Easy Stained Glass Cookies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Delight in the colorful and delicious Easy Stained Glass Cookies, perfect for festive occasions and creative baking.
These Easy Stained Glass Cookies are a delightful treat that not only taste great but also look stunning. Perfect for holidays and special celebrations, they are sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You Will Love These Cookies
- Vibrant colors that brighten up any gathering
- Crispy edges with a chewy center
- Fun to make with kids or for a creative baking session
The Joy of Baking Together
Baking is more than just a culinary task; it's an opportunity to create lasting memories with family and friends. Easy Stained Glass Cookies are a fantastic way to involve children in the kitchen. The vibrant colors of the crushed candies will captivate their attention, making the baking process even more thrilling. This recipe allows for creativity, as kids can experiment with different shapes and designs, turning a simple cookie day into a fun-filled afternoon.
As you roll out the dough and cut out shapes, you'll witness the excitement on their faces as they see the colorful candy filling take form. Baking together fosters teamwork and communication, teaching kids valuable skills in a joyful environment. With each batch of cookies, you're not just creating a delicious treat but also enriching your family's bond.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Easy Stained Glass Cookies are versatile treats that fit perfectly into various celebrations. Whether it's a festive holiday gathering, a birthday party, or a simple afternoon tea, these cookies add a splash of color and joy to the occasion. Their stunning appearance will surely impress guests, making them the star of the dessert table.
Additionally, these cookies make great gifts. Package them in a decorative box or jar, and they become a charming present for friends and family. Their eye-catching design and delightful taste make these cookies a memorable treat that will leave a lasting impression.
Customization Options
One of the best aspects of Easy Stained Glass Cookies is their adaptability. Feel free to customize the flavors by substituting the almond extract with other extracts such as lemon or coconut. This variation can completely change the cookie's profile and allow for a unique twist that suits your taste preferences.
Moreover, you can experiment with different hard candies for the stained glass effect. Using a mix of flavors and colors can create a stunning visual display. Encourage creativity by letting everyone choose their favorite candies, making each batch uniquely special.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 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
- 1 cup assorted hard candies (like Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers), crushed
Make sure to crush the candies into small pieces for the best stained glass effect!
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two portions and wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Use a smaller cutter to cut out the center of each cookie.
Add Candy
Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets. Fill the center of each cookie with crushed candies.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your beautiful, colorful stained glass cookies!
Tips for Success
When making Easy Stained Glass Cookies, ensure the butter is adequately softened for better mixing. This will help achieve a light and fluffy texture in your dough. Take your time to thoroughly cream the butter and sugar together, as this step is crucial for the cookies' overall texture and taste.
Always remember to chill the dough before rolling it out. This not only makes the dough easier to handle but also helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. A well-chilled dough results in perfectly formed cookies with crisp edges.
Storing Your Cookies
To keep your stained glass cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, maintaining their delightful taste and texture. However, if you want to enjoy them longer, consider freezing them. Simply layer the cookies between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they can last for up to three months.
When you're ready to enjoy them, allow the cookies to thaw at room temperature. This way, they regain their original taste and freshness. Just be aware that the cookies may lose some of their crunchiness after freezing, but they will still be delicious!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different flavors of extracts?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different extracts like lemon or coconut for unique flavors!
→ How do I store leftover cookies?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Wrap the dough tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out.
→ What kind of candies work best?
Hard candies like Jolly Ranchers and Life Savers work best as they melt nicely and create a clear stained glass effect.
Easy Stained Glass Cookies
Delight in the colorful and delicious Easy Stained Glass Cookies, perfect for festive occasions and creative baking.
Created by: Callie Morgan
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookie Dough
- 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
- 1 cup assorted hard candies (like Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers), crushed
How-To Steps
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until combined.
Divide the dough into two portions and wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Use a smaller cutter to cut out the center of each cookie.
Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets. Fill the center of each cookie with crushed candies.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 1g