Easy Stained Glass Cookies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
These Easy Stained Glass Cookies are a delightful treat that combines vibrant colors and sweet flavors, making them perfect for any occasion.
These Easy Stained Glass Cookies are not only fun to make but also a joy to eat! The colorful candy centers create a beautiful stained glass effect that is sure to impress family and friends.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Eye-catching designs that brighten up any dessert table
- Fun to make with kids or as a festive activity
- Deliciously sweet with a satisfying crunch
A Colorful Twist on Classic Cookies
Stained glass cookies bring a vibrant and playful element to your baking repertoire. Unlike traditional cookies, these treats feature a stunning translucent center filled with colorful crushed candies that mimic the look of stained glass. When the cookies bake, the candy melts and creates a brilliant display of colors that is sure to impress anyone who lays eyes on them. Whether for a holiday gathering, birthday party, or just a fun weekend baking project, these cookies are sure to capture hearts and taste buds alike.
The process of making stained glass cookies is not only rewarding but also an opportunity for creativity. You can experiment with various cookie shapes and colors, tailoring them to fit any theme or occasion. From Christmas trees adorned with red and green candies to hearts filled with pink and purple, the possibilities are endless. This makes them an excellent choice for themed parties or seasonal celebrations.
Baking with Kids
One of the best aspects of making stained glass cookies is how engaging it is for children. The colorful candies and the process of rolling, cutting, and assembling the cookies make it a fun family activity. Kids can help with each step, from mixing the dough to choosing their favorite candy colors for the centers. Baking together not only fosters creativity but also encourages teamwork and patience, as they wait for the cookies to bake and cool.
Involving kids in baking can also be an excellent way to teach them about measuring ingredients, following instructions, and the science behind baking. Plus, the thrill of seeing their delicious creations come to life is an experience they will cherish. These cookies can be a delightful way to create lasting memories in the kitchen.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These Easy Stained Glass Cookies are versatile and can be customized for any celebration. Whether you're hosting a holiday party, a school event, or simply want to impress friends with a unique dessert, these cookies fit the bill. They can be made in festive shapes for holidays like Halloween, Easter, or Christmas, making them a go-to recipe throughout the year.
Moreover, they make wonderful gifts. Imagine presenting a beautifully packaged box of these colorful cookies to friends or neighbors during the holidays. They not only taste great but also look stunning, making them a treat that’s sure to be appreciated. With a little creativity in wrapping and presentation, you can elevate these cookies into a thoughtful homemade gift.
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 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Colored hard candies (like Jolly Ranchers)
Make sure to sort the colored candies by color for a beautiful stained glass effect!
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
Shape and Cut
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, and then use a smaller cutter to cut out the center.
Add the Candy
Crush the colored hard candies into small pieces and fill the center of each cookie cutout. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the candies have melted.
Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy your beautiful stained glass cookies!
Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Tips for Success
To ensure your stained glass cookies turn out perfectly, it’s crucial to prepare the dough correctly. Make sure to chill the dough adequately; this not only makes it easier to roll out but also helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. If the dough becomes too warm, it may spread too much in the oven, ruining that beautiful stained glass effect.
When crushing the hard candies, aim for small, uniform pieces. This allows for even melting and prevents large chunks from creating gaps in the cookie center. You can use a zip-top bag and a rolling pin to crush the candies efficiently.
Storing Your Cookies
Once your stained glass cookies are baked and cooled, it's essential to store them properly to maintain their freshness and crunch. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a humid climate, consider using parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their crispy texture.
For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them at room temperature before serving, and they will taste as good as fresh!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different types of candy?
Yes! You can use any type of colorful hard candy that melts well.
→ How do I store the cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and keep it wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before using.
→ What if I don't have almond extract?
You can omit it or substitute it with additional vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.
Easy Stained Glass Cookies
These Easy Stained Glass Cookies are a delightful treat that combines vibrant colors and sweet flavors, making them perfect for any occasion.
Created by: Freya Cooper
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 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Colored hard candies (like Jolly Ranchers)
How-To Steps
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until combined. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, and then use a smaller cutter to cut out the center. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Crush the colored hard candies into small pieces and fill the center of each cookie cutout. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the candies have melted.
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy your beautiful stained glass cookies!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 40mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 1g