Stained Glass Window Sugar Cookies

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Stained Glass Window Sugar Cookies

Stained Glass Window Sugar Cookies are a dazzling treat that brings joy and creativity to any occasion. Imagine a collection of colorful, semi-transparent sweets, shaped into festive designs that not only look beautiful but also taste delicious! These cookies are perfect for vibrant holiday celebrations, birthday parties, or any time you want to impress family and friends. With a delightful crunch and a hint of sweetness from the hard candy filling, this recipe is fun to make, especially for those who love to involve their loved ones in the kitchen. Let’s get started with this step-by-step guide that will charm both the young and the young-at-heart!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the best aspects of Stained Glass Window Sugar Cookies is their simplicity. You don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients—just a few kitchen staples will do! This family-friendly recipe is particularly great for baking with children, who can enjoy rolling out the dough and cutting out shapes. Plus, the process of filling the cookies with colorful hard candy is incredibly fun to watch as they melt into a beautiful glass-like center. Not only is it quick to whip up, but the results are nothing short of impressive and can easily be customized for any festive occasion!

Ingredients for Stained Glass Window Sugar Cookies

• 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: This serves as the sturdy base for our cookies, providing a perfect canvas for the delightful toppings.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Essential for creating that light, airy texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich creaminess and ensures the cookies are tender.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: For that perfect sweet touch.
• 1 large egg: Gives the cookie structure and moisture.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: A dash of warm, comforting flavor that elevates the cookies.
• 15-20 unwrapped hard candies (e.g., Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers): These add the stunning stained-glass effect!
• 1 large egg white or 2 tablespoons water: For brushing on the cookies before baking.
• 1/3 cup coarse sugar or sprinkles: A lovely finishing touch that adds sparkle.

Step-by-Step Directions for Stained Glass Window Sugar Cookies

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This blend of dry ingredients ensures a well-rounded dough.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on high speed until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is key for a tender cookie!

3. Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture until well combined, creating a deliciously aromatic batter.

4. Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually blend the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. Chill the prepared dough in the fridge for 1-2 hours to enhance its texture.

5. Preheat Oven: While your dough is chilling, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy release.

6. Roll and Cut: Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, remembering to cut out centers for the candy filling!

7. Brush and Fill: Using a brush, apply egg white or water onto the edges of the cookies, then fill the cut-out centers with crushed hard candies, ensuring a colorful filling.

8. Bake: Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 12-13 minutes or until the edges begin to brown, turning your kitchen into a delightful aroma-filled space.

9. Cool and Transfer: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Tricks for Stained Glass Window Sugar Cookies

• Chill your dough: Don’t skip the chilling step as it helps the cookies hold their shapes during baking.
• Go wild with shapes: You can use any cookie cutter shapes that match with your occasion—from stars to hearts, the creativity is endless!
• Candy flavor combinations: Feel free to mix different hard candies to create custom color blends and flavors.
• Avoid overflow: When filling the centers with crushed candy, don’t overfill to prevent ooze during baking.
• Decorate stylishly: After cooling, consider adding icing or sprinkles for an extra burst of color!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Stained Glass Window Sugar Cookies can be beautifully presented on a festive platter, perfect for gatherings and celebrations. Pair these cookies with a cozy cup of tea or hot chocolate for a comforting treat. They also make great gifts when packaged in clear bags tied with colorful ribbons, highlighting their stunning visual appeal. Consider creating a themed cookie box for holidays by grouping together these cookies with other treats like gingerbread men or peppermint bark!

Nutritional Information

While the joyful nature of these cookies might tempt you to indulge, it’s always good to know what’s in them! Each cookie is roughly estimated to contain about 120-150 calories, depending on size and how much candy you use. They are a fun treat but remember, moderation is key! Enjoying a couple while sharing with friends is a delightful way to balance sweetness with wellbeing.

Storing Tips & Variations for Stained Glass Window Sugar Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months—just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Want to experiment? Try substituting the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a friendly variation, or consider adding citrus zest for a unique flavor twist. Don’t hesitate to swap out the hard candies for different flavors to suit your taste!

Conclusion for Stained Glass Window Sugar Cookies

These Stained Glass Window Sugar Cookies are not just a feast for the taste buds; they’re a visual treat that will light up any occasion! With their simple preparation and dazzling appearance, they’re bound to become a favorite among family traditions. Gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and start decorating these enchanting cookies today. You won’t regret creating such sweet moments in the kitchen!

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of candies for the filling?
Absolutely! You can experiment with various types of hard candies; just ensure they are safe for baking.

2. How long will these cookies stay fresh?
If stored in an airtight container, they can last about a week at room temperature.

3. Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Just let it thaw in the fridge before rolling it out.

4. What’s the best way to crush hard candies?
Place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin or mallet to crush them to your desired size.

5. Can I make these cookies without eggs?
For an eggless version, try using a flaxseed meal mixture or other egg substitutes suited for baking.

Get ready to create beautiful memories and stunning cookies with this easy and exciting recipe!

Stained Glass Window Sugar Cookies

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These dazzling Stained Glass Window Sugar Cookies bring joy and creativity to any occasion with their colorful, semi-transparent centers.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 15–20 unwrapped hard candies (e.g., Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers)
• 1 large egg white or 2 tablespoons water
• 1/3 cup coarse sugar or sprinkles

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on high speed until smooth and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually blend the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined; chill the dough in the fridge for 1-2 hours.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, ensuring to cut out centers for the candy filling.
7. Brush edges with egg white or water, then fill cut-out centers with crushed hard candies.
8. Bake for 12-13 minutes or until the edges begin to brown.
9. Allow to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Chill the dough to help the cookies maintain their shape. Experiment with different cookie cutter shapes and hard candy flavors for variety.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 135
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

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