As I stood at my kitchen counter, a colorful array of hard candies caught my eye, sparking a wave of nostalgia for those holiday baking days from my childhood. That’s when I decided to whip up a batch of Stained Glass Cookies, a delightful fusion of sweet and whimsical that promises to brighten any occasion. With their buttery texture and a sweet, crunchy finish from the melted candies, these charming cookies are not only aesthetically pleasing but also incredibly fun to make. They’re a fantastic crowd-pleaser that everyone, from kids to adults, enjoys indulging in. Plus, they offer endless opportunities for creativity, allowing you to experiment with shapes and flavors. Who wouldn’t love a cookie that doubles as beautiful window art? So, are you ready to create your own vibrant masterpiece? Why Are Stained Glass Cookies So Special? Artistic Appeal: Each cookie showcases a stunning “stained glass” effect, making them a visual delight that will impress guests at any gathering. Easy to Make: The straightforward process allows bakers of all skill levels to achieve a beautiful finish without stress. Flavorful Fun: With buttery goodness and the crunchy sweetness of melted candies, these cookies are a delightful treat for the taste buds. Endless Creativity: Switch up shapes for holidays and events, or try flavored hard candies for unique taste experiences. Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are not only fun to make but also perfect for sharing with loved ones, creating sweet memories together. If you love vibrant sweets, check out my Chewy Brown Cookies for another tasty treat! Stained Glass Cookies Ingredients For the Cookie Dough All-purpose flour – Creates the structure; avoid gluten-free versions unless seeking gluten-free cookies. Baking powder – Acts as a leavening agent; ensure it’s fresh for best results. Salt – Enhances the flavor; using sea salt adds a more pronounced taste. Unsalted butter – Provides richness and moisture; margarine can be substituted only if necessary. Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness; consider a sugar alternative for lower calories. Egg – Binds the ingredients together; a flaxseed egg or applesauce works well for vegan options. Vanilla extract – Imparts flavor; opt for pure vanilla extract for the best taste. Almond extract (optional) – Provides a nutty flavor; omit for nut-free cookies. For the Candy Filling Hard candies (assorted) – Creates the ‘glass’ effect; choose colorful, clear hard candies like Jolly Ranchers for a delightful appearance. Embrace the spirit of creativity with these Stained Glass Cookies, and let their dazzling look and taste light up your occasions! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Stained Glass Cookies Step 1: Dough Preparation In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt until well combined. In a separate bowl, cream ½ cup of room temperature unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Then, add in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon of almond extract if desired, mixing until fully incorporated. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients until a smooth dough forms. Step 2: Packaging the Dough Once your dough for the Stained Glass Cookies is ready, divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a disc about 1 inch thick. Wrap the discs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for at least 1 hour, or until firm. This chilling step is crucial as it helps the dough maintain its shape during baking, resulting in beautiful cookies. Step 3: Baking Preparation Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Take your chilled dough discs out from the refrigerator and roll each disc out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes, ensuring to create a smaller cutout in the center of each cookie to showcase the ‘glass’ filling later. Step 4: Candy Filling Crush an assortment of colorful hard candies, like Jolly Ranchers, into small pieces using a rolling pin or a food processor. Take each cookie cutout and fill the center cutout with the crushed candies, making sure not to overfill. The candy will melt and create the stunning stained glass effect as the cookies bake, adding vibrant color and sweetness to each bite. Step 5: Baking Place the filled cookie cutouts on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the candy centers are melted. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as the perfect Stained Glass Cookies have a crisp edge and a soft center. Step 6: Cooling After baking, remove the sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This step helps the melted candy set slightly. Then, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. The vibrant colors and shiny candy centers will form a dazzling display, making these Stained Glass Cookies a joy to behold and eat! How to Store and Freeze Stained Glass Cookies Room Temperature: Store freshly baked Stained Glass Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them soft and flavorful. Fridge: If storing in the fridge, place cookies in an airtight container; they’ll last for up to 2 weeks, but may lose some crispness. Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out and baking. Reheating: If refrigerated, enjoy the cookies at room temperature or warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes to restore their original texture. Stained Glass Cookies Customization Ideas Feel free to unleash your creativity with these Stained Glass Cookies, transforming them into a personalized masterpiece! Color Variations: Use an assortment of colored candies to create cookies that match any theme or occasion—vibrant reds, greens, and blues for festivities. Flavored Candies: Swap out standard hard candies for unique flavored ones like cherry, lemon, or green apple to add an unexpected twist to your treats. This little change brings layers of flavor to the table. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if desired. The texture will still be delightful, opening the door for coeliacs to join the fun! Edible Glitter Treatment: Sprinkle edible glitter on top of the dough before baking for an extra sparkly effect. These cookies become a magical treat perfect for holidays or celebrations. Nutty Flavor: Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract or ground nuts to the dough for a delightful nutty edge. Remember to omit it if catering to nut allergies! Spiced Cookies: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a warm flavor profile that evokes cozy memories during chilly months. Shape Up: Change your cookie cutters to reflect different seasons or occasions—think pumpkins for Halloween or hearts for Valentine’s Day! For more delightful and creative baking ideas, dive into my collection of Cinnamon Roll Cookies or enjoy some Pebble Sugar Cookies for a vibrant twist! What to Serve with Stained Glass Cookies? Elevate your baking experience with delightful pairings that make the vibrant Stained Glass Cookies shine even brighter on your festive table. Cold Milk: A classic pairing, cold milk perfectly complements the sweet crunch of the cookies, creating a nostalgic treat that warms the heart. