Name: Stained Glass Cookies with Candy Fillings Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 52 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 eggs; 1 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 cups all purpose flour; 2/3 cup coarse sparkling sugar; 1/2 cup crushed hard candies (Jolly Ranchers or Lifesavers)

There’s something so magical about watching colorful light shine through cookies, and that’s exactly what makes the Stained Glass Cookies with Candy Fillings Recipe a showstopper. The blend of buttery dough and vibrant, melted candy centers gives these treats a festive feel that's perfect for holidays or anytime you want a little spark in your baking.

A white plate filled with stacked star-shaped cookies, each cookie has two layers: the bottom layer is a pale yellow soft cookie, and the top layer is the same cookie with a star cutout filled with colorful translucent candy in red, green, yellow, and orange. The cookies are sprinkled lightly with white sugar crystals. Some green pine branches and small shiny blue and yellow ornaments are visible in the background on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Stained Glass Cookies with Candy Fillings Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Stained Glass Cookies with Candy Fillings Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Stained Glass Cookies with Candy Fillings Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I love sharing this recipe because it’s a perfect blend of simple ingredients and stunning results—plus, watching those candy centers melt is just so satisfying. Whether you’re baking with kids or want a unique cookie to impress guests, these stained glass beauties deliver.

Eye-Catching Presentation: The colorful candy "windows" really steal the show and add a touch of whimsy to any cookie platter.
Easy Yet Impressive: Despite their fancy look, these cookies come together with straightforward steps anyone can follow.
Customizable Candy Fillings: You can pick your favorite candies or even mix colors to make each batch uniquely yours.
Great for Gifting: These cookies feel special and handmade, making them perfect for holiday gifts or party favors.

The image shows star-shaped cookies on a white plate, each with two layers: a bottom layer of golden, soft cookie dough and a top layer with a star-shaped cutout filled with shiny red jelly, dusted lightly with powdered sugar that adds a sparkling effect. The cookies are arranged close to each other, sitting on a white marbled surface with blurred green pine and a blue Christmas ornament in the background, giving a festive feeling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe calls for basic, pantry-friendly ingredients that work beautifully together to create a tender cookie base with just the right texture to hold those colorful candy fillings perfectly.

Flat lay of a smooth slab of unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with granulated sugar, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl containing golden vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl with fine salt crystals, a neat mound of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl filled with coarse sparkling sugar crystals, and a small white ceramic bowl holding colorful crushed hard candies in assorted reds, greens, yellows, and blues, all arranged symmetrically in a balanced layout, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: Softened butter adds richness and creates that tender crumb I love in cookies.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps give the cookies a slight crisp edge once baked.
Eggs: Bind everything together and provide moisture for the dough.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor — don’t skip it!
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the dough, creating structure without making it tough.
Coarse Sparkling Sugar: A pretty, crunchy topping that adds a little sparkle and texture on top.
Crushed Hard Candies: Jolly Ranchers or Lifesavers are perfect choices—they melt into those gorgeous colored “stained glass” centers.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This recipe feels like the perfect canvas for your creativity. I often switch up the candy fillings or add extra flavors to the dough—feel free to make it your own!

Variation: Once, I swapped the plain vanilla for almond extract and used a mix of red and green candies for a holiday vibe — the subtle almond flavor really lifted the cookies and made them extra festive.
Diet-Friendly: For a sugar-free version, try sugar-free hard candies, and swap the sugar for natural sweeteners in the dough; just be mindful how it might affect texture.
Seasonal Colors: Match candy colors to seasons—orange and black for Halloween, pastel hues for Easter, or reds and pinks for Valentine’s Day.
Size Adjustments: Use smaller cutters for bite-sized treats if you want party-friendly finger foods.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Stained Glass Cookies with Candy Fillings Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Light and Fluffy

Start by beating the softened butter and granulated sugar together for about two minutes. This step is key—it helps create a smooth, fluffy base that makes your cookies tender. Don’t rush it here; the light texture sets a great foundation.

Step 2: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Salt

Next, mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition so everything emulsifies properly. Then add vanilla extract and salt—these little touches boost the flavor and balance the sweetness perfectly.

Step 3: Slowly Incorporate the Flour

Sift the flour and add it gradually. Mix just until combined—you want a dough that’s pliable but not tough. Overmixing here can lead to chewy cookies, and we’re aiming for tender, flaky treats.

