Stained Glass Cookies
Stained glass cookies are a delightful mix of eye-catching beauty and delicious flavor. These cookies aren’t just a treat for the palate; they are a feast for the eyes! With vibrant, colorful centers that resemble stained glass windows, they make for a stunning addition to any festive occasion. I remember the first time I made these with my kids—they were both fascinated by the transformation of the hard candies into shimmering, crystal-clear designs. Whether a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just a fun weekend baking session, these cookies bring joy to the room.
Why you’ll love this dish
What makes stained glass cookies special is their unique combination of sweetness and visual appeal. They’re quick to whip up, budget-friendly, and offer a fun opportunity to get creative in the kitchen—especially when it comes to cookie shapes and candy colors. Perfect for baking with kids, these cookies provide an engaging activity that results in a gorgeous edible craft. Just imagine placing a plate of these stunning cookies on your holiday dessert table or surprising your guests with a colorful treat at an afternoon gathering.
"These stained glass cookies were a hit at my family gathering! The kids loved decorating them, and everyone was impressed with how beautiful they turned out!"
Step-by-step overview
Creating stained glass cookies is a straightforward process, though it does involve a bit of planning, especially when it comes to chilling the dough. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect: you’ll mix and chill the dough, roll it out, cut it into shapes, fill them with crushed hard candies, and then bake until perfection. The whole process takes less than two hours, plus cooling time, making it an excellent choice for an afternoon baking session.
What you’ll need
Gather these items to create your stained glass cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed hard candies (for the center)
Feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences! For example, you can substitute margarine for butter or use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients; mix until a dough forms.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick and use cookie cutters to cut your desired shapes, ensuring to cut out a center to create the ‘window’ part.
- Place your cookie shapes on a baking sheet and fill the centers with crushed hard candies.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before removing them from the pan.
Best ways to enjoy it
Stained glass cookies are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They’re perfect on their own as a sweet treat or can be part of a dessert platter alongside other cookies, brownies, and cakes. For an extra touch, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or hot chocolate for dipping. You could even package them in clear bags tied with colorful ribbon for a delightful gift!
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your stained glass cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they can last for up to a week. If you have leftovers, you can also freeze them for up to three months. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them at room temperature. Remember, for safety, always ensure your cookies are cooled completely before storage to avoid sogginess!
Helpful cooking tips
- Be patient while chilling the dough; this step helps achieve the best texture.
- Use a mix of different colored candies for a vibrant look.
- If using larger candy pieces, crush them finely to ensure they melt evenly.
- Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake, as ovens can vary in temperature.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Try using flavored hard candies for a unique taste experience—think fruity or minty flavors!
- Experiment with different cookie shapes—hearts for Valentine’s Day, stars for Christmas, or fun spooky shapes for Halloween.
- Add a dash of almond extract or lemon zest to the dough for an unexpected flavor twist.
Your questions answered
How long does it take for the dough to chill?
The dough needs to chill for at least 30 minutes, but you can chill it for longer if needed.
Can I use different types of candy?
Absolutely! Just ensure they can melt well, like Jolly Ranchers or Lifesavers. Avoid chocolate candies as they don’t create the stained glass effect.
What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week or can be frozen for three months.
Enjoy baking your stained glass cookies; you’ll not only create beautiful treats but also cherished memories!
Stained Glass Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients; mix until a dough forms.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick and use cookie cutters to cut desired shapes, ensuring to cut out a center.
- Place cookie shapes on a baking sheet and fill the centers with crushed hard candies.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are slightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before removing from pan.
