Description
These Stained Glass Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that combines a crisp, buttery texture with a burst of fruity flavor from the colorful candy centers. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth experience that is both visually stunning and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Stained Glass Centers:
- 1 cup crushed hard candies (such as Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick and cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
- Use a smaller cookie cutter to cut out the center of each cookie, creating a window for the candy.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and fill the centers with crushed hard candies.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The candy should be melted but not bubbling.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Make-ahead: The dough can be prepared and chilled up to 2 days in advance.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Substitutions: Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version or substitute almond extract for vanilla for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: desserts
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Sodium: 50 milligrams
- Fat: 5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 18 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Cholesterol: 15 milligrams
Keywords: Stained Glass Sugar Cookies, sugar cookies, holiday cookies, colorful cookies, dessert recipes, baking, festive treats, cookie decorating, easy cookie recipes, kid-friendly recipes, Christmas cookies, sweet treats, homemade cookies