Christmas Stained Glass Cookies
These visually stunning cookies feature a vibrant stained glass effect created by melted hard candies, providing a delicious and festive treat perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened For a dairy-free version, use margarine or coconut oil.
- 1 cup granulated sugar Can substitute with coconut sugar.
- 1 large egg For a vegan version, replace with a flax egg.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed hard candies (assorted colors) Such as Jolly Ranchers.
Decoration (optional)
- Icing Optional for decoration.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients on a clean countertop and pre-measure them.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mixing the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla to the butter mixture and beat until incorporated.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, forming a cohesive dough.
Shaping and Baking
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut out desired shapes with cookie cutters and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cut out the center of each cookie shape to form a window.
- Fill the cut-out centers generously with crushed hard candies.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Cookies can be frozen for up to three months.