Get ready to wow your friends and family with a dessert that's not just delicious, but a true work of edible art! These American Flag Stained Glass Cookies are more than just a treat - they're a celebration of creativity, color, and culinary craftsmanship. Imagine biting into a delicate, buttery cookie that transforms into a vibrant, translucent masterpiece reminiscent of a stained glass window, with the iconic red, white, and blue colors of the American flag. Whether you're planning a Fourth of July party, a patriotic-themed event, or simply want to impress your guests with a show-stopping dessert, these cookies are guaranteed to steal the spotlight and create lasting memories.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Red and blue hard candies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined and smooth.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Using a rectangular or flag-shaped cookie cutter, cut out cookie shapes. Then, carefully cut out small areas in the center where the "stained glass" will be placed.
- Separately, crush red and blue hard candies into fine pieces, keeping the colors separate.
- Fill the cut-out areas of each cookie with crushed candies, creating a pattern that resembles an American flag (blue in one corner, red and white stripes).
- Place the prepared cookies on the lined baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the candy has melted completely.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets. The melted candy will harden as the cookies cool, creating a stained glass effect.
- Carefully transfer the cooled cookies to a wire rack using a thin spatula.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container, with parchment paper between layers, for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Chill your dough: Refrigerating the dough makes it easier to handle and prevents spreading during baking.
- Use hard candies: Choose high-quality, vibrant hard candies like Jolly Ranchers for the best stained glass effect.
- Crush candies finely: Use a rolling pin or food processor to create even, fine candy pieces for a smooth "glass" look.
- Watch baking time carefully: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on cookies to prevent burning.
- Cool completely: Let cookies cool entirely on the baking sheet to ensure the candy sets properly.
- Use parchment paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Store carefully: Place wax paper between cookie layers to prevent sticking.
- Get creative with shapes: While a flag shape is classic, experiment with different cookie cutters for variety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
