Description
These Stained Glass Cookies are a festive and colorful treat perfect for holidays and special occasions. Soft buttery sugar cookies are cut out with shapes and filled with crushed Jolly Rancher candies that melt to create a vibrant, stained glass effect. Bright, sweet, and crunchy in the middle, these cookies delight both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 large eggs (room temperature and beaten)
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus ¼ cup, divided)
Filling
- 2 cups Jolly Ranchers Candies (crushed into small chunks)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the beaten eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine. Gradually add 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and sea salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, incorporate the reserved ¼ cup flour as needed. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Roll and Cut: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to approximately ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. For each cookie, use a smaller cutter to create a window in the center, removing that dough piece to make space for the candy filling.
- Add the Candy Filling: Place the cut-out cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Fill each cookie’s window with crushed Jolly Rancher candies, distributing evenly but keeping the candy contained within the cut-out area. The candy will melt and spread during baking, forming the stained glass effect.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden and the candy centers have melted completely. Keep an eye on the candies to ensure they don’t burn. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet to let the candy harden.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for easier mixing and better dough texture.
- Crush the Jolly Ranchers finely so they melt evenly without spreading too much.
- Make sure the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before moving to avoid cracking the stained glass candy.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Be cautious when removing the cut-out dough pieces; handle gently to maintain the window shape.
