Stained Glass Cookies

why make this recipe

Stained Glass Cookies are not just delightful treats; they are a feast for the eyes and a joy to make. These colorful cookies bring a sense of fun to any occasion, especially during festive seasons. The vibrant look of the melted hard candies in the center turns any gathering into a celebration. Plus, they are a fun project to do with kids, allowing everyone to get creative with shapes and colors.

how to make Stained Glass Cookies

Ingredients :

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup crushed hard candies (such as Jolly Ranchers)

Directions :

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
7. Using cookie cutters, cut out shapes and place them on a baking sheet.
8. Use smaller cutters to cut out the centers of the cookies.
9. Fill the centers with crushed hard candies.
10. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
11. Allow to cool completely before removing from the baking sheet.

how to serve Stained Glass Cookies

Serve Stained Glass Cookies on a colorful plate, making sure the vibrant colors of the candies shine through. They make excellent treats for parties or family gatherings. You could even wrap them in cellophane with a bow for a cute gift!

how to store Stained Glass Cookies

Store your Stained Glass Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them and thaw them before serving.

tips to make Stained Glass Cookies

• Make sure to crush the candies into small pieces so they melt evenly.
• Roll out the dough under parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Experiment with different cookie shapes for various occasions!
• If the dough becomes too soft while rolling, chill it in the refrigerator for a while.

variation

You can try using different flavored hard candies to create a variety of colors and tastes. Additionally, add sprinkles or edible glitter to the dough before baking for extra fun!

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of candies?

Yes! You can use any brand of hard candy that melts, like Lifesavers or sweet tarts, to achieve different colors.

2. What can I do if the cookies spread while baking?

Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. This will help keep their shape while baking.

3. How can I make these cookies ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw before rolling out and cutting.