![- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour - ½ teaspoon baking powder - ¼ teaspoon salt - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup crushed hard candy (various colors) - Colored sugar (for decoration, optional) To make easy stained glass cookies, start with simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in the taste and look of the cookies. The all-purpose flour gives the cookies structure. Baking powder helps them rise, while salt enhances flavor. Butter adds richness, and sugar sweetens the dough. You need a large egg for binding. Vanilla extract brings a warm flavor that everyone loves. The crushed hard candy is the star for the stained glass effect. It melts to create that beautiful look. You can add colored sugar for extra sparkle if you like. You can find these ingredients in most local stores. Make sure to get the hard candy in different colors for a fun presentation. Using high-quality ingredients helps to create the best cookies. For the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. 1. Start by whisking together the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, mix 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. This mix gives your cookies structure. 2. Next, cream the butter and sugar. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. 3. Now, combine the wet and dry ingredients. Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter mix. Mix until everything blends well. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough may feel crumbly, and that's okay! 1. Chill the dough to make it easier to work with. Divide the dough into two parts and shape each into a disc. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step helps the flavors develop. 2. Roll and cut out cookie shapes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a floured surface, roll out one disc to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Make sure to press a small cutter in the center to create an opening for the stained glass effect. 3. Fill the cut-outs with crushed candy. Remove the center cut-out and fill it with 1 cup of crushed hard candy. Repeat this for all cookies. 1. Set the oven temperature. Make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking. 2. Bake the cookies. Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges and melted candy in the centers. 3. Cool the cookies after baking. Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step keeps them from getting soggy. Enjoy making these colorful treats! You can find the full recipe [here]. To make stained glass cookies shine, choose the right hard candies. I like using clear candies like Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers. They melt beautifully and give a bright color. Avoid candies with too much color or flour coating. These can create a cloudy look. When filling the cut-outs, crush the candies into small pieces. This helps them melt evenly. Use a rolling pin or a heavy jar to crush them. Fill the center cut-out carefully, but don’t overfill. Leave a little space for the candy to expand. To keep your cookies soft, avoid overworking the dough. Mix just until the ingredients combine. If the dough feels crumbly, that’s okay! It will come together when you chill it. For a soft cookie center, keep an eye on baking time. Bake until the edges turn light golden, about 8-10 minutes. The center may look soft, but it will firm up as the cookies cool. Using colored sugar can add fun to your cookies. Sprinkle it on while they’re warm for a sparkly look. Choose colors that match your theme or occasion for added flair. To present your cookies as gifts, arrange them on a nice plate. You might wrap them in clear bags and tie with colorful ribbons. This not only looks great but also keeps them fresh! For the full recipe, check the link above. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your stained glass cookies easily. Adding extracts really makes a difference. Try using almond or lemon extract. Just one teaspoon will add great taste. You can also mix in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. A dash of these spices will give your cookies a warm, cozy feel. While crushed hard candy shines in these cookies, you can use other fillings too. Chocolate chips add a rich twist. Mini marshmallows can bring a fun, chewy texture. You can even try different types of candies. Think about gummy bears or sour candies. Each one will give a unique look and taste. Cookie shapes can set the mood for any occasion. For holidays, use seasonal shapes like stars or hearts. For birthdays, try making custom cookie shapes like balloons or gifts. You can use any cookie cutter that fits your theme. The right shape can make your cookies even more special. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To keep your stained glass cookies fresh, use an airtight container. This will help keep moisture out and flavors in. Layer the cookies with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Store them at room temperature away from direct sunlight. This will help maintain their texture and color. You can freeze stained glass cookies for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each cookie in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped cookies in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. To thaw, take the cookies out and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This way, they will taste fresh and yummy. These cookies stay fresh for about one week at room temperature. After that, they may start to lose their charm. Watch for signs like a stale smell or a hard texture. If they feel soft or chewy, they are still good. Use your senses to decide if they are tasty or not. You can use margarine or coconut oil as a butter substitute in stained glass cookies. Both options will change the flavor slightly. Margarine gives a similar taste to butter. Coconut oil adds a hint of coconut flavor, which can be nice. If you use coconut oil, make sure it’s solid when you mix it. This helps your cookies hold their shape. Yes, you can prepare stained glass cookies ahead of time. Make the dough and chill it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready, roll it out and cut your shapes. You can also bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about a week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies. Just make sure to wrap them well to keep them from getting dry. For stained glass cookies, clear or light-colored hard candies work best. Brands like Jolly Rancher, Life Savers, and Werther's Originals are great choices. Their bright colors melt nicely and look beautiful. Crush the candies into small pieces. This helps them fill the center cut-outs well. Avoid using chocolate candies, as they do not melt clear. In this post, we explored how to make stained glass cookies. We discussed the ingredients needed, step-by-step instructions, and tips for great results. I shared variations to keep things fun and storage tips to keep cookies fresh. Remember, creativity makes cooking enjoyable. Don’t hesitate to try new flavors or shapes. You can create unique gifts for friends and family. Happy baking! Enjoy your delicious cookies!](https://mysavedrecipe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/13ab6d2e-bf34-4e22-80f8-5c6f83ce5110-250x250.webp)
Easy Stained Glass Cookies
Get ready to brighten up your dessert table with these colorful stained glass cookies! These easy-to-make treats combine a buttery cookie base with vibrant crushed hard candies that create stunning stained glass effects. Perfect for any occasion, they’ll captivate both kids and adults alike. Discover the step-by-step instructions for baking these delightful goodies and impress your guests. Click through to explore the full recipe and start baking today!