product. This recipe is straightforward, making it accessible even for beginners. It’s a wonderful way to create lasting memories with loved ones while indulging in something sweet.
Not to mention, these vivid cookies can brighten up any dessert table. With their colorful centers and unique shapes, they become an instant conversation starter. They are not only aesthetically pleasing but also a delightful contrast of textures: the soft, buttery cookie complements the crunchy hard candy.
How to Make Stained Glass Cookies
Making Stained Glass Cookies is a simple process and can be broken down into a few easy steps. Below, you’ll find all the necessary ingredients and directions to guide you in creating these eye-catching treats.
Ingredients
To make Stained Glass Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the base for your cookies and gives them a wonderful structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the cookies to rise slightly and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A small amount of salt enhances the flavor of the cookies.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter gives the cookies their rich and creamy texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the cookies and helps them to brown nicely in the oven.
- 1 large egg: The egg acts as a binder, holding the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a delicious flavor that complements the sweetness of the cookies.
- 1 cup crushed hard candies (like Jolly Ranchers): This will form the stained glass center of the cookies. Any colorful hard candy will work well.
Directions
Now that you have gathered all your ingredients, let’s move on to the step-by-step directions for making Stained Glass Cookies.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
In a medium bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them until fully combined to prevent any pockets of baking powder and salt in the dough.
In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes. This step is vital as it creates air pockets in the butter that make the cookies tender.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix well. Beat these ingredients until they are fully combined, ensuring the egg is fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until combined. Do this slowly to avoid flour flying everywhere! Mix just until the dough comes together, being careful not to overmix.
Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface. This thickness will ensure that the cookies are sturdy enough to hold the hard candies.
Cut out shapes with cookie cutters, making sure to cut a smaller shape in the center of each. You can use festive shapes like stars or hearts, depending on the occasion!
Place crushed hard candies into the center of each cookie. Make sure to fill the center, as they will melt and fill space during baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
Allow to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents the cookies from breaking apart when you move them.
How to Serve Stained Glass Cookies
Serving Stained Glass Cookies is quite simple yet delightful. These cookies look stunning on a platter or cookie stand. You can stack them, arrange them in a creative pattern, or even use them as a centerpiece for dessert tables.
For a whimsical touch, tie some together with a colorful ribbon and hang them on a tree during the holidays. They can also be placed in decorative bags as gifts, adding a personal touch to any occasion. Pair them with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of tea for a perfect treat.
How to Store Stained Glass Cookies
To keep your Stained Glass Cookies fresh, you need to store them correctly. Here are some tips:
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week.
- Refrigeration: If you live in a very warm climate, you may want to store them in the refrigerator. Just ensure they are in an airtight container to avoid them drying out.
- Freezing: If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze Stained Glass Cookies. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Tips to Make Stained Glass Cookies
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise. This helps make the cookies light and fluffy.
- Be Patient with Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool properly on a wire rack to maintain their shape and prevent them from breaking.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined after adding the flour. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Experiment with Shapes and Colors: Use different shaped cookie cutters and various colored hard candies to create unique designs each time you bake.
Variation
One fun variation for Stained Glass Cookies is to use different flavored hard candies, such as cinnamon or mint, for an added twist. You can also try adding a sprinkle of colored sugar on top of the dough before baking for a bit of extra sparkle.
Another idea is to use royal icing to decorate the edges of the cookies once they have cooled completely. This not only adds an attractive border but also provides more flavor.
FAQs
Can I use any type of hard candy for Stained Glass Cookies?
Yes, you can use any hard candy that melts well. Jolly Ranchers are popular due to their vibrant colors, but you can try other brands as long as they are hard candies.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to three days. Just let it soften at room temperature before rolling it out.
Are Stained Glass Cookies suitable for gifting?
Yes, they make wonderful gifts! Just ensure they are well packaged in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They also look beautiful when placed in gift bags or boxes.
With this easy-to-follow guide, you can create beautiful Stained Glass Cookies that will brighten up any occasion! Enjoy the baking process and have fun experimenting with different shapes and flavors. Happy baking!
Stained Glass Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until combined.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface.
- Cut out shapes with cookie cutters, making sure to cut a smaller shape in the center of each.
- Place crushed hard candies into the center of each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.