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Stained Glass Window Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 127 reviews

These Stained Glass Window Cookies are a whimsical and festive treat featuring soft cookie dough with a touch of molasses, filled with colorful melted hard candies that create a beautiful stained glass effect. Perfect for holiday celebrations or special occasions, these cookies combine classic buttery sweetness with a playful pop of color and a smooth icing finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ teaspoon baking powder

Candy Filling

  • 20 hard candies (such as Jolly Ranchers), divided by color and crushed

Icing (optional)

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions

  1. Make the cookie dough: In a stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugars on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl sides, then add molasses, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and the egg. Beat until fully combined.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder in a separate medium bowl. Add these dry ingredients in three portions to the butter-sugar mixture, stirring after each addition until fully incorporated.
  3. Chill the dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape each into a 1-inch thick disk. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days to firm up.
  4. Prepare the candy pieces: Sort the hard candies by color into resealable plastic bags and crush them into small pieces using a meat tenderizer, hammer, or rolling pin. Set aside. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
  5. Roll and cut cookies: Remove one dough disk from the fridge. Roll it out between two sheets of parchment paper or on a well-floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use large cookie cutters to cut shapes, then cut smaller shapes in the center of each cookie to create “windows.” Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 1 inch apart.
  6. Add crushed candy filling: Spoon or sprinkle crushed candies into the center cut-outs of each cookie, filling the holes completely but not overfilling. Remove any stray candy bits from the cookie tops to prevent discoloring.
  7. Bake the cookies: Bake for 7 to 9 minutes until the cookie edges are just set and lightly golden and the candy centers have fully melted. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 10 to 15 minutes so the candy sets before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  8. Repeat with remaining dough: Use the remaining dough disk to repeat rolling, cutting, and filling steps. Reroll scraps at least twice to maximize dough usage.
  9. Prepare icing (optional): In a medium bowl, whisk powdered sugar, light corn syrup, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and thick, resembling thick honey. Transfer to a piping bag or resealable bag and cut a small tip for detailed decorating.
  10. Decorate cookies: Pipe icing onto cooled cookies in your desired patterns. Allow icing to set completely, about 30 minutes, before stacking or storing.
  11. Store the cookies: Keep the finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate them for up to 10 days.

Notes

  • Ensure cookie dough is well chilled to prevent spreading during baking.
  • Use hard candies like Jolly Ranchers for vibrant colors and easy melting; avoid sugar-free candies.
  • Work quickly when filling cookies with crushed candies to prevent melting before baking.
  • For best results, clean candy pieces off cookie tops before baking to avoid discoloration.
  • Icing is optional but adds a lovely decorative finish and a touch of sweetness.
  • To reroll dough scraps, knead gently without overworking to keep cookies tender.

Keywords: stained glass cookies, holiday cookies, festive cookies, hard candy cookies, stained glass window cookie recipe

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/stained-glass-window-cookies-recipe/