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Easy Stained Glass Cookies Recipe

Stained Glass Cookies are magical, glowing holiday treats made with buttery sugar cookie dough and crushed hard candies that melt into jewel-like windowpanes. Stunning, festive, and easier than they look!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 18 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 228
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract optional
  • Assorted hard candies Jolly Ranchers, Life Savers, or lollipops, crushed
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Ribbon or string for ornaments

Method
 

  1. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl.
  2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract; mix to combine.
  4. Add dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
  5. Form dough into a disk, wrap, and chill for 1–2 hours.
  6. Separate candies by color and crush into small pieces.
  7. Roll chilled dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface.
  8. Cut out large cookie shapes, then cut out centers for windows.
  9. Transfer cookies to lined baking sheets.
  10. Spoon crushed candy into centers, filling about ⅔ full.
  11. If making ornaments, use a straw to punch a hole at the top.
  12. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until candy melts and bubbles.
  13. Cool cookies on the sheet 5–10 minutes, then transfer to racks.
  14. Dust edges with powdered sugar once completely cool.

Notes

Avoid overfilling candy centers. Allow cookies to cool fully so candy hardens properly. Store at room temperature in an airtight container for best texture.