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Stained Glass Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 140 reviews

Stained Glass Cookies are delightful sugar cookies with a colorful twist, featuring a window of melted Jolly Rancher candies in the center. These festive treats are perfect for holidays and special occasions, combining a buttery, tender cookie exterior with a vibrant, translucent candy glaze that shines like stained glass.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookies

  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups (382g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for dusting

Stained Glass Centers

  • Jolly Ranchers hard candies (approx. 20), assorted colors, unwrapped and crushed or whole depending on cookie cutter size

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract and salt. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
  2. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up. This helps the dough hold its shape when rolling and cutting.
  3. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
  4. Roll Out and Cut Cookies: Lightly dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour. Roll out one portion of dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Using a large cookie cutter, cut out shapes from the dough. Then, with a smaller cookie cutter, cut out the center of each shape to create a window for the candy.
  5. Add the Candy Centers: Place the cut-out cookies on prepared baking sheets. Fill the centers with crushed or whole Jolly Ranchers candies, ensuring the candy fills the holes but stays within the cookie edges. If using crushed candy, sprinkle enough to cover the center hole evenly.
  6. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges and the candy centers have melted and are bubbly. Keep an eye on the candy to avoid burning.
  7. Cool Completely: Remove cookies from oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 10-15 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Allow the candy centers to harden fully before handling or serving to prevent cracking.

Notes

  • Use different colors of Jolly Ranchers to create a vibrant stained glass effect.
  • If you prefer, you can crush the candies finely for a smoother candy window or use whole pieces for a more mosaic look.
  • Ensure the dough is chilled well to make rolling and cutting easier.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; they stay fresh for up to a week.
  • Be careful when handling and eating as the candy centers can be very hard.

Keywords: Stained Glass Cookies, Sugar Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Jolly Rancher Cookies, Candy Window Cookies

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/stained-glass-cookies-recipe/