Stained Glass Cookies

What is Stained Glass Cookies?

Stained glass cookies are a delightful and visually captivating treat that brings a bit of artistry to your baking. These cookies are designed to resemble stained glass windows, featuring colorful candy-filled centers that melt and create a beautiful effect when baked. Not only are they a feast for the eyes, but they also pack a sweet flavor punch, making them perfect for festive occasions, holiday gatherings, or any time you want to impress your family and friends with a homemade treat.

Ingredients & Measurements for Stained Glass Cookies

To whip up a batch of stained glass cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 large egg yolk
– 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
– ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
– ⅛ teaspoon almond extract (or more to taste)
– 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
– 20 pieces of fruit-flavored hard candies (like Jolly Rancher)

This combination of ingredients ensures that the cookies are rich, buttery, and bursting with flavor while providing the perfect canvas for your colorful candy.

How Long Does It Take to Make Stained Glass Cookies?

Making stained glass cookies is a fun process that balances both preparation and baking time. Overall, you can expect to spend about 30 to 40 minutes preparing the dough and cutting out shapes, with an additional baking time of 9 to 10 minutes. Once you’ve combined all the ingredients and decorated your cookies with crushed candy, the baking process brings them to life, making them a delightful addition to any dessert table. Whether you’re baking with kids or impressing guests at a gathering, these cookies will surely be a hit!

How to Make Stained Glass Cookies (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Butter and Powdered Sugar

In a stand mixer bowl with a paddle attachment, combine the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar. Mix on medium-high speed for about 30 seconds until blended. It doesn’t need to be fluffy.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolk and Extracts

Scrape the bowl, then add the large egg yolk, vanilla extract, kosher salt, and almond extract. Mix on low speed for about 15 seconds until blended.

Step 4: Incorporate Flour

Scrape the bowl again, add half of the all-purpose flour, and mix on low until incorporated, which should take another 15 seconds. Add the remaining flour and mix for about 15 seconds until a dough forms.

Step 5: Prepare the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times to make it smooth. Flatten the dough into a disc and roll it out to 1/4-inch thick.

Step 6: Cut Cookie Shapes

Use a large cookie cutter (about 3 inches) to cut shapes from the dough and place them on the baking sheets. Next, use a smaller cookie cutter (1 1/2 to 2 inches) to cut out the centers of the larger shapes. If necessary, use a toothpick to help remove the dough from the center.

Step 7: Reroll Scraps and Cut Again

Combine the dough scraps and center pieces, re-roll them, and repeat the cutting process until all dough is used.

Step 8: Prepare the Hard Candies

Unwrap the fruit-flavored hard candies and place similar colored ones in zip-top bags. Use a rolling pin to crush the candies into small pieces.

Step 9: Fill Cookies with Candy

Fill the center of each cookie shape with crushed candy, about two-thirds full.

Step 10: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies on the middle rack of the oven for 9 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the candy has melted. If you’re baking the dough centers, do that for about 8 minutes.

Step 11: Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely for about 15 minutes.

Pro Tips for Perfect Stained Glass Cookies

Avoid over-beating the butter and sugar to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. Feel free to use any colorful hard candies you like for this easy-to-make and quick recipe for the best homemade stained glass cookies.

Best Cooking Techniques for Stained Glass Cookies

Proper Mixing of Ingredients

Ensure that the butter and powdered sugar are mixed thoroughly but not excessively. Mixing on medium-high speed for about 30 seconds is sufficient to combine the ingredients without incorporating too much air, which can cause the cookies to spread.

Kneading the Dough

Once you’ve mixed the dough, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead it just a few times until smooth. Avoid overworking the dough, as this can lead to tougher cookies.

Rolling the Dough Evenly

When rolling out the dough, aim for a consistent thickness of 1/4-inch. This allows your cookies to bake evenly, ensuring a nice texture. Use flour for dusting to prevent sticking, but avoid adding too much flour, which can alter the taste and texture.

Choosing the Right Candy

Select fruit-flavored hard candies for the stained glass effect. Lighter colors work well, and crushing them into small pieces will help them melt evenly in the cookie centers.

Baking Time and Temperature

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and bake the cookies for about 9 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they’re set but not overcooked. The candy should melt without burning.

Cooling Process

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This helps the cookies set properly and prevents them from breaking.

FAQs About Stained Glass Cookies

How long should I cook Stained Glass Cookies?

Bake Stained Glass Cookies for about 9 to 10 minutes at 350 degrees F until the cookies are set and the candy has melted.

Can I make Stained Glass Cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Once ready to bake, simply roll it out and cut your shapes.

What types of hard candies can I use for Stained Glass Cookies?

Feel free to use any fruit-flavored hard candies, such as Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers. Just avoid candies with chocolate, as they won’t provide the desired stained glass effect.

Why are my Stained Glass Cookies spreading too much?

Over-beating the butter and sugar can cause excessive spreading. Ensure you mix only until blended and chill the dough if necessary before cutting shapes.

How do I store Stained Glass Cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain their beauty, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts on Stained Glass Cookies

Stained Glass Cookies are not only a delightful treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Their vibrant, translucent centers mimic the beauty of stained glass, making them perfect for celebrations or festive occasions. The combination of buttery cookie and fruity candy creates a wonderful contrast in flavors and textures that is simply irresistible. Whether you are baking for a special event or just for the joy of it, these cookies will surely bring a smile to anyone who sees and tastes them. Give this fun recipe a try, and enjoy the love and creativity that comes with baking!

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