Stained Glass Window Cookies are a delightful treat that not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also catch the eye with their radiant colors. These cookies are perfect for festive occasions or just a fun baking project with the kids. With their crisp edges and chewy center filled with colorful candy, they’re sure to impress your family and friends.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 150
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50mg
Why Make This Stained Glass Window Cookies
Stained Glass Window Cookies are not just visually stunning; they are a delicious addition to any dessert table. The contrast of the buttery sugar cookie and the sweet, melted hard candies creates a perfect balance. As the cookies bake, the candy colors meld together, giving each cookie a unique design reminiscent of a stained glass window. They are ideal for special occasions like Christmas, Halloween, and birthdays, making every gathering a bit more festive.
How to Make Stained Glass Window Cookies
Step 1: Preparation
In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the butter, which helps create light cookies.
Step 2: Mixing
Beat in one egg and two teaspoons of vanilla extract until fully combined. In another bowl, whisk together three cups of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of baking powder, and half a teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
Step 3: Chilling
Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling the dough is essential as it firms up the butter, making the cookies easier to roll out later.
Step 4: Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about a quarter inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out different shapes, and then use a smaller cutter to remove the center. Place the cookies on a greased baking sheet and fill the center with your crushed hard candies. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden. Allow to cool completely on wire racks before serving.
How to Serve Stained Glass Window Cookies
These cookies look stunning on a festive platter. You can serve them as part of a dessert spread during holiday gatherings or as a fun treat for kids’ parties. Pair them with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a cozy snack experience.
How to Store Stained Glass Window Cookies
To keep your Stained Glass Window Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about a week. If you wish to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies in a zip-lock bag for up to three months. Just remember to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Expert Tips for Perfect Stained Glass Window Cookies
- Make sure to crush the hard candies into small, uniform pieces so they melt evenly but still create a beautiful stained glass effect.
- You can easily switch up the flavors by using flavored extracts like almond or lemon to add a twist.
- If the dough becomes too soft while rolling it out, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes.
- Experiment with different cookie cutter shapes to suit seasonal themes or personal preferences.
Delicious Variations
- For a chocolaty twist, incorporate cocoa powder into the cookie dough, reducing the flour slightly.
- Use colored sugar or sprinkles instead of crushed candies for a different texture and taste.
- Replace some of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor.
- Add mini chocolate chips or dried fruit pieces to the dough for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use different types of candies?
Yes, you can use any type of hard candy, but ensure they melt well. Avoid chewy or chocolate candies, as they won’t provide the stained glass effect. -
What if my dough is too soft?
If your dough feels too soft to roll out, chill it for an additional 15-30 minutes in the fridge. This will help to firm it up. -
How can I make these cookies more colorful?
Use a variety of colored hard candies. You can also mix the crushed candies into the filling instead of using them exclusively for the windows. -
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance, wrap it up, and refrigerate it for up to two days before rolling and baking. -
How can I ensure even baking?
Make sure to bake on a middle rack and rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even heat distribution.
Conclusion
Stained Glass Window Cookies are a simple yet striking treat that will delight both the eyes and the taste buds. They are fun to make, especially with children, and can be tailored to any occasion with minimal effort. Whether you’re preparing for the holiday season or just a family baking day, these cookies will surely bring joy to everyone who sees—and tastes—their beautiful, colorful design. So, gather your ingredients, invite a friend or family member to help, and get ready to create your own batch of these enchanting cookies!
Print
Stained Glass Window Cookies
- Total Time: 150 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cookies with a colorful candy center that resembles stained glass, perfect for festive occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Crushed hard candies (various colors)
Instructions
- Cream together the butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough to ¼ inch thick and cut out various shapes, removing the center with a smaller cutter.
- Place on a greased baking sheet, fill the center with crushed candies, and bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden.
- Allow to cool completely on wire racks before serving.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
