Stained Glass Cookies – Easy and Colorful Christmas Treats

Stained Glass Cookies shine like tiny ornaments on your holiday tray. Each cookie has a colorful candy window that makes every bite sparkle. These Stained Glass Cookies are fun to make, easy to decorate, and perfect for Christmas baking with family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stained Glass Cookies look beautiful but are simple to make. The buttery dough stays soft and crumbly, and the candy centers melt into shiny, colorful windows. Kids love helping with Stained Glass Cookie dough, especially when crushing candies and watching them melt. You can even make the cookies ahead and turn them into edible ornaments.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Candy Centers and Extras

• Assorted hard candies (like Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers), crushed by color
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
• Ribbon or string if you want to make ornaments

Tip: For a brighter flavor, use lemon or orange zest instead of almond extract.

How to Make Stained Glass Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix everything until smooth, then slowly stir in the dry ingredients.

Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic, and chill it for at least one hour. Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape.

Step 2: Crush and Sort the Candies

While the dough chills, unwrap your candies. Separate them by color and place them in small plastic bags. Use a rolling pin or kitchen mallet to crush them into medium pieces. Too fine, and they might burn. Too chunky, and they won’t melt right.

Step 3: Cut Out the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll your dough to ¼ inch thick on a floured surface. Cut large shapes using cookie cutters, then cut out small shapes in the middle. Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Add the Candy

Fill the centers with crushed candy—just enough to cover the bottom. Don’t overfill or the candy will bubble too much.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cookie edges are light golden and the candy melts completely. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes so the candy can harden. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully.

If you want to hang them on a tree, make a small hole at the top with a straw while they’re still warm.

Step 6: Decorate and Enjoy

Once cooled, dust the edges with powdered sugar for a snowy touch. Add ribbons through the holes for ornaments. You can serve them on a platter or wrap them in clear bags for gifts.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Watch carefully near the end of baking to prevent cloudy candy.
• Use clear, hard candies only—avoid soft or chewy ones.
• Try citrus zest, almond extract, or even a hint of cinnamon for new flavors.
• Fun idea: use star or heart-shaped cutters for special occasions.

You can also try Chocolate Crinkle Cookies for a Classic Holiday Look or Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars for Festive Celebrations for more fun baking ideas.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store cookies in a single layer inside an airtight container. Use parchment between layers to keep them from sticking. Keep them in a cool, dry place.

To freeze, place cookies in a single layer on a tray. Once frozen, move them into containers with parchment between layers. Thaw inside the container so condensation doesn’t ruin the candy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Stained Glass Cookies are a true holiday favorite that bring color and cheer to any kitchen. These Stained Glass Cookies sparkle under the lights, taste buttery and sweet, and make every celebration feel special. Whether you bake them for family, friends, or gifts, they always bring smiles.

For more creative baking inspiration, visit Pinterest or join our community on Facebook.

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