Have you ever walked past a stained glass window and marveled at the way the light dances through the colors? That’s exactly what these Stained Glass Sugar Cookies do! They’re not just cookies; they’re little pieces of art that you can eat! I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering—everyone was so amazed by the vibrant colors and the way the candy melted in the center. They were a huge hit, and now I make them for every special occasion. Trust me, these cookies bring joy and a splash of color to any table!
Ingredients for Stained Glass Sugar Cookies
You’ll want to gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create your colorful masterpieces:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed hard candies (I love using Jolly Ranchers or Lifesavers for their bright colors!)
Make sure to choose hard candies that are vibrant—this is what gives those cookies their stunning stained glass effect! You can mix and match colors to create your own unique designs. Happy baking!
How to Prepare Stained Glass Sugar Cookies
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). This is a crucial step because a properly heated oven ensures your cookies bake evenly! While that’s heating up, grab two bowls. In one, mix together your flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture is super important for the structure of your cookies. In the other bowl, we’ll be creaming the butter and sugar. So, let’s get everything ready to come together beautifully!
Mixing Ingredients
Now, let’s cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together in your mixing bowl. I usually use a hand mixer for this; it makes it so much easier! You want it to become light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Then, add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined. Gradually, start adding in your dry ingredients from the first bowl. Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it! We want tender cookies, not tough ones!
Rolling and Cutting the Dough
Time to roll out that dough! On a lightly floured surface, take your cookie dough and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick. This thickness is perfect for that stained glass effect! Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes. I love using stars and hearts, but you can get creative! Make sure to keep the cutouts about an inch apart on your baking sheet, so they have room to spread while baking. If the dough gets too warm, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to make it easier to work with.
Filling with Candies
Here’s the fun part! Once your cookies are cut out and on the baking sheet, it’s time to fill them with crushed hard candies. I like to use a teaspoon to scoop some of the crushed candy into the center of each cookie shape. Be careful not to overfill them, or the candy might spill over while baking. You want just enough to create that beautiful stained glass look! This is where the magic happens, and I can already smell the sweetness!
Baking and Cooling
Pop those beauties into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you’re looking for the edges to turn a lovely golden brown. Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This cooling time is essential, as it lets the candies set perfectly. Trust me, the wait will be worth it when you see those gorgeous colorful centers!
Nutritional Information
These Stained Glass Sugar Cookies are not only a feast for the eyes but also come with some nutritional information to keep in mind. Each cookie is estimated to have about 150 calories, with 7 grams of fat and 1 gram of protein. You’ll also find around 20 grams of carbohydrates, including 12 grams of sugar. Remember, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but they’re a delightful treat worth every bite!
Tips for Success with Stained Glass Sugar Cookies
Want to elevate your Stained Glass Sugar Cookies to the next level? Here are some pro tips that I swear by:
- Chill the Dough: If you want thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. This helps them hold their shape while baking!
- Choose Vibrant Candies: Opt for bright, colorful hard candies like Jolly Ranchers or Lifesavers. They not only melt beautifully but create stunning visual effects.
- Don’t Overfill: When adding crushed candies, use just enough to fill the center without overflowing. This prevents any mess in the oven and keeps your cookies looking pretty!
- Keep an Eye on Baking: Every oven is different, so start checking your cookies at the 8-minute mark. You want those edges to be golden, but the centers to stay soft!
- Cool Completely: Allow your cookies to cool on a wire rack until they’re completely set. This ensures that the candy filling firms up nicely for that perfect stained glass effect.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be the star of your next gathering with these delightful cookies!
Serving Suggestions
These Stained Glass Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion! Serve them at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or even as a sweet treat for a cozy afternoon tea. Pair them with a nice cup of tea or a glass of cold milk to complement their sweetness. You can also arrange them on a colorful platter with some fresh fruit or alongside other festive treats like brownies or mini cupcakes for a delightful dessert table. Trust me, they’ll be the star of the show!
FAQ About Stained Glass Sugar Cookies
Got questions about these colorful treats? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with the answers to help you enjoy your baking experience:
How should I store Stained Glass Sugar Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them, but they might lose a bit of their crispness.
Can I use different types of candies?
Absolutely! While I love the bright colors of Jolly Ranchers and Lifesavers, you can experiment with other hard candies. Just make sure they’re colorful and will melt well—think of things like Werther’s Originals or any other candy that grabs your attention!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before rolling it out. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
What can I do if the candies overflow during baking?
If you notice that some cookies have overflowed, don’t panic! Just let them cool a bit and use a small knife to carefully trim any excess candy around the edges before they set completely.
Can I freeze Stained Glass Sugar Cookies?
Definitely! You can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw them at room temperature before serving!
Stained Glass Sugar Cookies: 5 Tips for Perfect Colorful Treats
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Colorful cookies that resemble stained glass art.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed hard candies (various colors)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add egg and vanilla to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes.
- Place cutouts on a baking sheet.
- Fill the center of each cookie with crushed hard candies.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Cool on wire racks before serving.
Notes
- Choose hard candies with bright colors for a vibrant effect.
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For a thicker cookie, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before rolling out.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Stained Glass Sugar Cookies