Description

Stained Glass Window Cookies are a vibrant and artistic treat that combines buttery cookie dough with colorful hard candy “windows.” These delightful cookies not only look stunning but also deliver a satisfying crunch and a burst of fruity sweetness. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special gift, they evoke cherished memories and can be customized to suit any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup crushed hard candies (e.g., Jolly Ranchers)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until combined.
Divide the dough into two portions and roll each out between parchment paper to about ¼ inch thick. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
Cut out shapes from the chilled dough using cookie cutters and remove inner sections for candy windows. Fill these openings with crushed hard candies.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and candies have melted. Allow to cool completely on wire racks before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
Calories: 150
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: <1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: To prevent spreading, always chill your dough before rolling it out. Opt for high-quality hard candies for vibrant colors that hold up during baking. For added flavor variations, consider incorporating almond extract or using flavored candies like sour options.