Easy Stained Glass Cookies

Name: Easy Stained Glass Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24 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 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 1 cup assorted hard candies (e.g., Jolly Ranchers)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight in the colorful beauty of these Easy Stained Glass Cookies that are perfect for any festive occasion!

Created by

Grace Walker

Last updated on 2025-12-19T16:06:00.316Z

These Easy Stained Glass Cookies are not just a treat for your taste buds, but also a feast for your eyes! Perfect for holidays or special occasions, these cookies are simple to make and sure to impress.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Vibrant colors that brighten up any dessert table
Easy to make with simple ingredients
Fun activity for kids and adults alike

      

The Magic of Stained Glass Cookies

Stained glass cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds; they are a feast for the eyes. The vibrant colors of the melted candies create a stunning visual effect that mimics stained glass windows, making them an impressive addition to any dessert spread. Whether for holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or just a fun baking day with the family, these cookies will undoubtedly steal the show.

Making stained glass cookies can be a delightful family activity. Children and adults alike can get creative with cookie cutters and the colorful candies. This recipe invites everyone to participate, from mixing the dough to choosing their favorite candy colors. It’s a wonderful way to bond and create lasting memories in the kitchen.

Tips for Perfect Stained Glass Cookies

For the best results, ensure that you allow the dough to chill adequately. Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to roll out but also helps maintain the shape of the cookies while baking. If the dough becomes too soft, it can lose its form, so patience is key in this step.

When it comes to choosing hard candies, the options are endless! While classic choices like Jolly Ranchers add vibrant colors, you can also experiment with other hard candies to create unique designs. Just be sure to crush them into small pieces so they melt evenly and fill the cookie centers beautifully.

Storing and Serving Your Cookies

Once your stained glass cookies are baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They can typically last up to a week at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

These cookies can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a cup of tea or coffee. They also make lovely gifts when packaged in decorative boxes or tins. Their colorful appearance and delightful crunch make them a hit with both kids and adults, ensuring that they will be a favorite for any occasion.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create beautiful stained glass cookies:

For the Cookies

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 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

For the Filling

1 cup assorted hard candies (e.g., Jolly Ranchers)

Make sure to have everything ready before you start baking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your stained glass cookies:

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and extracts. Gradually add the flour mixture until well combined.

Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Roll and Cut

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out one half of the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, then cut out smaller shapes in the center for the stained glass effect.

Add the Candy

Crush the hard candies and fill the center of each cookie with the crushed candy. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.

Cool and Enjoy

Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy your colorful creations!

Let your cookies cool fully before displaying them to preserve their beautiful appearance.

Nutritional Information

While stained glass cookies are a treat meant for special occasions, it's essential to be mindful of portion sizes. Each cookie contains a combination of sugar, butter, and carbohydrates, so enjoy them in moderation. Balancing these cookies with healthier meals can ensure that you enjoy them without any guilt.

If you're looking to lighten up the recipe, consider substituting some of the butter with applesauce or using a sugar alternative. However, keep in mind that these adjustments may alter the texture and flavor of the cookies slightly. Experimenting can lead to delicious discoveries!

Creative Variations

Feel free to get creative with your stained glass cookies! Try adding a touch of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist. You can also experiment with different extracts, like coconut or peppermint, to create unique flavor profiles that will surprise and delight your guests.

For an extra festive touch, decorate the cooled cookies with a simple icing drizzle or edible glitter. This will elevate their appearance even further and make them perfect for any celebration, from Christmas to Valentine’s Day. Let your imagination run wild!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of candies?

Yes, feel free to experiment with any hard candies that melt well!

→ How do I store these cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are fully cooled before freezing.

→ What if I don't have cookie cutters?

You can use a knife to cut the dough into squares or any shape you desire.