Name: Stained Glass Window Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-488873H36M39S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 30–40 hard candies (such as Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers, sorted by color and crushed)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Stained Glass Window Cookies are a beautiful and whimsical treat made with sugar cookie dough and melted candy centers that look just like colorful stained glass. Crisp around the edges with a glossy, jewel-like center, these cookies are perfect for holidays, parties, or any time I want to bake something both delicious and eye-catching.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cookies combine a buttery, classic sugar cookie with a playful burst of color in the center. They’re just as fun to make as they are to eat. Watching the hard candy melt into a shiny “glass” is so satisfying, and the final result always impresses. Whether I’m baking with kids or putting together a festive cookie tray, these cookies are always a showstopper.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter (softened)
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Hard candies (like Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers, sorted by color and crushed)

Directions

I begin by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining my baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, I cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, then beat in the egg and vanilla.
I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until the dough comes together.
I roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface and use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Then, I use a smaller cutter to cut out the center of each cookie.
I transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets and fill the cut-out centers with crushed candy—about 1/2 teaspoon per opening.
I bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the candy has melted.
I let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before moving them, allowing the candy centers to harden.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24–30 cookies, depending on the size of the cutters. Prep time takes me around 20 minutes, with another 10 minutes for baking and some additional time for cooling—so the total time is approximately 45–50 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes flavor the sugar cookie dough with almond extract for a slightly different taste. Around the holidays, I like to use seasonal shapes—stars, trees, hearts—and coordinate the candy colors for the occasion. For extra sparkle, I’ll sprinkle coarse sugar around the edges of the dough before baking.

Storage/Reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They don’t need reheating and hold up well as long as they’re kept in a cool, dry place. I layer them with parchment paper to prevent the candy centers from sticking to one another.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cookie dough?

Yes, I’ve used pre-made sugar cookie dough in a pinch. I just make sure it’s firm enough to roll out and cut shapes cleanly.

What’s the best way to crush the hard candy?

I place the unwrapped candies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. It’s quick and keeps the pieces contained.

Can I freeze these cookies?

I don’t recommend freezing the baked cookies because the candy centers can become sticky when thawed. However, I’ve frozen the raw cookie dough with great success.

How do I prevent the candy from bubbling too much?

I keep the crushed candy pieces small and make sure not to overfill the centers. A single layer is enough to create the stained glass effect.

Can I hang these cookies as ornaments?

Yes! I poke a small hole at the top of each cookie before baking. Once cooled, I thread ribbon through the hole. They look beautiful hanging in windows or on the tree.

Conclusion

Stained Glass Window Cookies are the perfect mix of flavor and fun. I love how they brighten up any cookie tray and bring out the creative side of baking. With their glossy centers and crisp edges, they’re as pretty as they are tasty—ideal for holidays, birthdays, or any time I want to make cookies that are a little extra special.