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: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup crushed hard candies (e.g., Jolly Ranchers, Life Savers)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

These Easy Stained Glass Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for any festive occasion. With vibrant colors and a sweet, buttery flavor, they are sure to impress both kids and adults alike.

Created by

Grace Walker

Last updated on 2025-12-19T16:10:58.178Z

Stained glass cookies are a classic treat that bring a touch of magic to any dessert table. These cookies are not only fun to make, but they also provide a beautiful display of colors that children will love.

        Why You Will Love These Cookies
        Vibrant colors that brighten up any occasion
Delicious buttery flavor with a hint of sweetness
Fun to make with kids or for festive gatherings

      

The Perfect Treat for Any Occasion

Easy Stained Glass Cookies are not just visually stunning; they are also incredibly versatile. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, hosting a holiday gathering, or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon, these cookies can elevate any event. The vibrant colors created by the melted candies resemble stained glass, making them a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Their unique appearance will surely impress your guests and spark joy in children and adults alike.

Moreover, these cookies offer a delightful combination of textures. The buttery cookie base is perfectly complemented by the crunchy candy center, creating a satisfying bite that keeps everyone coming back for more. As you serve these treats, you'll notice how they become a conversation starter, as everyone admires the beautiful colors and delicious flavors.

A Fun Activity for All Ages

Making Easy Stained Glass Cookies is an enjoyable experience that brings families and friends together. Kids will love helping out in the kitchen, from mixing the dough to rolling it out and cutting shapes. This recipe provides a perfect opportunity for bonding, creativity, and learning basic baking skills. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a chance to make something delicious from scratch?

You can even turn this cookie-making session into a festive tradition. Encourage everyone to design their own cookie shapes and color combinations. By allowing creativity to shine through, you’ll not only create delightful treats but also lasting memories. As a bonus, you can share these cookies as beautiful gifts or party favors, spreading joy beyond your home.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Easy Stained Glass Cookies come out perfectly every time, consider a few helpful tips. First, make sure your butter is softened but not melted; this will help create the light and fluffy texture you desire. When rolling out the dough, use enough flour on your surface to prevent sticking, but avoid adding too much, as it can alter the cookie's taste and texture.

Additionally, when filling the cookie shapes with crushed candies, be generous but avoid overfilling, as the candies will melt and spread during baking. For an even more colorful effect, try mixing different types of hard candies together. Lastly, keep an eye on your cookies while baking; the perfect time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking around the 8-minute mark.

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

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

Candy Filling

1 cup crushed hard candies (e.g., Jolly Ranchers, Life Savers)

Make sure to use a variety of colors for the crushed candies to achieve the beautiful stained glass effect.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.

Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Cut the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, and also cut out the centers of each shape using a smaller cookie cutter.

Add the Candy

Place the cut-out cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Fill the center of each cookie shape with crushed candies.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool completely on the baking sheet.

Once cooled, the candies will harden, creating a beautiful stained glass effect.

Storing Your Cookies

Once your Easy Stained Glass Cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They can be kept at room temperature for up to a week, making them a perfect treat for snacking throughout the week or for packing in lunchboxes. If you want to prolong their life, consider freezing them.

To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature. This ensures you have a delightful treat ready at a moment's notice!

Variations to Try

While the classic Easy Stained Glass Cookies are a hit on their own, you can easily customize them to suit your taste. Experiment with flavored extracts, such as almond or lemon, to add a unique twist to the buttery dough. You can also incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, seasonal touch.

For an extra layer of fun, consider using themed cookie cutters for holidays or events. Halloween shapes like ghosts or pumpkins, or Christmas shapes like stars and trees, can add a festive flair to your cookies. The possibilities are endless, and each variation can become a new family favorite!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use any type of candy for the center?

Yes, but hard candies that melt well are recommended for the best stained glass effect.

→ How long can I store these cookies?

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting.

→ What can I use instead of egg?

You can substitute the egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce or a flaxseed mixture for an egg-free option.