Description of this recipe
Stained Glass Cookies are delightful, whimsical treats that bring a touch of magic to any occasion. These cookies feature a shimmering, translucent center made from melted hard candies, resembling the intricate beauty of stained glass windows. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just a fun baking project with kids, these cookies are as visually stunning as they are delicious. The buttery, tender cookie base provides a perfect contrast to the sweet, glassy candy center, making each bite a delightful experience.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll absolutely adore these Stained Glass Cookies for several reasons. Firstly, they are incredibly fun to make, especially with children. The process of crushing the candies and watching them melt into vibrant colors is a captivating experience. Secondly, these cookies are visually stunning and make for a memorable presentation at any gathering. Imagine the oohs and aahs as you unveil a plate of these glittering gems! Thirdly, the combination of the buttery, subtly sweet cookie and the hard candy is a flavor match made in heaven. Finally, they are surprisingly simple to make with just a few ingredients, making them an accessible and rewarding baking project for both novice and experienced bakers alike. They also can be easily customized with different cookie cutter shapes and candy colors to fit any holiday or theme.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 Cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- 1/2 Cup Sugar
- 1/2 Tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 Egg, room temperature
- 8 Hard Candies/Lollipops, various colors
Preparation:
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together on high speed for two minutes until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender cookie base. Ensure the butter is properly softened to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth consistency.
Step 2: Add the Egg: Add the egg to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue to beat on medium speed until the egg is fully incorporated, usually about one minute. Using a room-temperature egg helps it emulsify better with the butter and sugar, leading to a smoother dough.
Step 3: Incorporate Vanilla Extract: Add the vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat on low speed for about 30 seconds to ensure it is evenly distributed. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cookie, adding a warm, aromatic note.
Step 4: Gradually Add the Flour: With the beater on low speed, slowly add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Add the flour gradually to prevent it from flying out of the bowl and to ensure it is properly incorporated. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cookie. The dough should come together into a cohesive mass.
Step 5: Form and Refrigerate the Dough: Place the dough on a lightly floured board or countertop. Gently bring it together into one mass with your hands. Shape the dough into a rectangle, wrap it tightly in cling wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 1 day. Refrigerating the dough allows the gluten to relax, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also makes the dough easier to handle and roll out.
Step 6: Prepare for Rolling: After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured board. Divide the dough in half. Cover one half and return it to the refrigerator to keep it cool while you work on the other half.
Step 7: Roll Out the Dough: Roll out the first half of the dough to approximately ½ inch thickness. Ensure the dough is rolled evenly to promote even baking. If the dough is too sticky, lightly dust it with flour.
Step 8: Cut Out the Cookies: Use a 4-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter (or any shape you prefer) to cut out cookies from the rolled dough. Place the cut-out cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
Step 9: Create the Stained Glass Window: Use a 2-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the middle part of each cookie. This creates the space for the melted candy. Carefully remove the smaller heart-shaped pieces from the center of the larger cookies.
Step 10: Chill the Cut Cookies: Place the tray of cut-out cookies in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. Chilling the cookies before baking helps them hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven.
Step 11: Preheat the Oven: In the meantime, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oven is fully preheated before baking to ensure even cooking.
Step 12: Crush the Hard Candies: Crush the hard candies or lollipops using a rolling pin or a food processor. Separate the crushed candies by color for a more vibrant stained glass effect.
Step 13: Fill the Cookie Centers: Remove the tray from the refrigerator and carefully fill the middle part of each cookie with crushed hard candies. Make sure not to overfill, as the candy will spread as it melts. A level, even layer of crushed candy works best.
Step 14: Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep a close eye on the cookies, as baking times may vary depending on your oven. The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden and the candy is completely melted.
Step 15: Cool and Store: When the cookies are done, let them stay on the tray for a minute before carefully moving them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their crispness and prevent them from becoming sticky.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Medium
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Visual Appeal: High
- Taste: Deliciously Sweet and Buttery
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these cookies as a festive treat during holidays such as Christmas, Easter, or Valentine’s Day.
- They make a beautiful addition to a cookie platter or dessert table at parties.
- Package them in cellophane bags and tie with ribbons for a charming homemade gift.
- Enjoy them with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or a cup of tea.
Tips:
- Use a variety of hard candy colors to create a vibrant and eye-catching stained glass effect.
- If the dough becomes too soft while you are working with it, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up.
- Avoid overfilling the cookie centers with crushed candy, as this can cause the candy to spill over during baking.
- For a smoother candy finish, use candies that are finely crushed.
- If you don’t have cookie cutters, you can use a knife to cut out simple shapes.
- Experiment with different flavor extracts in the cookie dough, such as almond or lemon.
Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling time) Cook Time: 10-12 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (per cookie):
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 20mg
Conclusion
Stained Glass Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re an experience. The combination of the buttery cookie and the colorful, glassy candy center makes them a delightful indulgence for both kids and adults. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to add a touch of whimsy to your day, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. The process is fun, the results are stunning, and the taste is simply irresistible. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some edible works of art.
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
- Can I use different types of cookie cutters for this recipe?
- Absolutely! Feel free to use any cookie cutter shapes you like. Hearts, stars, circles, or even holiday-themed shapes work perfectly. Just make sure you have two sizes of the same shape – one for the outer cookie and one for the center cutout.
- What if I don’t have hard candies? Can I use something else?
- Hard candies are essential for achieving the stained glass effect. However, you can experiment with different flavors and colors of hard candies to create unique combinations. Avoid using soft candies, as they won’t melt in the same way and may not create the desired glassy finish.
- How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven?
- Chilling the dough before rolling and cutting, as well as chilling the cut cookies before baking, is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading. Also, be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten and lead to a tougher cookie that spreads more easily.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in cling wrap to prevent it from drying out. You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before using.
- What is the best way to store these cookies to keep them fresh?
- Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. To prevent them from sticking together, you can place a sheet of parchment paper between layers. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as this can cause the candy to become sticky.
