Stained Glass Cookies Recipe

Name: Stained Glass Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Assorted hard candies (like Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers), crushed

Published: December 6, 2025

by Alexia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors of the crushed candies create a beautiful stained glass effect that catches the eye.
Fun to Make: Kids and adults alike will enjoy crushing the candies and shaping the dough.
Versatile: Customize the flavors by using different extracts or experimenting with various candy colors.
Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make wonderful gifts when packaged in decorative boxes or bags.
Festive Treat: Ideal for Christmas, birthdays, or any celebration where you want to spread joy.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Rolling pin
Cookie cutters
Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

Baking sheet: Ensures even cooking and browning of cookies.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
Rolling pin: Helps achieve an even thickness in cookie dough.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract for a twist)
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

For the Stained Glass Effect

Assorted hard candies (like Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers), separated by color and crushed

For Finishing Touches

Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Ribbon or string (if hanging as ornaments)

How to Make Stained Glass Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:
1. Flour
2. Baking powder
3. Salt

Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat together:
1. Softened butter
2. Granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract (and almond extract if using). Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix!

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, making sure to cut out centers for the stained glass effect.

Step 6: Fill with Candy

Place the cookie shapes on your prepared baking sheet. Fill each center with crushed hard candy.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on a wire rack before dusting with powdered sugar.

Step 8: Finishing Touches

If desired, tie ribbons through holes made in the cookies before baking if you plan on using them as ornaments. Enjoy your beautiful Stained Glass Cookies!

How to Serve Stained Glass Cookies Recipe

Stained glass cookies are not only delightful treats but also visually stunning. They make a perfect addition to any festive gathering, and there are various ways to serve them that can elevate your holiday experience.

Arrange a colorful platter filled with stained glass cookies alongside other holiday treats. This makes for an eye-catching centerpiece at any celebration.

Ornaments on the Tree

Use ribbon or string to hang these cookies on your Christmas tree. They add a whimsical touch and can be enjoyed later as a sweet snack.

Gift Boxes

Package individual cookies in clear bags or small boxes tied with ribbons. These make wonderful homemade gifts for friends and neighbors during the holiday season.

Dessert Table Feature

Place stained glass cookies on a dessert table alongside cakes and candies. Their vibrant colors will attract attention and delight guests of all ages.

Kids’ Holiday Parties

Serve these cookies at children’s parties as a fun activity. Kids love the colorful designs, and they can help decorate them too!

How to Perfect Stained Glass Cookies Recipe

To ensure your stained glass cookies turn out beautifully every time, follow these helpful tips.

Chill the dough: Refrigerating the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes helps it maintain its shape while baking.
Use crushed candies wisely: Choose hard candies in various colors for vibrant results, and crush them finely so they fill the cut-out shapes well.
Watch baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies to prevent over-baking; they should be lightly golden around the edges when done.
Cool completely before decorating: Allow your cookies to cool fully before adding any icing or decorations to avoid melting them.
Store properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunchiness.

Best Side Dishes for Stained Glass Cookies Recipe

Stained glass cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their sweetness. Here are some great options for your next gathering.

Hot Cocoa: A warm mug of hot cocoa enhances the festive spirit and pairs perfectly with sweet cookies.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds a healthy balance to a cookie spread, providing vibrant colors and flavors.
Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or mozzarella with crackers for a savory contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
Mini Cupcakes: Offer an assortment of mini cupcakes with different flavors to provide variety alongside your stain glass cookies.
Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts bring a crunchy texture and salty flavor that complements sweet treats beautifully.
Ice Cream: Serve scoops of vanilla or peppermint ice cream as an indulgent option that pairs nicely with the cookies’ sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Stained Glass Cookies can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

Using the Wrong Flour: Using a different type of flour can affect the cookie’s texture. Stick to all-purpose flour for the best results.
Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for tender, delicate results.
Ignoring Chill Time: Not chilling the dough can result in cookies that spread too much while baking. Always chill your dough before rolling it out.
Underbaking: Removing cookies too early may lead to a chewy texture instead of a crisp finish. Keep an eye on them and bake until golden around the edges.
Not Crushing Candies Properly: If the candies are not crushed finely enough, they won’t melt correctly, ruining the stained glass effect. Aim for small, uniform pieces.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container.
They will last up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing Stained Glass Cookies Recipe

Place cookies in a single layer in an airtight container before freezing.
They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Stained Glass Cookies Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5 minutes.
Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on medium power for 10-15 seconds until warm.
Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for about 2 minutes to warm through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Stained Glass Cookies Recipe.

Can I use different types of candy?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with various hard candies for different colors and flavors.

How do I achieve vibrant colors in my stained glass cookies?

Choose bright-colored candies like Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers. The more colorful your candy selection, the more vibrant your cookies will look!

What if I don’t have almond extract?

You can substitute with vanilla extract or leave it out altogether if you prefer a traditional flavor.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they remain fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

The Stained Glass Cookies Recipe is perfect for festive occasions and can bring joy to both kids and adults alike. These cookies are easy to customize with your choice of colors and flavors. Try them out, and let your creativity shine!

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