Description
These magical stained glass cookies turn classic sugar cookie dough and colorful hard candies into sparkling, edible ornaments. With jewel-like centers that catch the light, they’re perfect for Christmas trays, gifting, or hanging on the tree.
Ingredients
**Cookie Dough:**
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
**Centers:**
1 cup assorted hard candies (Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers), separated by color and crushed
**Optional Decoration:**
Sprinkles, sanding sugar, edible glitter
Instructions
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Beat to combine.
4. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
5. Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out large shapes using cookie cutters.
8. Use a smaller cutter to remove centers from each cookie.
9. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet. Fill centers with crushed candy (don’t overfill).
10. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and candy centers are melted.
11. Cool completely on baking sheet before removing (candies harden as they cool).
12. Decorate with sprinkles or glitter, if desired.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days.
Use parchment paper—not silicone mats—for best candy melting results.
To make ornaments, poke a small hole near the top of the cookie with a straw before baking.