As suggested by the name, stained glass cookies are those which feature a colorful, cut-out center, typically made with the addition of hard candies. While sugar cookies often form the basis of stained glass cookies, ginger cookie substitutes may also be appropriate.
Stained Glass Cookies
These cookies can be used as ornaments, lanterns, or when crafting gingerbread houses. They are so tasty, however, they may not last long enough for use in decoration!
Yield: 3 dozen cookies
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Finely crushed hard candies (Jolly Ranchers, for example)
Directions
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Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
2. In a second large bowl, beat butter and sugar with a mixer until light and fluffy, about three minutes.
3. Add egg yolks and vanilla to the butter mixture and combine well.
4. Gradually add flour to butter mixture, beat to combine
5. Form dough into two discs and flatten slightly.
6. Wrap dough in plastic film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
7. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. On a lightly floured surface, roll one of the cookie dough discs into an 1/8-inch thickness.
9. Use a cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place one-inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheet.
10. Using a smaller cookie cutter of your choice, cut out the center of the cookies.
11. Bake until cookies are pale but set, about seven to nine minutes.
12. Remove cookie sheet from oven.
13. Place 1/2 teaspoon of crushed hard candies in the center of each cookie.
14. Return cookie sheet to oven, and bake for another three minutes, or until candies are melted.
15. Remove from cookie sheet, and place on a wire baking rack until completely cool.
Tips for Success
Experienced bakers often rely on tried and true techniques for optimal results when it comes to creating edible works of art. To create perfect stained glass cookies, be sure to use parchment paper, chill the dough, and watch the clock.
Use Parchment Paper
When it comes to baking, parchment paper is a must. In addition to protecting kitchen counters when rolling out sticky cookie dough and reducing baking messes, parchment paper also serves as a great liner for cookie sheets.
In fact, parchment paper makes baking clean-up a cinch, as cookies can be quickly peeled from the parchment paper once they are removed from the oven.
Chill the Dough
To create sharp, distinct shapes, using cookie dough that has been chilled is crucial. Be sure to place cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or in the freezer for 20 minutes.
Wrapping cookie dough in Saran Wrap before placement in the refrigerator or freezer can help prevent the dough from drying out and further enhance the flavor of the cookies.
Watch the Clock
Avoid over-baking stained glass cookies by setting a timer or keeping a close eye on the clock. Once you add the crushed candy to the centers of the cookies, watch them carefully.
According to Wilton, baking the cookies for too long after the candy has been added may result in the candy boiling, which can cause the candy to stain the outer edge of the pastry.
Cookie Crush
Stained glass cookies may the perfect addition to any holiday tray. They are so pretty, however, that you may find it difficult to eat them! While these cookies may appear difficult to make, they are actually a cinch. Whip up a batch for your next holiday get-together.
