Easy Stained Glass Cookies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
These vibrant and eye-catching cookies are not only delightful to look at but also fun to make!
Stained glass cookies are a fun twist on traditional cookies, perfect for holidays or any festive occasion. Their colorful appearance comes from hard candies melted in the center, creating a stunning stained glass effect that is sure to impress!
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Vibrant colors that brighten up any dessert table
- Simple and fun to make with kids
- Crispy edges with a chewy center
- Versatile for different occasions and themes
The Joy of Baking Together
Baking stained glass cookies is a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends. The process is not only enjoyable but also allows for creativity to shine. Kids can help by rolling out the dough, cutting out shapes, and filling them with colorful candies. This hands-on activity fosters teamwork and brings everyone together in the kitchen, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or playdates.
As you bake, the delightful aroma of butter and sugar wafting through the house will create a warm and inviting atmosphere. It's a sensory experience that can spark joy and excitement among children and adults alike. Plus, the anticipation of seeing the cookies transform into beautiful stained glass creations adds to the fun!
Perfect for Any Occasion
These stained glass cookies are incredibly versatile and can be customized for various occasions. Whether it's a birthday party, holiday celebration, or a simple afternoon treat, these cookies will always impress. You can choose different cookie shapes and color combinations to align with the theme of your event—think hearts for Valentine's Day or stars for the Fourth of July.
Additionally, these cookies make great gifts. You can package them in clear bags tied with colorful ribbons to create a beautiful and thoughtful present. Their stunning appearance and delicious taste will make them a hit with anyone who receives them.
Tips for Success
To ensure your stained glass cookies turn out perfectly, make sure to chill the dough thoroughly before rolling it out. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. Additionally, when crushing the hard candies, be sure to use a sturdy plastic bag and a rolling pin or mallet to avoid a mess. You want the pieces to be small enough to fit inside the cookie shapes but not so fine that they turn to powder.
Lastly, keep an eye on the baking time! Every oven is different, so it's essential to monitor the cookies closely. They should be lightly golden around the edges when done. Allowing them to cool completely on the baking sheet will help them firm up before transferring them to a wire rack.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
For the Stained Glass Effect
- Hard candies (like Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers) in various colors
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and both extracts until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two portions, shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Roll and Cut the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, ensuring to cut out a smaller shape in the center of each cookie.
Fill with Candies
Crush the hard candies into small pieces. Place the cookie shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Fill the center of each cookie with the crushed candies.
Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Storing Your Cookies
Once your stained glass cookies are baked and cooled, storing them properly is key to maintaining their freshness. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they can last for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they will stay fresh for up to three months.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen cookies, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. This way, you can have delicious cookies on hand whenever a sweet craving strikes!
Flavor Variations
While the classic recipe is delightful on its own, feel free to experiment with flavors! You can substitute the vanilla extract for other flavored extracts, such as coconut or lemon, to create a unique twist. Adding a bit of citrus zest can also enhance the flavor profile, making the cookies even more refreshing.
Additionally, consider using different types of hard candies to achieve various flavor combinations. You could mix fruity candies for a burst of flavor or even use peppermint candies during the holiday season to evoke a festive spirit.
Inspiring Creativity
Stained glass cookies are not just a treat; they are a canvas for creativity. Encourage your kids to come up with their own designs or color themes when making these cookies. This can help develop their artistic skills while also making the baking experience more enjoyable.
You can even turn baking into a fun competition by challenging family members to create the most colorful or uniquely shaped cookies. This not only adds an element of excitement but also helps create lasting memories in the kitchen.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different shapes for the cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any cookie cutters you like to create fun shapes.
→ How do I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
→ What happens if the candies overflow?
If the candies overflow, simply let them cool before breaking off any excess around the edges.
Easy Stained Glass Cookies
These vibrant and eye-catching cookies are not only delightful to look at but also fun to make!
Created by: Lauren Mitchell
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
For the Stained Glass Effect
- Hard candies (like Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers) in various colors
How-To Steps
In a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and both extracts until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Divide the dough into two portions, shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, ensuring to cut out a smaller shape in the center of each cookie.
Crush the hard candies into small pieces. Place the cookie shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Fill the center of each cookie with the crushed candies.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 1g