Stained Glass Cookies
A warm, sweet aroma wafts through the kitchen as you roll out dough that feels like a soft embrace. Bright hues of sugar and candy burst forth as you imagine the smiles on the faces of your loved ones. Stained Glass Cookies are not just any treat; they’re an invitation to bask in the nostalgia of childhood baking adventures. As you press those vibrant candy pieces into the dough, memories surface—maybe it’s a time spent baking with Grandma, when the kitchen light sparkled through a bowl of colourful candies, filling your heart with joy. Whether it’s the holidays or a sunny afternoon with friends, these cookies bring a touch of magic to any occasion. So put on your apron, and let’s create some sugary art that’s sure to captivate everyone around the table!
Table of Contents
Here’s the secret: you’ll find yourself enchanted not just by their vibrant appearance, but also by their delightful crunch followed by a soft, buttery center. The best part? Making Stained Glass Cookies is simple and fun, so gather the kiddos or your best pals for a baking session that’s sure to be filled with laughter and sweet treats. Let’s jump in and make some memories!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip up a batch in just 30 minutes of prep and bake them to perfection in under 12 minutes!
- Irresistible Flavor: Buttery sweetness meets the candy crunch for a snack that’s utterly delightful.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful center sparkles like real stained glass and is sure to impress.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or just a fun afternoon snack!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Can be modified for gluten-free eaters with the right flour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ¾ cup unsalted butter: Use room temperature butter for a smooth, creamy dough that ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use half coconut oil.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: This provides sweetness and helps in creating a crisp cookie. You can substitute with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt: A pinch of salt elevates the sweetness and balances the flavors; don’t skip it!
- 2 large eggs: Beaten and at room temperature, these help bind the ingredients while adding moisture. It’s best to let them sit out for about 30 minutes.
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract is always the way to go for that aromatic sweetness. Almond or lemon extracts can make interesting substitutions if you’re feeling adventurous!
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure. If you need a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, making sure it contains xanthan gum.
- ¼ cup additional flour: Use this for dusting while rolling the dough out to prevent sticking.
- 2 cups Jolly Ranchers candies: Crushed into small chunks, these add the stained glass effect; you can mix it up and use other hard candies like Life Savers for variety.
How to Make Stained Glass Cookies
Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking, setting you up for success right from the start!
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and sea salt until well blended. This not only incorporates the salt evenly but also aerates the flour for a lighter cookie. Setting this aside for now will allow your liquid ingredients to shine.
Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until fluffy. Add the beaten eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. This process incorporates air, leading to that delicious buttery texture we all love!
Fold Together Gently: Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep your cookies wonderfully tender. You’ll want the dough to be soft but not sticky; feel free to add a teaspoon of flour if needed!
Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. Chilling is crucial as it prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and helps them maintain their shape.
Roll and Cut: Once your dough is chilled, sprinkle flour on a clean surface and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape your cookies, then cut out a smaller shape in the center for the stained glass effect. You can try festive shapes like stars or hearts!
Prepare the Candy Glass: Crush the Jolly Ranchers into small chunks using a rolling pin and a zip-top bag. Fill the center of each cookie with the crushed candies, pressing down slightly. The more vivid the colors, the prettier your stained glass will be!
Bake Until Golden: Place your cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. The candy centers will bubble and melt beautifully—just watch them closely!
Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cool-down time helps the candy firm up again, ensuring a spectacular finish to your **Stained Glass Cookies**.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Stained Glass Cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for about two weeks, ideally in a sealed container to keep them fresh. Freeze them by placing between layers of parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag, good for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until warmed through and the candy is slightly melty once more.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overworking the dough when mixing. Gentle folding leads to tender cookies!
- Make sure your eggs are at room temperature; they incorporate better into the batter, yielding a richer flavor.
- Keep an eye on the cookies while they’re baking; they’ll go from perfect to overdone quite quickly.
- If your cookie dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour as you roll it out.
- To make ahead, you can prepare the dough and freeze it. Just thaw in the fridge before rolling and baking!
- Feel free to experiment with different candies to create unique color combinations.
There’s something utterly captivating about the shimmering colors of Stained Glass Cookies. They manage to blend a delightful crunch, a touch of nostalgia, and a burst of flavor that’s a joy in every bite. As you bake, don’t shy away from personal touches—try out new shapes, add a dash of your favorite extract, or even sprinkle some festive sprinkles on top for added pizzazz. The beauty of these cookies lies in their flexibility and how they can seamlessly fit into any season, bringing smiles all around.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use different types of candy for these cookies?
Absolutely! While Jolly Ranchers create that beautiful stained glass effect, you can also use other hard candies like Life Savers or even homemade pastel candies. Just be sure to crush them into small pieces so they melt evenly in the cookie.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies spread too much, it might be due to warm dough or not chilling long enough. Try chilling your dough longer and make sure your butter is softened, not melted. Always keep an eye on your baking time as well.
How do I keep my cookies fresh for longer?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For added longevity, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just ensure they’ve cooled completely before freezing to retain their texture.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it. Thaw in the refrigerator when you’re ready to bake. You can also bake the cookies ahead and simply store them, but they are best enjoyed fresh.
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📖 Recipe Card
Stained Glass Cookies
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Experience the magic of Stained Glass Cookies, where colorful candies create a delicious treat with a buttery crunch. Perfect for festive gatherings or a fun baking day with friends!
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup additional flour
- 2 cups Jolly Ranchers candies
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour and sea salt in a bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar in a separate bowl until fluffy; add beaten eggs and vanilla extract.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients until just mixed; chill dough for 20-30 minutes.
- Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness; cut shapes out and remove centers.
- Crush Jolly Ranchers and fill cookie middles with pieces.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown; cool on wire racks.
Notes
Cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to a week in an airtight container.
Dough can be frozen for up to three months; thaw in the fridge before baking.
Use gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
