Stained Glass Sugar Cookies

Holidays are the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen and what better way to spread some joy than with a batch of beautifully colorful Stained Glass Sugar Cookies? These eye-catching treats are not only delicious but also double as festive decorations. With their intricate designs that resemble stained glass windows, these cookies are sure to be the highlight of any gathering. Follow this simple recipe to create your own dazzling edible works of art!

Stained Glass Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Assorted hard candies (such as Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers) in various colors
– Cookie cutters in desired shapes
– Parchment paper

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

5. Roll out the cookie dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.

6. Using a smaller cookie cutter or knife, cut out a window in the center of each cookie where the “stained glass” will go. Make sure not to cut all the way through the cookie.

7. Unwrap the hard candies and separate them by color. Place each color in a resealable plastic bag and crush them into small pieces using a rolling pin.

8. Fill the cut-out centers of the cookies with the crushed candy, mixing colors and creating patterns as desired.

9. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the candy has melted to resemble stained glass.

10. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on the sheets to allow the candy to harden back into a glass-like texture.

11. Once the cookies have completely cooled, carefully peel them off the parchment paper and admire your beautiful Stained Glass Sugar Cookies!

12. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy these delightful treats as a decorative addition to your holiday table or as a sweet snack to share with loved ones.

Get ready to impress your friends and family with these stunning Stained Glass Sugar Cookies! Whether you’re looking to add some charm to a special occasion or simply want to indulge your creative side in the kitchen, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Have fun experimenting with different colors and designs to create your own edible masterpieces. Happy baking!