Stained Glass Cookies
There’s something simply enchanting about the vibrant hues of Stained Glass Cookies. Picture this: a warm kitchen filled with the sweet, buttery aroma wafting through the air, inviting a smile from everyone who crosses the threshold. As the cookies bake in the oven, anticipation builds as colorful swirls of melted candy come together to create a stunning treat that is not just delicious but also a feast for the eyes.
Table of Contents
I still remember the first time I made these delightful cookies with my grandmother. We would gather around the kitchen table, laughing and chatting as we chatted about life while preparing this special recipe. Those moments are cherished memories that remind me of the joy and warmth that baking can bring—especially during the festive seasons. Now, I invite you to create your own memories with this whimsical recipe. Let’s get baking and make some beautiful Stained Glass Cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip up these cookies in just about 30 minutes, perfect for those sudden cravings or last-minute gatherings.
- Irresistible Flavor: Buttery cookies blend perfectly with the sweetness of the melted candies, creating a deliciously chewy texture.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Bright and colorful, these cookies are sure to impress at any party or holiday event!
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion—from birthday treats to holiday cookie exchanges.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily modify this recipe to be gluten-free or vegan by substituting key ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ¾ cup unsalted butter: This provides a rich flavor and soft texture. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing. If needed, you can substitute with vegan butter.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is essential in cookies! Feel free to use coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt: Salt enhances the sweetness of the cookies and balances flavors. You can also use table salt, but keep it to ¼ teaspoon.
- 2 large eggs: Eggs contribute to the structure and richness of the cookies. For a vegan alternative, replace them with flax eggs.
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a wonderful aroma and flavor. Try to use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour (plus ¼ cup for dusting): Flour gives cookies their structure. You can use a gluten-free blend in place of all-purpose flour if needed.
- 2 cups Jolly Ranchers: The star of the show! Crushed candies provide the “stained glass” effect. Feel free to use any hard candy you prefer.
How to Make Stained Glass Cookies
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This activity sets the stage for your baking process, making things smoother later on. As the oven warms up, gather all your ingredients so that you’re ready to go.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2½ cups of flour and the sea salt. This dry blend of ingredients serves as the foundation for your cookies, ensuring that everything mixes evenly later on. Whisking also aerates the flour, which is key to achieving a light, tender texture. Set this bowl aside for now.
Whisk Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, cream together the room-temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Beat until it’s light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Then mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This step is vital as it forms the rich body of your cookies.
Fold Together Gently: Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet batter. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to gently fold in the flour mixture. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough just combined. A little bit of flour left unincorporated is okay, as it’ll come together when you add the candies.
Add the Candy: Now comes the fun part! Fold in the crushed Jolly Ranchers, mixing just enough to distribute them throughout the dough. This action creates that beautiful, colorful gem-like look in your cookies. It can be tempting to go crazy with the candy, but moderation is key to prevent melting over the sides.
Scoop and Shape: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out rounded balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. These cookies will spread a little as they bake, so give them some room to do their thing. Roll them gently in your hands for a smooth finish if necessary.
Bake Until Golden: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden around the edges. You might see slight bubbling from the melted candies, and that’s a good sign! Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. The patience will pay off as they settle into that perfect chewy texture.
Storing & Reheating
To keep your Stained Glass Cookies at their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to save them for longer, you can place them in the fridge in a sealed container for about two weeks. Alternatively, freeze the cookies in a flat single layer, separating them with parchment paper for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes. While the texture might slightly change, a quick warm-up will enhance the lovely flavors.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Make sure your butter is truly at room temperature for the best emulsification; cold butter can lead to an uneven texture.
- Avoid overmixing the dough once you add the flour, or else the cookies may become tough rather than tender.
- Consider chilling your dough briefly for 10-15 minutes before baking to help keep the cookie shape intact.
- If the candy starts to overflow, simply use a clean knife to trim the excess melted candy before they cool.
- Experiment with different hard candies—a mix of colors can create a variety of stunning cookie looks!
When you whip up these Stained Glass Cookies, there’s a world of joy woven into every bite. The combination of buttery goodness and colorful candy brings a nostalgic touch, perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and variations to find your favorite twist. Enjoy the creative journey, and may your cookie-baking adventures be filled with laughter and love!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to a day in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and shaping.
What if my cookies spread too much during baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it often means that the dough was too warm or not mixed properly. Ensure your butter is at the right temperature and consider chilling the dough for a short while before baking.
Can I use different types of candy?
Yes! While Jolly Ranchers are popular, feel free to experiment with other hard candies like Life Savers or Skittles. Just remember to crush them into small pieces for the best results.
How do I prevent the candy from burning?
To avoid burning the candies, keep a close eye on the cookies during the last few minutes of baking. If you notice the edges of the candy getting too dark, you can lightly cover the cookies with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
More Breakfast Recipes
- Sweet Cabbage Strudel with Raisins and Brown Sugar
- Valentine Homemade Blueberry Bagels (Real Flavor)
- White Mac and Cheese
- Focaccia Muffins
- Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
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📖 Recipe Card
Stained Glass Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Stained Glass Cookies are a delightful mix of buttery goodness and colorful candy, perfect for celebrations and easy to prepare. Create magical memories with each batch!
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour (plus ¼ cup for dusting)
- 2 cups Jolly Ranchers
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour and sea salt in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then mix in eggs and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently together.
- Fold in crushed Jolly Ranchers carefully to distribute them.
- Scoop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden, then let cool briefly before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
For gluten-free cookies, use a gluten-free flour blend.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
You can chill the dough for 10-15 minutes to maintain cookie shape during baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
