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Stained Glass Cookies

Stained Glass Cookies

Stained Glass Cookies combine buttery, tender cookie dough with vibrant, translucent candy centers that create a beautiful kaleidoscope effect. Perfect for festive occasions or any time you want a sweet, colorful treat, this easy-to-customize recipe yields charming edible art that delights both the eyes and taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Candy Centers

  • Assorted hard candies (e.g., Jolly Ranchers, Life Savers), unwrapped and roughly chopped or whole

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Dough: Begin by creaming together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well, then gradually combine the flour and baking powder, stirring just until the dough forms. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to make rolling easier.
  2. Roll Out and Cut Cookies: Lightly flour your work surface, then roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut shapes and also cut smaller shapes inside each cookie to create a window for the candy centers. Place the cookies carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Add the Candy Centers: Unwrap your chosen hard candies and chop them roughly or place whole candies in the cut-out centers. The candy will melt during baking, filling the window spaces with vibrant color. Optionally, sprinkle with colored sugar for extra sparkle.
  4. Bake and Cool: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until the cookie edges are just turning golden and the candy centers are melted and glossy. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the pan so the candy hardens back into a glass-like finish.
  5. Enjoy and Store: Once cooled, gently remove the cookies from the baking sheet to avoid cracking or breaking the candy windows. Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh and beautiful.

Notes

  • Chill your dough before cutting to achieve cleaner shapes and prevent spreading.
  • Use clear, brightly colored hard candies for the best translucent centers.
  • Watch cookies closely during baking to avoid overbaking, which dulls candy windows.
  • Keep dough thickness at about 1/4 inch for perfect cookie and candy melt balance.
  • Allow cookies to cool fully on the baking sheet for the candy to harden and shine.

Nutrition

Keywords: Stained Glass Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Candy Cookies, Festive Cookies, Colorful Cookies