Vibrant Stained Glass Sugar Cookies
These stunning stained glass cookies are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds! With a deliciously sweet base reminiscent of classic sugar cookies, we elevate this beloved treat by using honey, adding a touch of sophistication and a hint of natural sweetness. The colorful, melted Jolly Rancher centers create a mesmerizing stained glass effect that is sure to impress anyone who lays eyes on them. Perfect for holiday gatherings, special events, or simply to brighten your day, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat! Delight in the joyful surprise of their radiant colors and sweet flavors with every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter or margarine
1/3 cup (softened)
sugar
1/3 cup (granulated)
egg
1 large (beaten)
honey
2/3 cup (raw or regular)
almond extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
flour
3 cups (all-purpose (not self-rising))
baking soda
1 teaspoon (sifted)
Jolly Rancher candies
30 pieces (variety of colors, crushed)
Instructions
1
Begin by creaming together the butter (or margarine) and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg followed by the honey and almond extract, mixing until combined.
2
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking soda. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using your hands if necessary to ensure a thorough blend. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky but manageable.
3
Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours, or up to overnight to enhance the flavors. This dough can be prepared days in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to five days.
4
While the dough chills, prepare the Jolly Rancher candies by placing them in separate plastic bags. Use a hammer to crush the candies into fine pieces, and then place the crushed candy into individual containers for easy access during assembly.
5
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with wax paper for easy cleanup.
6
Roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of just over 1/8 inch on a lightly floured surface. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes, remembering to make a cutout in the center of each cookie for the candy filling. Reroll any scraps until all the dough is used.
7
Transfer the cutout cookies to the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced adequately. Fill the cutout sections of each cookie generously with the crushed candies, as the candies will melt down considerably during baking.
8
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 5 minutes until they are lightly golden. Remove the trays from the oven and check that the candy has melted; return to the oven for an additional 3 minutes if needed.
9
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool completely on the parchment; they will harden as they cool. Gently peel away the wax paper and store the cookies in an airtight container.
10
To keep your stained glass cookies fresh and ensure that the candy centers don't become too hard, place a few slices of bread in the container to help absorb moisture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Vibrant Stained Glass Sugar Cookies?
They are honey-sweetened sugar cookies featuring colorful, transparent centers made from melted Jolly Rancher candies.
What makes the base of these cookies unique compared to classic recipes?
This recipe uses honey to add a touch of sophistication and natural sweetness to the traditional sugar cookie base.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/3 cup of softened butter or margarine.
What type of sugar is required?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of granulated sugar.
How many eggs are needed?
You will need one large beaten egg for this recipe.
What kind of honey should I use?
You can use either raw or regular honey for these cookies.
What extract is used for flavoring?
The recipe uses one teaspoon of pure almond extract.
What type of flour is recommended?
Use three cups of all-purpose flour, making sure it is not self-rising.
Should the baking soda be prepared in a specific way?
Yes, one teaspoon of baking soda should be sifted before being added to the dry ingredients.
How many Jolly Rancher candies are needed?
The recipe requires approximately 30 pieces in a variety of colors.
How should I prepare the candies for the stained glass effect?
Place the candies in separate plastic bags and use a hammer to crush them into fine pieces.
Why should I place crushed candies in individual containers?
This provides easy access to different colors during the cookie assembly process.
What is the first step in making the dough?
Cream together the butter or margarine and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
How do I combine the wet and dry ingredients?
Gradually incorporate the sifted flour and baking soda into the wet mixture, using your hands if necessary to ensure a thorough blend.
What should the dough consistency be like before chilling?
The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky but manageable.
How long must the cookie dough be refrigerated?
The dough needs to chill for at least two hours, or up to overnight.
Can I prepare the dough several days in advance?
Yes, the dough can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
What should I use to line the baking sheets?
Line two large baking sheets with wax paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
How thick should I roll out the dough?
Roll the chilled dough to a thickness of just over 1/8 inch on a lightly floured surface.
How do I create the 'stained glass' opening in the cookies?
Use cookie cutters for the main shape, and then remember to make a smaller cutout in the center of each cookie.
Can I reuse the dough scraps?
Yes, you can reroll any remaining scraps until all the dough has been used.
How much candy should I put in the center of each cookie?
Fill the cutout sections generously, as the candies will melt down considerably while baking.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake for an initial 5 minutes. If the candy has not melted, return them to the oven for an additional 3 minutes.
How do I know when the cookies are finished baking?
The cookies should be lightly golden and the candy centers should be completely melted.
How long should the cookies cool before handling?
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the parchment paper so they can harden.
How do I remove the cookies from the paper?
Once completely cooled and hardened, gently peel away the wax paper from the back of the cookies.
What is the best way to store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
How can I prevent the candy centers from becoming too hard?
Place a few slices of bread in the storage container to help absorb moisture and keep the centers soft.
For what occasions are these cookies recommended?
They are perfect for holiday gatherings, special events, party snacks, or as a fun baking project.