Imagine creating a dessert that's not just a treat for your taste buds, but a feast for your eyes! These No Bake Stained Glass Cookies are the ultimate showstopper that will transform your kitchen into an artistic wonderland. With vibrant, translucent candy centers that shimmer like real stained glass, these cookies are guaranteed to impress both kids and adults alike. Get ready to unleash your inner pastry artist and create a dessert that's as beautiful as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed hard candies (various colors)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare your work surface by lining two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Separate the dough into two equal portions and wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to firm up the dough.
- While the dough chills, separately crush the hard candies by color into small, uniform pieces using a rolling pin or food processor.
- Remove dough from refrigerator and roll out on a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, creating a larger outer shape and a smaller inner shape to create a "window" effect.
- Carefully transfer cut-out cookies to prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Fill the inner "window" of each cookie with crushed candies, ensuring an even distribution and not overfilling.
- Place the prepared cookies in a cool area or refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to help maintain their shape.
- Allow cookies to sit at room temperature until the candy centers have completely melted and hardened, creating a translucent "stained glass" effect.
- Let cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before carefully transferring to a serving plate or storage container.
Tips
- Candy Selection: Choose hard candies in bright, contrasting colors for the most stunning visual effect. Avoid soft or chewy candies as they won't create the desired translucent look.
- Crushing Technique: Use a rolling pin or food processor to crush candies, but be careful not to create powder. Aim for small, uniform pieces that will melt evenly.
- Temperature Matters: Keep your dough chilled to prevent spreading and maintain crisp cookie shapes. Work in small batches and refrigerate between rolling and cutting.
- Candy Filling: Don't overfill the cookie centers with crushed candy. A thin, even layer will create the best stained glass effect.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow cookies to cool completely at room temperature to ensure the candy center sets perfectly and becomes beautifully translucent.
- Storage Tip: Store these cookies in a single layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate appearance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
