Stained Glass Cookies are delightful treats that bring color and joy to any occasion. These cookies are not just delicious; they are also visually appealing. The clear, colorful centers look like stained glass windows, making them a great choice for holidays, parties, or simply to enjoy at home. The blend of buttery cookie and sweet hard candies satisfies any sweet tooth. Let’s explore why you should make these cookies and how to create them step by step.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Stained Glass Cookies is a fun and creative baking project. Here are a few reasons why you should try this recipe:
Visually Stunning: The colorful hard candies melt within the cookie to create bright, see-through centers, making them look beautiful. They are perfect for holiday platters or as gifts.
Fun for Everyone: Baking these cookies can be a fun family activity. Children enjoy helping to crush the candies and using cookie cutters to create shapes. It’s a great way to spend quality time together.
Customizable: You can use different types of hard candies to create various colors and flavors. This allows you to customize your cookies for different seasons or themes.
Delicious Flavor: The buttery flavor of the cookies combined with the sweetness of the melted candy makes for a tasty treat. These cookies are soft and chewy with a sugary crunch.
Perfect for Special Occasions: These cookies are not just for holiday celebrations. They can be made for birthdays, anniversaries, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests.
Now that you know why these cookies are a great choice, let’s move on to the recipe itself.
How to Make Stained Glass Cookies
Ingredients
To make Stained Glass Cookies, gather the following 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 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed hard candies (like Jolly Ranchers or Lifesavers)
Directions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, follow these simple steps to make your Stained Glass Cookies:
Preheat: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial as it prepares your oven for baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to combine the dry ingredients evenly and ensures that the baking powder is properly distributed.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, take the softened butter and granulated sugar. Cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step adds air to the mixture, which helps the cookies rise.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix until everything is well combined.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can make the cookies tough.
Form Dough Balls: Take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls about the size of a tablespoon. Flatten each ball slightly with your hand.
Cut Shapes: Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the center of each flattened cookie. You can use any shape you like—stars, hearts, or circles work great!
Fill Centers with Candy: Place the cookies on a prepared baking sheet. Carefully fill the centers with the crushed hard candies. Do not overfill, as the candy may spill out while baking.
Bake Cookies: Place the cookie sheet in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the edges should be lightly golden and the candy in the center should be melted.
Cool Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Stained Glass Cookies
Stained Glass Cookies make a lovely presentation when served. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:
On a Platter: Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter. This makes them look inviting and festive.
Gift Boxes: Wrap the cookies in clear boxes tied with a ribbon. They make wonderful gifts for friends or family.
Cookie Jars: Place the cookies in a decorative cookie jar. This keeps them fresh and adds to your kitchen decor.
With Tea or Coffee: Serve the cookies with tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
How to Store Stained Glass Cookies
To keep your Stained Glass Cookies fresh, store them properly:
In an Airtight Container: Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps to maintain their freshness for up to a week.
Avoid Humidity: Keep the cookies in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as this can cause them to become soft.
Freezing: If you want to keep the cookies for a longer time, you can freeze them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature.
Tips to Make Stained Glass Cookies
Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This helps it cream better with sugar.
Crush Candies Finely: When crushing the hard candies, try to make the pieces small, but not too fine that they turn into powder. This ensures they melt nicely in the centers.
Cold Dough: If your dough becomes too warm while rolling and cutting, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This makes the dough easier to handle.
Experiment with Shapes: Feel free to use different cookie cutters to create various shapes for different seasons or themes.
Color Combinations: Use a variety of colored candies to create rainbow cookies or stick to a single color for a more uniform look.
Variation
If you’d like to switch things up, consider these variations:
Add Sprinkles: Before baking, sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles on top of the cookie dough for extra color and sweetness.
Flavor Variations: Instead of vanilla, try almond extract for a different flavor. You can also add lemon or orange zest for a citrus twist.
Chocolate Drizzle: After the cookies have cooled, drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an added layer of flavor.
FAQs
Can I use any type of hard candy for these cookies?
Yes! You can use any hard candies that you like. Jolly Ranchers and Lifesavers work great, but feel free to experiment with other candies as well.
How can I prevent the candies from spilling out while baking?
To prevent spillage, do not overfill the cookie centers with crushed candies. A small amount is enough, as the candy will spread and melt during baking.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, let it warm slightly at room temperature and continue with the rolling and baking steps.
By following this detailed guide, you can create beautiful and tasty Stained Glass Cookies that will impress your guests and delight your family. Happy baking!
Stained Glass Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 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 until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Roll the dough into balls about the size of a tablespoon and flatten each slightly.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the center of each cookie.
- Place the cookies on a prepared baking sheet and fill centers with crushed hard candies, being careful not to overfill.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and candies are melted.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.