Imagine the enchanting beauty of colorful stained glass but in the form of delicious cookies. These Stained Glass Cookies are a delightful treat that will not only impress your guests but also indulge their taste buds. With a buttery cookie base and vibrant, translucent candy center, these cookies are a joy to make and a pleasure to eat. Perfect for special occasions, holidays, or just as a fun baking project, these Stained Glass Cookies are bound to become a favorite in your home.
Stained Glass Cookies Recipe
**Ingredients:**
– 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ tsp baking powder
– ½ tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Hard candies in assorted colors
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well to combine.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
6. Divide the dough in half, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
7. While the dough is chilling, place the hard candies in a zip-top bag and crush them into small pieces using a rolling pin.
8. Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
9. Using cookie cutters of your choice, cut out shapes from the dough. Cut a smaller cutout from the center of each shape, creating a “window” for the stained glass effect.
10. Transfer the cutout cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart.
11. Fill the center cutouts of each cookie with a generous amount of crushed hard candies, mixing colors as desired.
12. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the candy has melted and the cookie edges are lightly golden.
13. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the pans for a few minutes to set.
14. Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely and allow the candy centers to harden.
15. Once completely cooled and the candy has set, serve these delightful Stained Glass Cookies on a platter and watch them glow with vibrant colors.
Enjoy these captivating Stained Glass Cookies as a sweet treat for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or looking to add a touch of whimsy to your everyday baking. Get creative with different cookie shapes and colorful candy combinations to make each batch uniquely yours. These cookies are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike, bringing a touch of magic to your dessert table.
