As the weather turns crisp and hints of the holiday season approach, there’s something utterly delightful about making Stained Glass Cookies. These vibrant cookies not only catch the eye but also offer a satisfying crunch from their cookie edges, complemented by the sweet, chewy center of melted candy. I stumbled upon this recipe one afternoon, and it quickly became a cherished tradition in my kitchen, perfect for gifting or decorating your holiday table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Stained Glass Cookies are perfect for any occasion, boasting a beautiful appearance and a unique combination of flavors. The buttery cookie base provides the perfect canvas for the colorful, translucent candy centers, making them as fun to create as they are to eat. Plus, they’re simple enough to whip up during a busy holiday season and will leave your home smelling delightful.
Ingredients Needed For Stained Glass Cookies
Jolly Ranchers hard candies (approx. 20): The star of the show! Choose a mix of colors for a vibrant look. Make sure they’re unwrapped and sorted because each color will lend a different hue to the cookies.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter is key for a creamy texture. Make sure it’s at room temperature to ensure it blends smoothly with your sugar.
1 cup granulated sugar: This sweetener helps create that perfect balance between sweetness and cookie texture.
1/4 tsp salt: A pinch of salt brightens up the flavors, making them pop!
2 large eggs: Eggs add moisture and richness, helping the cookies rise beautifully.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Always use pure vanilla extract if possible; it adds a lovely aromatic flavor to your cookies.
3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting): Flour gives structure to your cookies. Don’t forget to dust your surfaces to prevent sticking!
How to Make Stained Glass Cookies
Unwrap and separate Jolly Ranchers into each color, crush into small bits and set aside.
Cream together butter, sugar, and salt in an electric mixer until well combined.
Mix in eggs one at a time and then blend in vanilla.
Gradually add flour and mix until well combined.
Shape dough into a rectangle, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
Cut chilled dough into thirds, leave one portion out to work with, and chill the remaining.
Roll dough out on a floured surface to about 1/5-inch thick and cut out large stars with a cookie cutter.
Transfer stars to a baking sheet lined with a silicone baking mat, cut smaller stars from the centers, and fill with crushed Jolly Ranchers.
Chill cookies for 15-20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Bake cookies for 12-14 minutes or until set and the candy has melted.
Let cool on baking sheets until set and store in an airtight container.
How to Serve Stained Glass Cookies
These cookies shine at any gathering! Serve them on a decorative platter or in a festive tin for a homemade gift. They make an impressive addition to holiday cookie swaps or celebrations.
How to Store Stained Glass Cookies
To keep your Stained Glass Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, but let’s be honest—these beauties probably won’t last that long!
Tips to Make Stained Glass Cookies
Chill the dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It makes the dough easier to work with and helps maintain the cookie shape as they bake.
Color coordination: Try to match the Jolly Rancher colors for an even more visually stunning result.
Baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake; you want them set but not overcooked.
Variations and Substitutions
Different candies: Use other hard candies like Lifesavers for a twist on flavor and color.
Cookie shapes: Don’t just stick to stars; try various holiday-themed shapes like snowflakes or hearts.
Flavoring options: Add a little almond extract or lemon zest for a subtle flavor change!
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Stained Glass Cookies taste like?
These cookies have a delightful buttery flavor, with the sweetness of the melted candies in the center creating a fusion of sweetness and a bit of tartness, depending on the colors you choose.
Can I freeze Stained Glass Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out.
How do I prevent the candy from burning?
To avoid burning the candy, keep an eye on your cookies in the oven. If you notice any sign of browning, it’s best to pull them out right away, as the candy will continue to cook slightly as it cools.
Can I decorate these cookies?
Absolutely! You can drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies or sprinkle edible glitter before baking for a festive touch.
What is the best way to crush Jolly Ranchers?
Place them in a resealable plastic bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into small bits. This method keeps the mess contained and helps achieve an even texture for filling your cookies.
Stained Glass Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure it’s at room temperature for blending.
- 1 cup granulated sugar Provides sweetness and affects cookie texture.
- 1/4 tsp salt Enhances the flavor.
- 2 large eggs Adds moisture and richness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Use pure for best flavor.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour Plus more for dusting.
For the Filling
- 20 Jolly Ranchers hard candies Unwrapped and sorted by color for vibrant results.
Instructions
Preparation
- Unwrap and separate Jolly Ranchers by color, then crush them into small bits and set aside.
- In an electric mixer, cream together the butter, sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Mix in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour and mix until fully combined.
- Shape the dough into a rectangle, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
Baking
- Cut the chilled dough into thirds, keeping one portion out to work with and chilling the rest.
- Roll the dough on a floured surface to about 1/5-inch thick and cut out large star shapes with a cookie cutter.
- Transfer the stars to a lined baking sheet, cut smaller stars from the centers, and fill them with crushed Jolly Ranchers.
- Chill the cookies for 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes or until set and the candy has melted.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets until set, then store in an airtight container.
