Imagine a cookie that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also dazzles with its appearance. These stained glass cookies do exactly that. The window of melted candy that shimmers like glass against the light makes it a perfect treat for festive occasions.
The Jolly Rancher hard candies used in this recipe may not be a common household item. These flavored hard candies are crucial as they create the 'stained glass' effect in the cookies. When at the supermarket, you can find them in the candy aisle. If Jolly Ranchers are not available, any clear hard candy will work.
Ingredients for Stained Glass Cookies
Jolly Rancher hard candies: These are the star of the show, melting down to create beautiful 'stained glass' windows in the cookies.
Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor to the cookies, and helps in creating a soft, tender texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies, and helps them brown in the oven.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Large eggs: The binding agent that holds the dough together.
Vanilla extract: Gives a depth of flavor to the cookies.
All-purpose flour: This is the base of the cookies, it provides the structure.
One reader, Jakie Fellows says:
These stained glass cookies are a delight! The recipe was easy to follow, and the cookies turned out beautifully. The colorful candy centers make them look so festive, and they taste amazing too. I can't wait to make them again for my next gathering!
Techniques Required for Creating Stained Glass Cookies
How to crush Jolly Ranchers: Unwrap and separate the Jolly Ranchers into each color, then place them in separate small resealable bags. Crush the candies into small bits using a meat mallet and set them aside.
How to chill the dough: After shaping the dough into a rectangle, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
How to cut the dough: Cut the chilled dough into thirds. Leave one portion out to work with and chill the remaining portions.
How to fill the cookies: Fill the cut-out centers of the cookies about 3/4 of the way with the crushed Jolly Ranchers.
How to chill the cookies: Chill the filled cookies in the refrigerator until firm, about 15 to 20 minutes.
How to bake the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and bake the cookies until set and the candy centers have melted, for about 12 to 14 minutes.
How to store the cookies: Store the cookies in an airtight container once they have cooled.
How To Make Stained Glass Cookies
These stained glass cookies are so colorful, they should be served at any festivity! A big plus is you’ll get the taste of candies and cookies all at once!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 20Jolly Rancher hard candies
- 1cupunsalted buttersoftened
- 1cupgranulated sugar
- ¼tspsalt
- 2largeeggs
- 1tspvanilla extract
- 3cupsall-purpose flour
Instructions
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Unwrap and separate Jolly Ranchers into each color then place in separate small resealable bags. Crush into small bits using a meat mallet, set aside.
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Using an electric mixer, cream together butter, sugar and salt until well combined.
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Mix in eggs one at a time then blend in vanilla.
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With mixer set on low speed, slowly add in flour and mix until well combined.
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Scrape dough out and shape into a rectangle, wrap in plastic wrap and and chill 1 hour.
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Cut chilled dough into thirds. Leave one portion out to work with and chill remaining.
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Roll dough out onto a floured surface. Cut out as many large stars as possible using a star shape cookie cutter.
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Transfer cut stars to the baking sheet lined with a silicone baking mat. Cut a smaller star from the center of each and remove it. Re-roll and cut the scrap dough.
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Fill cut out centers about 3/4 of the way with crushed jolly ranchers. Chill cookies in the refrigerator until firm, about 15 to 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Bake cookies until set and candy center have melted for about 12 to 14 minutes.
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Let cool on the baking sheet until the candies have set and hardened.
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Repeat process with remaining refrigerated dough. Store in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Calories: 146.48kcal
- Fat: 6.58g
- Saturated Fat: 4.01g
- Trans Fat: 0.25g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.72g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.35g
- Carbohydrates: 20.17g
- Fiber: 0.34g
- Sugar: 9.24g
- Protein: 1.77g
- Cholesterol: 28.67mg
- Sodium: 26.79mg
- Calcium: 5.77mg
- Potassium: 20.34mg
- Iron: 0.66mg
- Vitamin A: 57.09µg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Stained Glass Cookies
When crushing the Jolly Rancher hard candies, it's important to ensure that the pieces are small enough to melt evenly in the oven, but not so fine that they become a powder. A meat mallet is a great tool for this, but you can also use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy glass. Just be sure to apply even pressure and crush the candies in a controlled manner to avoid sending pieces flying. Also, crushing the candies in a resealable bag can help contain any potential mess.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Stained Glass Cookies
Prepare the dough: Make the cookie dough ahead of time and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before using.
Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Crush candies in advance: Crush the Jolly Rancher candies a day before making the cookies to save time during the preparation process.
Bake in batches: While one batch of cookies is baking, prepare the next batch to maximize efficiency and save time.
Multi-task: While the cookies are chilling in the refrigerator, use that time to preheat the oven and prepare the next batch of cookies.
Substitute Ingredients For Stained Glass Cookies Recipe
jolly rancher hard candies - Substitute with lifesavers candies: Lifesavers candies can be used as a colorful and flavorful alternative to jolly rancher hard candies for creating the stained glass effect in the cookies.
unsalted butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a substitute for unsalted butter to achieve a similar texture and flavor in the cookie dough.
granulated sugar - Substitute with brown sugar: Brown sugar can be used as a substitute for granulated sugar to add a richer flavor and slightly chewier texture to the cookies.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used as a substitute for all-purpose flour to add a nuttier flavor and increase the fiber content of the cookies.
Creative Ways to Present These Colorful Cookies
- Elevate the cookie size: Instead of traditional small cookies, create larger, more substantial cookies to make a bold statement on the plate.
