Stained Glass Cookies Recipe: A Festive and Fun Holiday Treat

Stained Glass Cookies: A Dazzling Cookie for Every Occasion

Stained Glass Cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. These stunning cookies, with their vibrant candy centers, are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or just a fun baking project with kids. The buttery cookie dough paired with the sweet, colorful candy centers creates a visual and flavorful treat that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or any special occasion, these cookies will add a touch of elegance and whimsy to your table.

In this article, we’ll go through everything you need to know to make these lovely cookies, from the ingredients list to step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and even some frequently asked questions. Let’s get started on this festive journey!

Ingredients for Stained Glass Cookies

Before diving into the recipe, gather all your ingredients. This will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Cookie Dough Ingredients:

  • 200g unsalted butter, softened
    (Make sure your butter is soft for easy mixing.)
  • 150g granulated sugar
    (This will provide the sweetness for the dough.)
  • 1 large egg
    (Helps bind the dough and adds richness.)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    (Adds flavor to the dough.)
  • 300g all-purpose flour
    (Gives structure to the cookies.)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
    (A small amount of leavening to keep the cookies soft.)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    (Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.)

For the Stained Glass Effect:

  • Hard candies (various colors), crushed
    (Use a variety of colors for a beautiful stained-glass effect.)

Step-by-Step Directions to Make Stained Glass Cookies

Follow these instructions carefully to create stunning, colorful Stained Glass Cookies.

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together 200g of softened unsalted butter and 150g of granulated sugar. Beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy, which will take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer. This step is crucial for creating a soft cookie texture.

Next, add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and continue beating until everything is well combined. The egg helps bind the ingredients, while the vanilla adds flavor to the dough.

In a separate bowl, sift together 300g of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as it can lead to tough cookies. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. This will ensure that your cookies are sturdy enough to hold their shape but not too thick. Use a large cookie cutter to cut out your desired shapes (stars, circles, or any festive designs you prefer). Then, use a smaller cutter to create a window in the center of each cookie. These center cutouts are where the crushed candy will go, creating the stained glass effect.

Carefully transfer the shaped cookies to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 3: Add the Stained Glass Effect

To create the stained glass effect, fill the center cutouts of the cookies with crushed hard candies. You can use a variety of colors for a vibrant and festive look. Be sure to fill the cutouts evenly, but avoid overfilling, as the candy will spread and melt during baking.

Tip: You can crush the hard candies by placing them in a plastic bag and using a rolling pin to break them into small pieces.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges and the candy centers have melted into a smooth, glass-like appearance. Be careful not to overbake, as the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Once the cookies are done baking, let them cool completely on the baking sheet. The melted candy centers will need time to harden and become glass-like. After the cookies have cooled, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

These Stained Glass Cookies are now ready to be enjoyed or gifted to loved ones!

FAQs: Common Questions About Stained Glass Cookies

Q: Can I use any type of hard candy for the stained glass effect?
A: Yes! You can use any hard candy that melts well, such as Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers. Avoid candies with fillings or soft centers, as they won’t create the same glass-like effect.

Q: Do I need to chill the dough before rolling it out?
A: This dough doesn’t necessarily require chilling, but if you find it too soft or sticky to work with, you can refrigerate it for about 20-30 minutes. Chilled dough will be easier to roll out and cut into shapes.

Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before rolling it out. The cookies can also be baked in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Q: How do I crush the hard candies for the stained glass centers?
A: The easiest way to crush the candies is to place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to break them into small pieces. You want the pieces to be small enough to melt evenly in the cookie cutouts but not so fine that they turn to powder.

Q: Can I use cookie cutters in different shapes and sizes?
A: Yes! Feel free to get creative with your cookie cutters. Stars, hearts, trees, and circles all work great for Stained Glass Cookies. Just remember to use a smaller cutter for the window in the center where the candy will go.

Q: How do I store these cookies?
A: Store your Stained Glass Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you live in a humid environment, be mindful that the candy centers can become sticky, so it’s best to store them in a cool, dry place.

Conclusion: A Delicious and Decorative Cookie

Stained Glass Cookies are not only delicious but also a work of art. These cookies combine the buttery flavor of a classic sugar cookie with the beautiful stained glass effect created by melted candy. They’re a perfect treat for the holidays, special occasions, or anytime you want to impress your friends and family with something a little extra special.

With a few simple ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can bake these dazzling cookies that look like they came straight from a bakery. The best part? They’re fun to make, and the whole family can get involved. Kids will love helping to cut out the cookie shapes and fill the centers with colorful candy.

Try this Stained Glass Cookie recipe today and add a touch of elegance and whimsy to your cookie plate!

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