Hey there! Today, we’re diving into a holiday classic that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. These Stained Glass Window Cookies are a show-stopper on any cookie platter, and they bring a little sparkle to the season. Inspired by childhood memories of making these with my mom during snowy December afternoons, they’re a festive treat that’s easier to make than you’d think!
If you want a cookie recipe that doubles as edible art, this is the one! Whether you’re making these with kids or crafting a stunning homemade gift, get ready to impress with these bright, candy-filled treasures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Eye-catching design: These cookies look stunning with their candy “stained glass” centers.
- Crowd-pleaser: Both kids and adults love the fun, festive look and lightly sweet flavor.
- Customizable: Use your favorite cookie cutters and jelly candy colors for a totally unique set of cookies!
- Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for baking in batches and gifting.
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials:
- Flour: All-purpose flour works best for this recipe to give the cookies structure. Be sure to measure correctly for crisp edges.
- Butter: Softened, unsalted butter creates that classic buttery sugar cookie base.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar provides the perfect sweetness and helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Egg: Adds moisture and binds the dough together.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Hard Candy: Crushed hard candies like Jolly Ranchers or Lifesavers make the “stained glass” effect. Stick to translucent candies for the best results!
Pro Tips:
- Let your butter come to room temperature for easier mixing—don’t microwave it, or the dough may get greasy.
- Separate your hard candies by color before crushing. A rolling pin or small food processor works wonders here.
- Need to avoid food dye? Look for naturally colored hard candies that use fruit or vegetable extracts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and mix until a dough forms. If it’s sticky, chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out desired shapes, then use a smaller cutter to cut out the center where the candy will go.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and fill the centers with crushed hard candies. Be careful not to overfill!
- Bake for 7–9 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the candy is melted. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Make-ahead tip: The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling.
- For an extra fancy finish, drizzle the edges with melted chocolate or sprinkle with edible glitter after baking.
- Keep your shapes simple if you’re short on time; more intricate designs can take longer to prepare!
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Color customization: Coordinate your hard candy colors with your party theme or holiday décor.
- Flavor twist: Add a touch of almond or lemon extract for a different flavor profile.
- Serve these cookies with a steaming cup of spiced cider or hot cocoa to complete the festive vibe!
FAQs
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the raw dough for up to 3 months. Baked cookies can also be frozen, but keep them in a single layer to prevent the candy centers from cracking.
How should I store them?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Layer them with wax paper to prevent sticking.
Stained Glass Window Cookies
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 9 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed hard candies, separated by color
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well.
- Mix in the flour to form a dough. Chill if sticky.
- Roll out dough and cut shapes. Remove centers for candy filling.
- Add crushed candies and bake at 350°F for 7–9 minutes.
- Cool completely before serving or storing.
These Stained Glass Window Cookies are guaranteed to be the highlight of your holiday baking! I’d love to hear how yours turned out—leave a comment below or share a photo on social media with #TheKitchensAid. Let’s spread some cookie joy!
