Imagine creating cookies that aren't just delicious treats, but stunning decorations that will make your holiday guests stop and stare in wonder! These Stained Glass Ornament Cookies are more than just a dessert - they're a magical culinary craft that combines the joy of baking with the enchantment of festive creativity. With their translucent, jewel-like centers and delicate design, these cookies will transform your kitchen into a winter wonderland of sweet, artistic expression.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed hard candy (various colors)
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use holiday-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes, ensuring you cut out a smaller shape in the center of each cookie.
- Carefully transfer the cookie cutouts to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
- Fill the center cutouts with crushed hard candies, using one color per cookie or creating a multicolored pattern.
- Create a small hole near the top of each cookie for hanging, using a drinking straw or toothpick.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the candy has melted.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet. The melted candy will harden and create a stained glass effect.
- Once cooled, carefully thread a ribbon or string through the hole to create an ornament.
- Store the cookies in a single layer between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container.
Tips
- Choose hard candies carefully: Select candies that are similar in color and will melt evenly, like Jolly Ranchers or LifeSavers.
- Crush candies uniformly: Use a food processor or place candies in a sealed plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin to ensure even melting.
- Don't overfill candy centers: Use a light hand when filling the cookie cutouts to prevent overflow and maintain clean edges.
- Watch closely while baking: Candy can burn quickly, so keep an eye on cookies during the last few minutes of baking.
- Cool completely before handling: Let cookies cool entirely on the baking sheet to allow the candy center to harden completely.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and prevention of sticking.
- Store carefully: Layer cookies between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate appearance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
