why make this recipe
Stained Glass Cookies are a festive, eye-catching treat that combine crisp buttery cookies with a jewel-like candy center. They’re perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you want a cookie that doubles as edible decoration. The translucent centers catch light and color beautifully, making these cookies a crowd-pleaser and conversation starter.
introduction
These classic cut-out cookies are deceptively simple: a tender sugar-cookie dough with centers filled with crushed hard candies that melt into colorful “stained glass.” They look impressive but rely on basic pantry ingredients and straightforward techniques. Once you learn the method, you can customize shapes, colors, and flavors for any occasion.
how to make Stained Glass 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
- Colorful hard candies, crushed
Directions :
- 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 egg and extracts.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until combined.
- Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
- Use a smaller cutter to cut out the center of each cookie.
- Fill the centers with crushed candies.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool completely before removing from the pan.
how to serve Stained Glass Cookies
Serve these cookies on a platter arranged by color, or mix shapes and hues for a lively display. They’re ideal with tea, coffee, or a glass of milk. For parties, place cookies on a tiered stand so the light can pass through the centers for maximum visual effect.
how to store Stained Glass Cookies
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days. If stacked, place parchment between layers to protect the candy centers. Avoid humidity and high heat which can make the candy centers sticky or cause colors to bleed. For longer storage, freeze plain baked cookies (without crushed candies) and add fresh candy fillings before a quick re-bake.
tips to make Stained Glass Cookies
- Use a sharp small cutter or a metal piping tip to cut the centers cleanly so the candy melts evenly.
- Crush candies finely and strain out any large, thick pieces that may not melt fully.
- Chill the dough well — a cold dough holds shape and keeps the centers tidy during baking.
- Place the cookies on a room-temperature baking sheet; putting chilled cookies on a hot sheet can cause spreading.
- Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even color and melting.
- If you want clear centers, use single-color candies like clear mints; mixed colors give a mosaic effect.
variation (if any)
- Flavor the dough with lemon or orange zest for a citrus twist.
- Use mini chocolate chips or colored sugar for an alternate filling (won’t be translucent).
- Make mini stained-glass cookies with smaller cutters for bite-sized decorations.
- Swap almond extract with butter or rum extract for different aroma profiles.
FAQ
Q: Can I use crushed hard candy leftovers from other holidays?
A: Yes — as long as they’re hard candies (not chewy), they’ll melt into stained-glass centers. Avoid candies with centers or coatings that don’t melt.
Q: Why did my candy centers bubble or cloud?
A: Rapid melting or air trapped under the candy can cause bubbling. Crush candies finer and press gently into the cutout to remove air gaps.
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: You can bake and store them in an airtight container for a few days, but they look best when freshly made so the candy centers are glossy.
Conclusion
For a reliable tutorial and more inspiration for shapes, colors, and troubleshooting, see this detailed guide: Stained Glass Cookies – Cooking Classy.
Stained Glass Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- 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 egg and extracts.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until combined.
- Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
- Use a smaller cutter to cut out the center of each cookie.
- Fill the centers with crushed candies.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool completely before removing from the pan.
