Stained Glass Cookies
There’s something truly magical about freshly baked cookies, especially when they come with a splash of color. As the sweet scent wafts through your kitchen, your imagination races, picturing a fun-filled afternoon full of laughter and creativity. Stained Glass Cookies are not just cookies; they are a canvas for your playful spirit! With their vibrant, jewel-like centers and crisp edges, these delightful treats transport you back to childhood holiday gatherings, where everyone huddled around the table, eagerly waiting for their turn to decorate.
Table of Contents
The dazzling appearance of these cookies brightens up any occasion. Whether you’re sprinkling them onto a dessert platter for a festive celebration or baking them for a cozy family baking day, there’s no shortage of reasons to fall in love with this recipe. Get ready to awaken your inner artist and gather your loved ones to make these whimsical Stained Glass Cookies together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip these up in just 30 minutes of prep and 12 minutes of baking time for delicious cookies that impress.
- Irresistible Flavor: A buttery cookie base complements the sweet flavor of melted candies, creating a perfect blend of crunch and chew.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vivid, sparkling centers mimic stained glass, making them as delightful to see as they are to eat!
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for holidays, birthday parties or just an afternoon treat, these cookies fit any occasion effortlessly.
- Diet-Friendly Options: With a few adjustments, you can easily make them gluten-free or dairy-free for various dietary preferences!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ¾ cup unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, this ingredient lends a rich and creamy texture to the cookies. If you prefer, you can use a dairy-free butter alternative.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp yet tender cookie. Brown sugar could be used for a richer flavor but may alter the texture.
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors. Don’t skip this — a little salt goes a long way!
- 2 large eggs: Beaten and at room temperature, these bind the cookie dough together and help create that delightful soft texture.
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: A classic flavor that adds warmth. Neat alternatives could include almond extract or other flavorings.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Essential for structure, it gives the cookies that thick, hearty bite. You can substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version, but ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper binding.
- ¼ cup extra all-purpose flour: A little extra for dusting to prevent sticking while rolling out the dough.
- 2 cups Jolly Ranchers candies: Crushed into small chunks, these candies melt into a beautifully vibrant center. Feel free to mix flavors or use other hard candies for variety!
How to Make Stained Glass Cookies
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick. This little step makes a difference when it comes time to cool your finished cookies!
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour and sea salt. This helps disperse the salt evenly throughout the flour, guaranteeing each bite is perfectly balanced. Set this aside for a moment while you work on the wet ingredients.
Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to blend until it’s light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Be sure to mix well to achieve that luscious, creamy consistency.
Fold Together Gently: Gradually incorporate the dry flour mixture into your wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix just until no flour streaks remain. Overmixing can result in tough cookies, so be gentle here! It should be a soft, slightly sticky dough.
Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling will help make the dough easier to roll out, leading to uniform cookies that bake evenly.
Roll Out the Dough: Once chilled, dust a clean surface and rolling pin with the extra flour. Roll out one dough portion to about ¼-inch thickness. Using cookie cutters, cut out shapes, and use smaller cutters to remove the centers — this leaves the space for your Jolly Rancher windows!
Fill with Candy: Place the cut-out dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Carefully fill each center with crushed Jolly Ranchers. Don’t be shy, but avoid overflowing, as they will spread while baking. You can mix and match colors for a mosaic effect!
Bake Until Golden: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. You should see the candy melted in the centers, becoming vibrant and gleaming. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Stained Glass Cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If you need to keep them longer, transfer to the fridge where they can last for about two weeks. For extended freshness, wrap them securely in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes until warm. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly upon freezing, but a quick reheat restores some of that initial crunch!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- For a perfectly shaped cookie, ensure your butter is truly at room temperature — too cold and it won’t cream well, too warm and you’ll have a melted mess.
- Don’t rush the chilling step; this is crucial for preventing spread and helping the cookies hold their shape.
- If you notice your dough is too sticky to roll, sprinkle a bit more flour while rolling, but avoid over-flouring as you roll!
- Always allow the cookies to cool completely before packing them up; this will help them maintain their texture without turning soft.
There’s a glorious sense of accomplishment that comes from baking Stained Glass Cookies; each colorful design tells a story of creativity and sweetness. But don’t stop at the recipe — feel free to let your imagination run wild! Try different candy fillings or cookie shapes. You’re sure to delight in the journey of creating these vibrant treats!
Recipe FAQs
What type of candies can I use in stained glass cookies?
Absolutely! While Jolly Ranchers are popular for their vibrant colors, any hard candies that melt well can be used. Consider trying Life Savers or other favorites. Just ensure they don’t contain any chocolate or gummy components that won’t melt nicely.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the dough ahead of time is a great option! You can make the cookie dough and refrigerate it the night before baking. Alternatively, the rolled cutouts can be frozen on a baking sheet and stored in an airtight container for up to three months. Just bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Why did my stained glass centers crack?
Sometimes, the Jolly Ranchers may crack if they are overbaked or if they cool too quickly. Make sure to watch the baking time closely and allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before moving them to wire racks.
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, using a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend is possible. Make sure it has xanthan gum included for proper structure. Texture may differ slightly, but the results can still be delicious!
Now that you’re equipped with this delightful recipe and helpful tips, it’s time to gather those supplies and start baking! Happy cooking!
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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
These Stained Glass Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they offer a blend of irresistible flavor and fun. Simple to prepare and decorated with vibrant candy centers, they are perfect for any occasion!
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 extra all-purpose flour
- 2 cups Jolly Ranchers candies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the flour and sea salt in a bowl and set aside.
- Cream together the unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined, forming a soft dough.
- Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes, then roll out to ¼-inch thickness and cut shapes with cookie cutters.
- Fill the centers with crushed Jolly Ranchers and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and candy is melted. Cool before transferring.
Notes
Ensure butter is at room temperature for the best texture.
Consider substituting gluten-free flour if needed.
Mix various candy flavors for colorful effects in the cookies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
