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Best Stained Glass Cookies Recipe

These stained glass cookies combine a crisp, buttery sugar cookie base with vibrant, jewel-like melted candy centers that shine beautifully for the holidays. With proper chilling, clean cuts, and perfectly melted candies, these cookies turn into edible works of art ideal for gifting, decorating, or dazzling at festive gatherings.
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Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract optional
  • Assorted hard candies crushed
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Ribbon or string for hanging optional

Method
 

  1. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until fully combined.
  2. Cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract; mix until just combined.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients on low speed until dough forms.
  5. Divide dough into two disks, wrap, and chill for 1–2 hours.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Roll chilled dough between parchment to ¼-inch thickness.
  8. Cut cookie shapes using large cutters, then cut out centers with smaller cutters.
  9. Transfer frames to lined baking sheets and fill centers with crushed candies.
  10. Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are set and candy is fully melted.
  11. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
  12. Dust with powdered sugar once fully cooled.

Notes

Chill dough thoroughly to maintain clean window frames. Avoid overfilling candy centers—melted candy expands significantly. Cool cookies completely before storing to prevent clouding or cracking.