Description
Stained Glass Window Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. These colorful, translucent cookies are not only visually stunning but also deliciously sweet with a hint of almond flavor. They make a festive addition to any cookie platter and are sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
Dough:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened), 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional).
Decoration:
Assorted hard candies (such as Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers), crushed.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, and beat until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the dough: Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc at a time to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, then use a smaller cutter to cut out a window in the center of each cookie.
- Add candy centers: Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets. Fill each cut-out center with crushed hard candies.
- Bake: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden and the candy centers have melted completely.
- Cool and serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets until the candy centers have hardened, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- To make the candy centers extra clear, crush the candies finely and fill the windows generously.
- Store in an airtight container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Holiday
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
