Easy & Stunning Stained Glass Window Cookies: A Delicious Holiday Masterpiece!

The holiday season is all about creating magic, and what better way to do that than with a batch of Easy & Stunning Stained Glass Window Cookies? These cookies are not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes, with their colorful, translucent centers that mimic the beauty of stained glass. Perfect for Christmas, Hanukkah, or any festive gathering, these cookies are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is simple enough to follow and yields results that look like they came straight from a professional bakery. Let’s dive into why these cookies are a must-make and how you can create your own edible works of art!

Why You’ll Love These Stained Glass Window Cookies

1. Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, these cookies are beginner-friendly.

2. Visually Stunning: The colorful centers make these cookies a showstopper at any event.

3. Perfect for the Holidays: They’re festive, fun, and perfect for gifting or decorating your holiday table.

4. Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping crush the hard candies and watching the “stained glass” form in the oven.

5. Versatile: Use different cookie cutter shapes and candy colors to match any theme or occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get started, let’s gather the ingredients. Most of these are pantry staples, so you might not even need a trip to the store!

• All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough.

• Butter: Unsalted and softened to room temperature for the perfect texture.

• Sugar: Granulated sugar for sweetness.

• Egg: To bind the dough together.

• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting flavor.

• Baking powder: For a slight rise and tender texture.

• Salt: To balance the sweetness.

• Hard candies: Use assorted colors (like Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers) to create the stained glass effect.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.

3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

6. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This makes it easier to roll out.

7. Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, then use a smaller cutter or knife to cut out the centers where the “stained glass” will go.

8. Prepare the Candy: Crush the hard candies by color and place them in separate bowls.

9. Fill the Centers: Carefully fill the cut-out centers with the crushed candy, making sure not to overfill.

10. Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the candy has melted.

11. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before handling. The candy centers will harden as they cool, creating the stained glass effect.

Tips for Success

• Chill the Dough: This step is crucial for easy rolling and cutting.

• Even Thickness: Roll the dough evenly to ensure all the cookies bake at the same rate.

• Don’t Overfill: Use just enough crushed candy to fill the centers without spilling over.

• Use Parchment Paper: This prevents the melted candy from sticking to the baking sheet.

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Why These Cookies Are a Holiday Favorite

These Stained Glass Window Cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a festive masterpiece. The colorful, translucent centers make them a stunning addition to any holiday spread, and their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them irresistible. Whether you’re baking them for a party, a gift, or just because, these cookies are sure to bring joy to everyone who tries them.

Conclusion

Baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be fun and impressive, and these Easy & Stunning Stained Glass Window Cookies are proof of that. With their simple ingredients, beautiful design, and delicious flavor, they’re the perfect treat for any holiday occasion. So grab your cookie cutters, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of holiday magic. Trust us, once you try these cookies, you’ll be making them again and again!

FAQs

1. Can I use gluten-free flour for these cookies?Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

2. Can I use other types of candy?Hard candies work best because they melt evenly and become translucent. Avoid using chocolates or gummy candies.

3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.

4. How do I store these cookies?Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

5. Can I use food coloring instead of candy?No, the candy is essential for creating the stained glass effect.

6. Why did my candy centers bubble?This can happen if the candy is overfilled. Use just enough to fill the centers without spilling over.

7. Can I freeze these cookies?Yes, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

8. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?Absolutely! A hand mixer works just as well for this recipe.

9. Can I make these cookies without cookie cutters?Yes, you can roll the dough into small balls and flatten them with your hand, then cut out the centers with a knife.

10. Can I add icing to these cookies?Yes, a simple powdered sugar glaze can add extra sweetness and decoration.

Craving delicious recipes? Explore a variety of mouthwatering dishes that are perfect for any occasion! Whether you're in the mood for savory appetizers or indulgent treats, we've got you covered. Check out these featured recipes:

1. Buffalo Chicken Dip – The ultimate cast iron appetizer, perfect for game day or any gathering. Get the recipe here.

2. Korean Chicken Thighs – Sweet and spicy with a gochujang kick that will leave your taste buds craving more. Check out this flavorful dish.

3. Irish Pub Potato Nachos – Comfort food at its finest with this hearty and satisfying appetizer. Learn how to make it here.

4. Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir-Fry – Quick, healthy, and delicious! Perfect for a weeknight dinner. Try this easy stir-fry recipe.

5. Copycat Starbucks Bacon & Egg Bites – A tasty and easy breakfast option for when you're on the go. See how to make them here.

6. French Toast Breakfast Sandwich – The ultimate sweet and savory breakfast treat. Get the recipe here.

7. 3-Ingredient Cookie Puff Pastry – A quick and delightful treat you can whip up with just a few ingredients. Find out how to make it here.

8. Pumpkin Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls – Your new fall favorite, combining pumpkin and cinnamon in a delectable roll. Check out the recipe here.

9. Zesty Buttery Orange Cranberry Muffins – The perfect muffin for any occasion, with a bright citrus twist. Bake them with this recipe.

Enjoy exploring these recipes and adding new favorites to your kitchen!

If you want more recipes, checks these folks out:

Allrecipes - https://www.allrecipes.com/

• Over 1 million recipes from around the world

• Easy to search and find recipes

• Over 25 million monthly visitors

• The Food Network - https://www.foodnetwork.com/

  • Over 15,000 recipes from celebrity chefs like Bobby Flay, Ina Garten, and Guy Fieri

  • Recipes for all occasions and dietary preferences

  • Video recipes available

• Yummly - https://www.yummly.com/

  • Over 2 million recipes with advanced filtering options

  • Appealing and easy to navigate interface

  • Ability to create meal plans based on diet and allergies

• Epicurious - https://www.epicurious.com/

  • Hand-picked recipes from Bon Appétit and Gourmet magazines

  • Focus on quality over quantity

  • Over 30,000 recipes from around the world

• Tasty - https://tasty.co/

  • Primarily video-based recipes with catchy music and quick steps

  • Covers popular recipe trends like air fryer and baked feta pasta

  • Simple ingredients and 10-minute recipes for beginners

• Delish - https://www.delish.com/

  • Thousands of tested recipes with mouthwatering photos

  • Organized by trending dishes, favorites, healthy options and more

  • Helpful articles and videos on food blogging and cooking tips

• The Kitchn - https://www.thekitchn.com/

  • Recipes and helpful cooking articles and lesson videos

  • Organized by season, meal type and more for easy browsing

  • Interviews with professional chefs and step-by-step technique videos

• Love and Lemons - https://www.loveandlemons.com/

  • Focuses on fresh, seasonal produce and vegetable-forward dishes

  • Stunning food photography and simple, flavorful recipes

  • Great for vegetarians or those looking to eat healthier

• Smitten Kitchen - https://smittenkitchen.com/

  • Comfort food favorites and exciting new dishes

  • Deb's signature style of making complex recipes accessible

  • Shared with humor and a lot of love

• Serious Eats - https://www.seriouseats.com/

  • Explores the science and art of cooking

  • Recipes, food science explainers, and cooking techniques

  • Trusted resource for food geeks and home cook

 Enjoyed what you read? Subscribe to That Love Podcast’s newsletter for the latest blogs, updates, and exclusive giveaways! Share the joy—pass along our blogs and website to family and friends so they can join in on the fun. Let’s spread the love together!

"For more inspiration on personal transformation, check out the Transform Your Life series at That Love Podcast (https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/transform-your-life) and explore wellness tips at That Blissful Wellness Podcast (https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/thatblissfulwellnesspodcast)."