Stained Glass Cookies

olivia

Published:

November 7, 2025

Colorful stained glass cookies decorated with vibrant candies

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why make this recipe

Stained Glass Cookies are not just delicious; they are also visually stunning! These cookies are a delightful treat for special occasions, holidays, or just a fun baking day with the family. The colorful, transparent center made with crushed Jolly Ranchers adds a playfulness that both kids and adults love. Not only is the process of making them enjoyable, but decorating and sharing these beautiful cookies creates wonderful memories.

how to make Stained Glass Cookies

Ingredients:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup crushed Jolly Ranchers (variety of colors)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
In another large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
Gradually add the flour mixture and mix until just combined.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cut out small shapes in the center of each cookie.
Fill the center cut-outs with crushed Jolly Ranchers.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let cool on a wire rack before decorating or displaying.

how to serve Stained Glass Cookies

Serve Stained Glass Cookies on a colorful platter for a beautiful display. These cookies make an excellent treat for parties, holidays, or as a fun dessert. They taste great on their own, but you can also serve them with a warm cup of hot chocolate or tea.

how to store Stained Glass Cookies

Store your Stained Glass Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to separate the layers of cookies with parchment paper before placing them in the freezer.

tips to make Stained Glass Cookies

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
Roll the dough evenly to ensure all cookies bake uniformly.
Use various cookie cutter shapes to make your cookies even more festive.
Be careful not to overbake; removing them from the oven when edges are lightly golden helps keep them soft and chewy.

variation

For a different flavor, you can mix in some lemon or almond extract instead of vanilla. You can also experiment with different types of hard candies for the center, like Lifesavers or Werther’s Originals, allowing for a variety of colors and flavors.

FAQs

Q: Can I use different types of candies?
A: Yes! You can use any colorful hard candies that can melt, like Lifesavers or other fruit-flavored candies.

Q: Can I chill the dough before rolling it out?
A: Absolutely! Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can make it easier to handle and roll out.

Q: How do I crush the Jolly Ranchers?
A: Place them in a plastic bag and use a rolling pin or a heavy object to crush them into small pieces. Be careful not to crush them too finely; some small chunks will create beautiful designs.