Stained glass heart cookies are a delightful treat that beautifully capture the spirit of Valentine’s Day. These cookies feature a vibrant, colorful design resembling stained glass, making them as visually stunning as they are delicious. With a buttery shortbread base and a sweet, crunchy center made from melted hard candies, they are perfect for sharing love and sweetness with someone special. Whether you plan to gift them or enjoy them yourself, these cookies are sure to impress!
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
Assorted hard candies (such as Jolly Ranchers), crushed
Instructions
Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to roll out.
Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll & Cut: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies. Then, use a smaller heart cutter to remove the center of each cookie.
Add the Stained Glass Effect: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet. Fill the center of each heart with crushed hard candies, making sure the pieces are evenly spread.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges and the candy centers are fully melted.
Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet until the melted candy hardens, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook & Prep Times
Prep Time: 40 minutes (includes chilling time)
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Baking Pro Tips
Crush the Candy Evenly: Use a rolling pin or food processor to crush the candies into small, even pieces for a smooth melted effect.
Avoid Overfilling: Only use a thin layer of crushed candy in the center, as too much can cause it to overflow.
Use Parchment Paper or a Silicone Mat: This prevents the melted candy from sticking to the baking sheet.
Experiment with Colors: Mix different hard candy colors for a unique stained glass effect.
Let Them Cool Completely: The candy centers need time to harden before moving the cookies.
Stained glass heart cookies are not only a delicious treat but also a beautiful edible work of art. Their delicate, colorful centers make them perfect for Valentine’s Day celebrations, gifts, or cookie platters. Easy to make and fun to customize, these cookies will surely be a favorite for anyone who loves a mix of buttery shortbread and sweet, crunchy candy. Try them this Valentine’s Day and spread the love with these stunning cookies!