- Incorporate edible flowers: Add a touch of elegance by incorporating delicate and colorful edible flowers to enhance the visual appeal of the cookies.
- Utilize a minimalist plating style: Embrace a minimalist approach to plating, allowing the vibrant colors of the stained glass cookies to take center stage without overwhelming the presentation.
- Introduce a contrasting element: Pair the cookies with a small dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to provide a delightful contrast in both flavor and texture.
- Present on a sleek, modern plate: Choose a sleek, modern plate to showcase the cookies, creating a visually striking presentation that complements the vibrant colors of the stained glass effect.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Stained Glass Cookies
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients in baking and cooking.
Stand mixer: Ideal for mixing cookie dough and other heavy batters, providing consistent and thorough mixing.
Rolling pin: Used to roll out the cookie dough to an even thickness for cutting shapes.
Star-shaped cookie cutter: Creates the signature shape for the stained glass cookies.
Silicone baking mat: Provides a non-stick surface for baking the cookies and ensures easy removal.
Baking sheet: Used to hold the cookies while they bake in the oven.
Resealable bags: Used to separate and crush the Jolly Rancher candies into small bits.
Meat mallet: Used to crush the Jolly Rancher candies into small bits.
Electric mixer: Essential for creaming the butter and sugar, as well as mixing in the eggs and vanilla extract.
Plastic wrap: Used to wrap and chill the cookie dough.
Refrigerator: Used to chill the cookie dough and firm up the cookies before baking.
Oven: Used to bake the stained glass cookies to perfection.
Storing and Freezing Stained Glass Cookies for Later
Allow the stained glass cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This will prevent any moisture from softening the cookies and ruining their beautiful stained glass appearance.
If you're planning to stack the cookies in the container, place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together.
Store the cookies at room temperature for up to 5 days. Avoid placing them in the refrigerator, as the humidity can cause the candy centers to become sticky and lose their shine.
For longer storage, you can freeze the stained glass cookies. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until they are frozen solid (about 1-2 hours).
Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer to prevent sticking.
Freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, remove the desired number of cookies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
To maintain the best quality and appearance of your stained glass cookies, avoid exposing them to extreme temperature changes or humidity, as this can cause the candy centers to become sticky or cloudy.
How To Reheat Leftover Stained Glass Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stained glass cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cookies are warm and the candy centers are slightly softened. Be careful not to overbake, as the candy centers can become too hot and lose their shape.
For a quicker method, you can use a microwave. Place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 10-second intervals until they reach the desired temperature. Keep a close eye on the cookies to prevent the candy centers from overheating and melting completely.
If you prefer a crispy texture, you can reheat the cookies in a toaster oven. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies on the wire rack. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the cookies are crisp and the candy centers are slightly softened.
For a more even reheating, you can use an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies in the basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the cookies are warm and the candy centers are softened.
If you want to maintain the original texture of the cookies, you can let them come to room temperature naturally. This method works well if you have time and prefer not to risk overheating the candy centers. Simply remove the cookies from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before serving.
Interesting Trivia About Stained Glass Cookies
The stained glass cookies recipe is a fun and creative way to make delicious treats. These cookies are not only tasty but also visually appealing, making them a great choice for special occasions and events. The use of jolly rancher hard candies adds a unique and colorful touch to the cookies, creating a beautiful stained glass effect. This recipe is a great way to get creative in the kitchen and impress your friends and family with your baking skills.
Is Making Stained Glass Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?
This stained glass cookies recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, are commonly found in most kitchens. The additional cost comes from the jolly rancher hard candies, which can be purchased for a reasonable price. Considering the yield and enjoyment, the approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9/10, as it offers a delightful and visually appealing treat that is worth the investment.
Are Stained Glass Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?
This stained glass cookie recipe, while visually appealing, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients are butter, sugar, and all-purpose flour, which are high in saturated fat, added sugars, and refined carbohydrates. The jolly rancher candies used for the stained glass effect are also primarily made of sugar and artificial colors. Consuming excessive amounts of these ingredients can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by 1/4 to 1/2 cup, as the jolly ranchers will provide additional sweetness
- Use a mix of unsalted butter and a heart-healthy oil, such as coconut or olive oil, to reduce the saturated fat content
- Experiment with natural food colorings derived from fruits and vegetables to create the stained glass effect, instead of using artificial colors found in jolly ranchers
- Serve the cookies in moderation as a treat, rather than a regular snack, and pair them with fresh fruits to balance out the sugar content
By making these adjustments, you can create a more nutritious version of the stained glass cookies while still enjoying the festive appearance and delightful taste.
Editor's Opinion on This Stunning Cookie Recipe
The stained glass cookies recipe is a delightful and visually stunning treat. The use of Jolly Rancher hard candies creates a beautiful stained glass effect, making these cookies a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. The buttery and tender cookie base complements the sweet and colorful candy centers, resulting in a delightful combination of flavors and textures. This recipe offers a fun and unique twist on traditional sugar cookies, making it a perfect choice for special occasions or as a whimsical addition to any dessert spread.
Why trust this Stained Glass Cookies Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional cookies, featuring a unique and visually stunning stained glass effect created by the use of crushed jolly rancher hard candies. The combination of butter, sugar, and vanilla extract ensures a rich and flavorful cookie base, while the addition of jolly rancher candies adds a burst of color and sweetness. With a straightforward preparation process and clear instructions, this recipe promises to deliver a delightful and eye-catching treat that will surely impress both bakers and cookie enthusiasts alike.
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