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to create a decadent dessert that balances textures beautifully. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds a burst of color and tanginess, brightening the overall taste while refreshing your palate. Hot Chocolate: Cozy up with a mug of rich hot chocolate. The warmth and creaminess pair well with the buttery cookies, especially during chilly nights. Lemonade: A zesty glass of homemade lemonade offers a bright contrast to the sweetness, making your dessert spread lively and vibrant. Chocolate Drizzle: Enhance the cookies further by drizzling melted chocolate on top for added richness. The combination of flavors will surely impress guests. Sparkling Cider: This non-alcoholic bubbly drink adds a touch of celebration and sophistication, perfect for gatherings and special occasions. Coffee: A smooth cup of coffee acts as a lovely contrast to the cookies’ sweetness, making it an ideal pairing for adult gatherings. Cheese Plate: Add some cheese to the mix for a unique twist. Soft cheeses like brie can balance sweetness with their creamy texture and mild flavor. Make Ahead Options These Stained Glass Cookies are a fantastic choice for meal prep, perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance—simply divide it into discs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. For an even longer option, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight, then roll out, cut your shapes, and fill them with crushed hard candies. Follow the baking instructions as normal for cookies that are just as delicious as freshly made, ensuring your busy weeknights are sweetened with minimal effort! Tips for the Best Stained Glass Cookies Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your unsalted butter is at room temperature to achieve a creamy, fluffy texture that binds nicely with the sugar. Chill the Dough: Don’t skip refrigerating the cookie dough; it helps maintain the shape during baking and results in beautifully defined edges. Candy Size Matters: Use similarly sized hard candies for even melting. Crushed pieces that are too large may not melt properly, ruining the stained glass effect. Mind the Baking Time: Keep a close watch while baking; cookies should be lightly golden around the edges. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture. Flour Your Surfaces: To avoid dough sticking, always dust your rolling pin and work surfaces lightly with flour when rolling out the dough. Creative Cutouts: Use different cookie cutter shapes to reflect themes or holidays, enhancing the creativity and enjoyment when decorating and sharing your Stained Glass Cookies. Stained Glass Cookies Recipe FAQs What kind of hard candies can I use for the stained glass effect? Absolutely! You can use any colorful, clear hard candies, such as Jolly Ranchers or Werther’s Originals. Just make sure they’re not flaky types; they should melt smoothly to maintain that stunning stained glass effect. How do I store my Stained Glass Cookies? Store your freshly baked Stained Glass Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Keeping them sealed will help retain their softness and flavor. If you’re hoping to savor them beyond that, consider refrigerating them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks—though they might lose a bit of crispness. Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use? Yes, indeed! You can freeze the unbaked dough by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer bag. It will last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight, then roll it out and cut your shapes as usual. What if my candy pieces don’t melt evenly? Fear not! For a smooth melting process, ensure your candy pieces are all similar in size; this helps them melt uniformly. If you find some pieces are still having trouble, you can gently tap the cookie with a spoon to redistribute the melted candy back into the gaps before it sets, giving you that perfect stained glass look. Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies? Yes, they can be! The basic recipe can easily be made nut-free by omitting the optional almond extract. Just be careful with the hard candies you choose, as some brands may process in facilities that handle nuts. Always check the labels to ensure safety for those with allergies. Vibrant Stained Glass Cookies That Will Dazzle Your Guests These Stained Glass Cookies combine colorful candies with a buttery texture, creating a visually stunning dessert that delights any occasion. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsChilling Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 120 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Dough2 cups all-purpose flour Avoid gluten-free versions unless seeking gluten-free cookies.1 teaspoon baking powder Ensure it's fresh for best results.½ teaspoon salt Using sea salt adds a more pronounced taste.½ cup unsalted butter Room temperature for best results.1 cup granulated sugar Consider a sugar alternative for lower calories.1 large egg A flaxseed egg or applesauce works for vegan options.1 teaspoon vanilla extract Opt for pure vanilla extract for the best taste.¼ teaspoon almond extract Omit for nut-free cookies.For the Candy Filling2 cups hard candies (assorted) Choose colorful, clear hard candies like Jolly Ranchers. Equipment Mixing bowlsWhiskRolling PinBaking sheetsParchment papercookie cutters Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt until well combined.In a separate bowl, cream ½ cup of room temperature unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.Add in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon of almond extract if desired. Mix until fully incorporated.Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients until a smooth dough forms.Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape as discs about 1 inch thick, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.Roll each chilled disc out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick, then cut desired shapes ensuring a smaller cutout in the center.Crush assorted colorful hard candies into small pieces and fill the center cutouts of each cookie. Avoid overfilling.Place cookie cutouts on baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart, and bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are golden and centers melted.Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 30mgSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg NotesEnsure your butter is at room temperature for a creamy texture, and refrigerate the dough to maintain shape during baking. Use evenly sized hard candies for a perfect melting effect. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
