Twelve Days of Cookies - Stained Glass Sugar Cookies

by Slashfood Editor, Posted Dec 10th 2009 @ 10:30AM

Sugar cookies get a melted candy center to resemble stained glass windows in this cheery creation.

Stained Glass Cookies
Recipe provided by Woman's Day

2/3 cup (10 Tbsp plus 2 tsp) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups plus 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
3 rolls (1.14 oz each) regular 5-flavors-a-roll Life Savers candies, each color crushed separately

Beat butter, sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl with mixer on medium speed 3 minutes or until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla until well blended.

On low speed, gradually beat in flour until just blended. Divide dough in half, shape each into a 1-in.-thick disk and wrap separately. Refrigerate 30 minutes or up to 4 days (warm slightly before using).

Heat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet(s) with foil; coat with nonstick spray. Have ready 61/4- and 31/4-in. Christmas tree cookie cutters and 3- and 11/2-in. round cookie cutters.

On lightly floured surface, with floured rolling pin, roll out 1 disk dough (keep other refrigerated) to 1/4 in. thick. Using large cutter cut out trees. Place 2 in. apart on lined baking sheet(s). Using small tree cutter cut a "window" in center of each. Repeat with round cutters. Reroll and cut scraps once.

Bake 1 sheet at a time 6 to 8 minutes until just barely tinged brown at edges. Using a drinking straw, punch out holes on sides of trees as shown (ornaments) and hanging holes on top of cookies, if desired. Using a small spoon, fill cutouts, except hanging holes, with candy until level with top of dough. Brush off stray bits. Bake 4 minutes or until candy melts.

Cool on sheets on wire rack 7 to 10 minutes until \\\"glass\\\" cools and hardens. Transfer cookies with a broad metal spatula to wire rack to cool completely.

To display cookies, hang in a window or on a Christmas tree.

Filed Under: Holidays, Recipes
Tags: 12 days of cookies, christmas, stained glass cookies, sugar cookie recipes, sugar cookies, winter