Stained glass cookies aren’t just a sweet treat, they’re little edible works of art. Their jewel-bright centres glisten like tiny windowpanes, catching the light and adding enchanting colour to any holiday cookie plate.
The magic comes from a simple combination: buttery cookie dough and crushed hard candies that melt inside the cut-out centre, creating a beautiful, translucent “glass” effect as they bake.
These cookies are perfect for Christmas, cookie exchanges, or simply adding a bit of wonder to your winter baking. They’re just as fun to make as they are to eat — a delightful project for kids and adults alike.
Stained Glass Cookies
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Hard candy in assorted colours (red, green, blue, etc.) – I used Jolly Ranchers
Instructions
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mixing to combine.
Sift in flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a dough forms. Chill 30 minutes if too soft.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out Christmas tree shapes.
Use a smaller cutter to remove the centre, creating a window.
Crush candies by colour; fill cookie centres completely.
Bake 8–10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and candy is melted.
Cool 5 minutes, then transfer to racks. Let centres harden before serving.
These stained glass cookies are so pretty on Christmas cookie trays or wrapped up in packages to give as gifts. Different hard candies can produce different color results so experiment and have fun.
Packing up cookies to mail to friends and family? Get some helpful tips here.
FAQs
Can I use other candy besides Jolly Ranchers?
Yes! Any hard, transparent candy works well. Try different flavours or colour combinations for fun variations.
Can I make them ahead of time?
You can prepare and refrigerate the dough up to 2 days in advance. Add crushed candy right before baking for best texture and colour.
How do I keep the candy from sticking to the cutter?
Dust the cutter lightly with flour each time to prevent sticking and tearing.
What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For best results, layer them between parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.
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Stained Glass Cookies
Beautiful, colourful cookies with candy-glass centres that melt into bright, translucent windows when baked.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Hard candy in assorted colours red, green, blue, etc.
Instructions
-
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mixing to combine.
-
Sift in flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a dough forms. Chill 30 minutes if too soft.
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
-
Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out Christmas tree shapes.
-
Use a smaller cutter to remove the centre, creating a window.
-
Crush candies by colour; fill cookie centres completely.
-
Bake 8–10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and candy is melted.
-
Cool 5 minutes, then transfer to racks. Let centres harden before serving.
Recipe Notes
Storage Instructions
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
For best results, layer them between parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.
Looking for more fun holiday cookie ideas? Check these out!
- Mrs. Claus Cookies
- Snickerdoodle Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies
- Russian Tea Cakes
- Reindeer French Macarons
- Chewy Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
- Melting Snowman Cookies
- Oreo Santa
- Grinch Macarons with Red Velvet Buttercream Filling
- Caramel Brownie Thumbprint Cookies
- Eggnog Cookies
- Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
- Peppermint Candy Oreos
- Reindeer Linzer Cookies
- Christmas Tree Cookies
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