Step 4: Chill the Dough Before Rolling

Transfer the dough to plastic wrap and shape it into a disc, then chill for at least one hour (or up to a day). This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and cut clean shapes without sticking or distortion.

Step 5: Cut Out Shapes and Create Your "Windows"

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Divide your dough in half, roll one half into about ½ inch thickness, and cut out stars using the 4-inch cookie cutter. Then, using a smaller 2-inch star cutter, cut out the center “windows.” This is where those stained glass candy fillings will shine through.

Step 6: Sprinkle Sparkling Sugar and Chill Cookies Again

I like to gently press coarse sparkling sugar on top for a bit of extra pizzazz. Then place the cookie sheet in the fridge for about 20 minutes to firm them up before adding the candy fillings—this helps prevent spreading while baking.

Step 7: Fill Centers with Crushed Candy

Fill each cut-out center roughly ⅔ full with crushed hard candies. I separate candies by color, crush them to coarse sand-like texture, and use a toothpick to gently push candy into every corner of the star. This level of detail makes all the difference.

Step 8: Bake and Cool Completely

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden and the candy centers have fully melted into that beautiful stained glass effect. Let the cookies cool completely on the sheet before moving them—they need time to firm up so the candy doesn’t crack or stick.

Step 9: Repeat With Remaining Dough

Don’t forget to chill and roll the second half of your dough and repeat the whole process—it’s well worth it for a fresh batch of these stunning treats!

Top Tip

From my experience, little details can make or break these precious cookies. Here are my tried-and-true tips to getting those perfect stained glass centers every time.

Candy Crushing Consistency: Crush your hard candies into small, pebble-sized pieces rather than a fine powder to avoid burning or caramelizing during baking.
Chill the Dough and Cookies: Don’t skip chilling—firm dough cuts cleaner, and chilling the cookies after cutting prevents spreading and keeps the candy in place.
Fill ⅔ Full: Overfilling the cookie centers risks candy spilling over the edges, so keeping it about two-thirds full keeps the stained glass neat and tidy.
Use a Toothpick for Precision: To gently push candy into every nook of the window, a toothpick gives you control and ensures an even, colorful fill.

How to Serve Stained Glass Cookies with Candy Fillings Recipe

stained glass cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often finish these cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a hint of edible glitter when serving at parties. The sparkle complements the candy centers beautifully and adds an extra touch of magic.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a simple cup of hot cocoa or a spiced chai latte for a cozy treat. If it's a holiday gathering, I like setting them alongside a cheese and fruit platter for something sweet and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gifts, I arrange these on parchment-lined trays and wrap in clear cello bags tied with colorful ribbons. I've also seen them displayed on tiered dessert stands for weddings or festive brunches — the light catching the candy windows is always a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover stained glass cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Stacking tends to risk the candy centers sticking or breaking, so keeping them separated helps maintain their beauty.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these cookies a few times by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. When thawed, they hold their shape and flavor well, making them a great make-ahead option for holiday baking.

Reheating

To refresh the shine of the candy centers, I gently warm the cookies in a low oven (about 250°F) for 3–5 minutes. This softens the candy slightly without melting it too much again, giving back that fresh-from-the-oven glow.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other shapes besides stars for the stained glass windows?

Absolutely! I’ve tried hearts, circles, and even Christmas trees. Just make sure you use a larger cutter for the cookie and a smaller one for the window inside, leaving enough dough around the edges for structure.

What kind of candies work best for the fillings?

Hard candies like Jolly Ranchers and Lifesavers are ideal because they melt evenly and hold color well. Avoid sugar crystals or candies with fillings that might burn or bubble up excessively.

How do I prevent the candy from burning or sticking to the pan?

Chilling the cookies before baking helps maintain shape and prevents spreading. Also, make sure to line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to avoid sticking. Baking at 350°F for 10-12 minutes is usually just right.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes! In fact, chilling the dough for up to a day improves its handling and flavor. Just keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until you’re ready to roll and cut.

Final Thoughts

The Stained Glass Cookies with Candy Fillings Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to make when I want to add a dash of festive charm to my baking. They’re not just beautiful, but also bring smiles when shared with friends and family. Give it a go—you’ll enjoy both the process and the delicious, colorful results as much as I do!