Stained Glass Cookies

Stained glass cookies are a delightful treat that combines the charm of sugar cookies with a colorful and translucent candy center. Perfect for holiday celebrations or any festive occasion, these cookies not only taste amazing but also look stunning on a cookie platter. With a hint of vanilla and a crunchy texture from the hard candies, they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 120
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 50mg

Why Make This Stained Glass Cookies

Stained glass cookies are visually stunning and a delightful way to engage all ages with baking. Their vibrant colors and unique appearance make them perfect for various occasions such as Christmas, birthdays, or bake sales. Additionally, the process of making these cookies allows for creativity, as you can use different shapes and colors of hard candies to get the desired stained glass effect. They not only taste delicious but also make for a fun family activity that’s bound to create lasting memories.

How to Make Stained Glass Cookies

Ingredients:

• 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
• 1/2 cup crushed hard candies (for stained glass effect)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Mixing

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the large egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Forming the Dough

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough.

Step 4: Shaping the Cookies

Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes; place half of these shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For the remaining shapes, use a smaller cookie cutter to cut out the center, creating a window for the stained glass effect. Fill the centers of these cookies with the crushed hard candies.

Step 5: Baking

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until they are lightly golden and the candies have melted into a glass-like appearance. The melted candies will create the stained glass look that makes these cookies so special.

Step 6: Cooling

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Dusting

If desired, dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving to add an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish.

How to Serve Stained Glass Cookies

Stained glass cookies make a beautiful presentation at any gathering. Serve them on a festive platter, alongside a glass of milk or hot cocoa. They can also be wrapped individually for party favors or gifts, adding a personal touch and a delightful surprise for the recipients.

How to Store Stained Glass Cookies

To keep your stained glass cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Just make sure to let them thaw before serving for the best texture.

Expert Tips for Perfect Stained Glass Cookies

• Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too soft to roll, making it easier to handle.
• Experiment with different shapes and colors of hard candies to customize your cookies.
• For a fun twist, try adding some citrus zest or almond extract to the dough for an extra flavor kick.
• Watch the baking time closely; if the cookies are too golden, they could become crisp rather than tender.

Delicious Variations

• Chocolate Stained Glass Cookies: Replace half of the flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate version. Use colored candies to create bright contrasts.
• Spiced Stained Glass Cookies: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, comforting flavor perfect for fall.
• Nutty Options: Incorporate finely chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, into the dough for added texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use different types of hard candies?
  Yes! You can use any hard candy that melts well, such as Jolly Ranchers or Lifesavers. Just be cautious with darker colors, as they may alter the appearance of your cookies.

• What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
  If your dough is too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour while mixing or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before rolling it out.

• Is there a way to make these cookies gluten-free?
  Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a certified gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your hard candies are also gluten-free.

• Can I make the dough in advance?
  Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge before rolling.

• What should I do if the colors from the candies bleed?
  To minimize bleeding, use lighter colored candies, and avoid overfilling the centers to prevent spilling during baking.

Conclusion

Stained glass cookies are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delicious treat that embodies the spirit of creativity in baking. With their colorful candy centers and sweet cookie flavors, they bring joy and fun to any gathering. Whether you’re baking with family or presenting them as gifts, these cookies are sure to impress. So roll up your sleeves, grab your cookie cutters, and enjoy making these delightful stained glass cookies that everyone will love!

Stained Glass Cookies

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Stained glass cookies are a delightful treat combining sugar cookie charm with colorful, translucent candy centers. Perfect for celebrations!

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Ingredients

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• 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
• 1/2 cup crushed hard candies (for stained glass effect)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until combined.
3. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
4. Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place half on a baking sheet. For the remaining shapes, cut out centers to create a window and fill with crushed hard candies.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden and candies are melted. Allow to cool briefly before transferring to a wire rack.
6. If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Chill the dough for easier handling and experiment with hard candy colors for creativity.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 30mg