Indulge your sweet tooth and unleash your inner artist with these delightful Stained Glass Window Sugar Cookies. Baking these treats is not only a culinary experience but also a creative journey. With a handful of simple ingredients and a dash of patience, you can craft beautiful and delicious stained glass-inspired cookies that are perfect for any occasion.
Gathering the Essentials
To embark on your cookie adventure, assemble the following ingredients: 2 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 3/4 cup of unsalted butter, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 large egg, and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. Additionally, you’ll need 15–20 unwrapped hard candies such as Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers. For an optional finishing touch, consider using 1 large egg white or 2 tablespoons of water, along with 1/3 cup of coarse sugar or sprinkles.
Crafting the Cookie Canvas
Begin the creative process by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, forming a slightly soft dough. Divide the dough, roll it out, and refrigerate it for at least 1-2 hours. Meanwhile, crush the hard candies into vibrant, pebble-sized bits, setting them aside for the finishing touch.
Turning Dough into Art
Once the dough is chilled, preheat your oven and cut out your desired shapes using both large and small cookie cutters. Arrange the shaped cookies on lined baking sheets, giving them ample space. If you want an extra layer of visual appeal, brush the tops of the cookies with beaten egg white or water and sprinkle coarse sugar or sprinkles. Now comes the artistic centerpiece – fill the center cut-outs with the crushed candies, choosing a single color per cookie for a striking effect.
Bake the cookies until the candies have melted and the edges are lightly browned. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet until the melted candy center sets, then transfer them to a wire rack for complete cooling. These Stained Glass Window Sugar Cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Store them at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for extended freshness. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or a novice in the kitchen, these cookies are a delightful way to infuse artistry into your culinary creations.
