Is there anything more fun than making cookies with the kids during the holidays? In our home, the fun shapes are snowflakes, stars, and Christmas trees. These cookies are a fun Christmas project for kids and grown-ups alike. Made with my gingerbread dough, these use candy to create a stained glass window effect. But you can, of course, also decorate them with piped royal icing or buttercream and sprinkles.
Step-by-step: How to make stained glass window cookies
Cookie dough
Dry ingredients – In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices – cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Dough – In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the molasses and egg. Followed by flour mixture and vanilla extract. Combine well.Pro tip – Make sure to cream the butter and sugar until the sugar is almost dissolved in the butter and it all becomes lighter in color. Chill dough – Divide the dough into two, wrap in plastic wrap, and let chill until firm enough to roll – about 2 hours or overnight.Pro tip – Do not skip on the chilling time. