Stained Glass Cookies

d Glass Cookies are not only visually stunning, but also a fun and creative treat to make during the holiday season or for any special occasion. Their vibrant “stained glass” centers, made from melted candies, give each cookie a unique and festive touch. Perfect for gifting or as an eye-catching addition to a dessert table, these cookies will surely become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Here’s everything you need to know to make these beautiful cookies!

Ingredients for Stained Glass Cookies ✨

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the “Stained Glass” Centers:

• 1 cup hard candies (e.g., Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers), in assorted colors
  You can choose a variety of colors to create different vibrant effects or stick to a color theme for a more cohesive look.

Optional Decorations:

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Edible glitter or sprinkles (for extra flair)

Instructions to Create Stained Glass Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process helps to create a tender cookie texture.
2. Add egg and vanilla extract: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough is smooth and fully combined.
4. Chill the dough: Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll out later.

Step 2: Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat your oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Prepare the candy centers: Unwrap the hard candies and crush them into small pieces using a rolling pin or food processor. If you’re using multiple colors, keep them separate to create a beautiful effect.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

1. Roll out the dough: Once chilled, roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. This thickness ensures the cookies hold their shape during baking.
2. Cut out shapes: Use a large cookie cutter to cut out your desired shapes (stars, circles, hearts, etc.). Then, take a smaller cookie cutter to create a “window” in the center of each cookie.
3. Fill with crushed candy: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets. Fill the center of each cookie with the crushed candy, but be careful not to overfill—leave a little space around the edges so the candy doesn’t overflow during baking.

Step 4: Bake & Cool

1. Bake the cookies: Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the candy has melted and bubbled up in the center. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning the candy.
2. Cool completely: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. The candy will harden as the cookies cool, creating the beautiful stained glass effect.

Step 5: Decorate (Optional)

1. Add final touches: Once the cookies have cooled and the candy has hardened, you can add a bit of extra sparkle by dusting them with powdered sugar, or decorating with edible glitter or sprinkles for a festive touch.

Tips for Perfect Stained Glass Cookies

• Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Place parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.
• Color Variations: Feel free to experiment with different candy colors. If you’re making these for a particular holiday, consider using red and green for Christmas or pastels for Easter. You can even use specific colors to match a party theme.
• Shape Ideas: In addition to classic round shapes, try using themed cookie cutters like stars, hearts, or snowflakes for extra seasonal charm.
• Make-ahead Tip: The dough can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This is a great way to spread out the baking process if you’re planning to make a large batch of cookies.
• Avoiding Overfill: When filling the centers with candy, try to avoid overfilling. Too much candy can overflow and stick to the sides, making it difficult to remove the cookies from the baking sheet.

Why Stained Glass Cookies Are a Must-Bake

1. Stunning Appearance
These cookies are truly eye-catching. The vibrant candy centers mimic the look of stained glass, making them perfect for special occasions like Christmas, birthdays, or any event where you want a show-stopping treat. Their colorful appearance will definitely make them a conversation starter at any gathering!

2. Delicious Taste
While they may look intricate, the flavor is simple and delightful. The buttery, soft sugar cookie base provides the perfect contrast to the sweet, slightly tart candy centers. Whether you’re using fruity candies like Jolly Ranchers or citrusy Life Savers, the combination of flavors is irresistible.

3. Fun for All Ages
Baking stained glass cookies is a fun activity for both kids and adults. Younger bakers will love helping to crush the candy and fill the centers, while adults can take charge of the cookie shaping and baking. The process is simple enough for beginners, yet it allows for creative decoration, making it a perfect holiday activity.

4. Perfect for Gifting
These cookies make fantastic gifts, especially during the holidays. The colorful appearance and festive theme make them a wonderful addition to cookie tins, gift boxes, or even as a treat to bring to a holiday party. They’re as fun to give as they are to receive!

Final Thoughts

Stained Glass Cookies are a beautiful and delicious way to celebrate the season. With their vibrant candy centers and buttery sugar cookie base, these cookies are perfect for festive occasions, holiday gatherings, or simply as a special treat for yourself. They’re fun to make, fun to decorate, and even more fun to eat!

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or to share with coworkers, these cookies will undoubtedly brighten up any occasion with their stunning appearance and delicious taste. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create these colorful, magical cookies that are sure to impress!