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 work great)

There’s something truly magical about how light shines through these sweet little treats, and that’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Stained Glass Cookies with Candy Fillings Recipe with you. They’re as fun to make as they are to look at and, trust me, once you bite into that melty candy center, you’ll be hooked.

A white plate full of star-shaped cookies with two layers: a light yellow baked cookie outer layer with a sparkling sugar texture on top, and a translucent colored center in star shapes, showing red, green, amber, and yellow colors. The cookies are stacked closely on a white marbled surface with some green pine branches and small shiny blue and yellow decorations around. The image has a warm and festive look. 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've fallen for these cookies not just for how stunning they look, but also because they combine classic buttery sugar cookie goodness with a peek-a-boo candy surprise that the whole family adores.

Eye-catching design: The translucent candy centers create a vibrant stained glass effect that’s perfect for festive occasions or everyday treats.
Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry and candy stash.
Fun for all ages: Kids love to help crush the candies and fill the cookie centers, making it a perfect bonding activity.
Customizable candy fillings: You can mix and match candies for different colors and flavors — a great excuse to get creative!

A close-up of star-shaped cookies on a white plate, each cookie having two layers: a light golden outer cookie layer with a shiny red jelly center that is translucent and smooth. The cookies have a light dusting of sugar on top, giving a slightly sparkling texture. The plate is set on a surface with a white marbled texture, and in the background, some greenery and a blue ornament are blurred out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe balances a tender, buttery cookie base with the crunchy, melty surprise inside made from crushed candies. Each ingredient plays a purposeful role to get that perfect texture and vibrant window effect.

Flat lay of unsalted butter cut into a rectangular slab, two brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of granulated sugar sparkling under natural light, a few whole vanilla beans beside a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a mound of all-purpose flour on white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with coarse sparkling sugar crystals, a small white bowl containing crushed colorful hard candies in small pebble-like pieces, arranged with perfect symmetry, 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 gives a rich flavor and tender crumb while letting you control the saltiness in the recipe.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookie edges crisp up just right.
Eggs: Bind everything together and give structure without toughening the dough.
Vanilla extract: A warm, sweet note that complements the candy fillings beautifully.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of the cookie dough, helps hold shape well through baking.
Coarse sparkling sugar: Sprinkled on top for that extra sparkle and gentle crunch.
Crushed hard candies (like Jolly Ranchers or Lifesavers): They melt into gorgeous colorful windows—make sure to crush to coarse sand-like pieces for best results.

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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

I love playing with different candy colors and brands to create unique stained glass looks. Plus, you can tweak the dough flavor or even add a little almond extract for a twist. Don’t hesitate to make these cookies your own!

Variation: Once, I swapped half the granulated sugar for brown sugar—it added a subtle caramel undertone that paired surprisingly well with cherry candies.
Dietary tweak: Try swapping butter for a vegan alternative and use egg replacer to make these cookie windows vegan-friendly; just keep an eye on dough consistency.
Seasonal changes: Use red and green candies for Christmas, or pastel shades for spring celebrations—it's an easy way to dress up the presentation.

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

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar to Soft Perfection

Start by beating the softened butter and granulated sugar together in your mixer until the texture is smooth and fluffy—around 2 minutes. This step is key for a tender and light cookie, so don’t rush it.

Step 2: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Salt

Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure they’re fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla and salt. The salt might be small but it really wakes up the flavor.

Step 3: Mix in Flour, Chill the Dough

Add the flour slowly, mixing just until the dough comes together. The dough will look a bit crumbly at first but keep mixing gently until combined. Wrap the dough into a disc using plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least an hour. Chilling firms it up, making it easier to roll and cut perfectly.

Step 4: Roll Out Dough and Cut Shapes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat. Roll out half the dough to about ½ inch thick and cut out 4-inch star shapes. Then, carefully cut 2-inch star “windows” from the centers. Re-roll scraps and repeat to use all the dough.

Step 5: Sprinkle Sugar and Chill Again

Give the cookie tops a gentle press with coarse sparkling sugar; it adds sparkle and slight crunch. Pop the baking sheet in the fridge for 20 minutes—this helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much when baking.

Step 6: Fill Centers with Crushed Candy

Take the chilled cookies out and fill each “window” around two-thirds full with crushed candy pieces. I find using a toothpick to gently nudge the bits fills even the tricky corners perfectly without the candy spilling over.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the cookies turn light golden and the candy inside melts into a smooth, glass-like window. Be careful not to overbake or the candy can burn. Let them cool completely on the sheet—that’s when the candy centers harden beautifully.

Step 8: Repeat and Enjoy!

Repeat the entire process with the remaining dough. For storage, keep your cookies covered in a single layer at room temperature for up to two days—they’re best enjoyed fresh for that snap and shine.

Top Tip

From my experience making stained glass cookies, a few small tweaks really elevate the results and save you some stress in the kitchen.

Crush candies to the perfect size: Don’t pulverize your candies into powder or keep huge chunks—aim for coarse sand size to melt evenly without burning.
Chill dough and cookies: This step controls spreading and helps the candy fill stay put during baking.
Fill candy centers thoughtfully: Using a toothpick to push candy into all the cookie edges makes a neat design without overflow.
Watch your bake time carefully: Keep an eye during the last few minutes so the candy doesn’t scorch and the cookies maintain a tender bite.

How to Serve Stained Glass Cookies with Candy Fillings Recipe

stained glass cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra coarse sparkling sugar around the edges just before baking for an added shimmer. On special occasions, adding edible glitter or a dusting of powdered sugar after baking creates a festive finish.

Side Dishes

These cookies go wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced tea, coffee, or even a cold glass of milk. They also make a charming treat when paired with a cheese board featuring mild cheeses, fresh fruits, and nuts.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged these cookies hanging on decorated branches like edible ornaments, or stacked them in clear jars layered by candy color. They instantly brighten any dessert table and spark conversations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your stained glass cookies in a single layer inside an airtight container at room temperature. I usually line the container with parchment to prevent sticking and they keep their crisp edges and glossy candy centers well for a couple of days.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked dough discs tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and inside a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling and cutting. Avoid freezing baked cookies with candy fillings as the texture and shine don’t hold up well.

Reheating

If your cookie candy centers ever lose their shine or firm snap, gently warming them in a low oven (around 275°F) for a few minutes can refresh the glossy finish. Let cool completely before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use any kind of hard candy for the stained glass filling?

You can use many types of hard candies like Jolly Ranchers or Lifesavers, but avoid ones with fillings or chocolate as they won’t melt nicely. Also, crushing candies to a consistent coarse texture helps ensure even melting without burning.

How do I prevent the candy from overflowing the cookie cutouts?

Fill the cookie centers only about two-thirds full with crushed candy. Using a toothpick to gently push the candy into all the corners and spreading it evenly helps avoid overflow during baking.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge for up to a day. Cut and assemble the cookies with candy just before baking for the best candy window effect.

Why are my candy centers cloudy instead of clear?

Cloudy candy centers usually result from over-crushing the candy into powder or uneven melting. Be sure to crush the candies into coarse pieces and don’t overbake. Also, candies with added fillers or coatings might not melt cleanly.

Final Thoughts

Making these Stained Glass Cookies with Candy Fillings Recipe has become one of my favorite festive traditions because each batch brings a little sparkle and joy to the kitchen. I hope you enjoy the process and the smiles they bring to your family and friends just as much as I do. Now it’s your turn—let the warmth of buttery dough and colorful candy windows brighten your day!