Easy Stained Glass Cookies

Name: Easy Stained Glass Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 1 cup crushed hard candies (such as Jolly Ranchers)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight in the colorful beauty of these Easy Stained Glass Cookies, perfect for festive occasions and sweet treats.

Created by

Mia Jefferson

Last updated on 2025-12-19T14:08:03.441Z

These Easy Stained Glass Cookies are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful treat for your taste buds. The combination of buttery cookie dough and vibrant melted candies creates a whimsical effect that will impress everyone. Ideal for holiday gatherings or as a fun baking project with the kids, these cookies are sure to become a cherished favorite.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Vibrant and colorful design that captivates the eye
Simple recipe that is perfect for baking with kids
Delicious buttery flavor with a sweet candy twist

      

The Perfect Treat for Any Occasion

Easy Stained Glass Cookies are a wonderful addition to any festive gathering. Their vibrant colors and unique design make them an eye-catching treat that will delight both kids and adults alike. Whether you're hosting a holiday party, a birthday celebration, or just looking to add some fun to your baking routine, these cookies are sure to impress. They not only taste delicious but also add a touch of whimsy to your dessert table.

These cookies are not just visually appealing; they also carry a delightful buttery flavor enhanced by the sweet, colorful candy centers. The contrast of textures between the crisp cookie and the chewy, melted candy creates an unforgettable eating experience. Ideal for sharing with friends and family, these cookies can also be packaged beautifully as gifts, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.

Baking with Kids

Baking can be a wonderful bonding experience for families, and Easy Stained Glass Cookies provide the perfect opportunity to include your little ones in the kitchen. The process of rolling out dough, cutting shapes, and filling them with colorful candies is not only fun but also educational. Kids can learn about measurements and the science of baking while enjoying the creativity involved in decorating their cookies.

As the candies melt in the oven, children will be fascinated by the transformation and the vibrant colors that emerge. This recipe allows for creativity, as kids can choose their favorite shapes and candy colors, making each batch unique. It’s a fantastic way to create lasting memories while teaching valuable cooking skills!

Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with your Easy Stained Glass Cookies, ensure that your butter is softened but not melted. This will help create a light and fluffy dough, which is crucial for the perfect cookie texture. Additionally, chilling the dough is an important step that makes it easier to handle and helps maintain the cookies' shape while baking.

When it comes to selecting candies for the stained glass effect, opt for hard candies that melt well, such as Jolly Ranchers or Werther's Originals. You can experiment with different colors and flavors to create a stunning array of cookies. Just be sure to crush the candies into small pieces to ensure even melting and avoid any burnt edges.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

For the Stained Glass Effect

1 cup crushed hard candies (such as Jolly Ranchers)

Make sure to crush the candies into small pieces for the best stained glass effect!

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two halves, shape each half into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Roll and Cut the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, making sure to cut out a smaller shape from the center of each cookie as well.

Add the Candy

Place the cookie shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Fill the center cutouts with crushed hard candies. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the candies have melted.

Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy your beautiful stained glass cookies!

Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Storing Your Cookies

Once your Easy Stained Glass Cookies are baked and cooled, it's important to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, you can enjoy a sweet treat whenever you crave one!

If you're planning to decorate the cookies further, wait until they're completely cool before adding any icing or additional toppings. This will prevent any melting or unwanted mixing of flavors. With proper storage, these cookies can remain a delightful treat for days on end.

Creative Variations

While the classic recipe is delicious on its own, feel free to get creative with your Easy Stained Glass Cookies! Experiment with flavored extracts like lemon or orange to add a zesty twist to the cookie dough. You can also try using different types of hard candies for unique flavor combinations and color palettes.

For a seasonal touch, consider using cookie cutters in festive shapes corresponding to holidays, such as hearts for Valentine's Day or snowflakes for Christmas. This versatility makes these cookies perfect for any celebration, allowing you to easily tailor them to your themed events.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different shapes for the cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any cookie cutter shapes you prefer.

→ What candies work best for the stained glass effect?

Hard candies like Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers work best because they melt well and create a vibrant color.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling out.