Introduction

Stained Glass Cookies are a fun and colorful treat that bring a touch of artistry to your baking. These festive cookies feature a crisp sugar cookie dough with a vibrant, melted candy center that shines like stained glass when baked.

The image shows a collection of star-shaped cookies laid flat on a white marbled surface, each cookie having two layers. The bottom layer is a light beige baked dough, smooth and thick, forming the star shape with a hollow star cut out in the center. The top layer fills this hollow center with different translucent colors, including blue, pink, red, and yellow, each with a glossy, slightly textured surface resembling stained glass. The cookies are placed close to each other in neat rows, creating a colorful and festive pattern. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup Sugar
1/2 teaspoon Salt

1 Tablespoon Vanilla extract
1 large Egg

3/4 cup Butter (room temperature)
2-1/2 cups Flour

16 Jolly Ranchers (assorted colors)

Instructions

Step 1: Gather all your ingredients and baking supplies to have everything ready.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, add the sugar, salt, vanilla extract, egg, and room temperature butter.

Step 3: Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to combine the ingredients thoroughly.
Step 4: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until the dough begins to clump together.
Step 5: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it briefly until smooth.

Step 6: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
Step 7: While the dough chills, unwrap two Jolly Ranchers at a time and place them in a plastic baggie.
Step 8: Crush the candies with a hammer or meat mallet into small pieces or powder, removing any large chunks. Repeat with other colors as needed.

Step 9: Lightly flour your working surface, place the chilled dough on top, and sprinkle a bit of flour on the dough.
Step 10: Roll the dough out to just over 1/4 inch thick.
Step 11: Use a cookie cutter to cut out your chosen shapes, such as stars.

Step 12: Place the cut cookies on a parchment-lined baking tray or a silicone mat covered with parchment.
Step 13: Use a smaller cookie cutter of a similar shape to cut out the centers of the cookies.
Step 14: Fill the centers with the crushed candy pieces, ensuring they don’t overflow. Remove any candy pieces on top of the dough before baking.

Step 15: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 12 minutes.
Step 16: Let the cookies cool on the tray for 20 to 30 minutes until the candy centers have hardened completely.
Step 17: Once cooled, your stained glass cookies are ready to enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use different shapes and multiple colors of crushed candies for a vibrant, mosaic effect.
Ensure the centers are not overfilled to prevent spreading and sticking to the baking tray.
For a fruitier flavor, try using flavored hard candies in place of Jolly Ranchers.

Chill the dough well before rolling to make cutting shapes easier and to prevent spreading.

Storage

Store stained glass cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keep them separate from other cookies to avoid stickiness. They can be gently reheated in a warm oven for a few minutes if desired, but they are best enjoyed at room temperature once the candy centers have fully set.

How to Serve

A close-up view of multiple star-shaped cookies layered on a white marbled surface, each cookie having two layers visible: a thicker outer cookie layer in light tan with a smooth, soft texture and a glossy, colorful stained glass-like center in various translucent colors including red, orange, yellow, green, and blue. The center layers have a shiny, smooth finish that catches light, making them appear almost jewel-like, while the cookie edges are matte and slightly rounded, showing a soft crumbly texture. The cookies overlap naturally, creating depth and variation in how the colors and shapes are seen. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of hard candies for the stained glass effect?

Yes, you can substitute Jolly Ranchers with other hard candies like Life Savers or any colored, flavored candy that melts well. Avoid candies with nuts or fillings.

What if the candy centers spread too much while baking?

This usually happens when the candy pieces are too large or the centers are overfilled. Crush the candies into small bits and fill the centers lightly to prevent spreading. Also, make sure your baking sheet is covered with parchment or a silicone mat to avoid sticking.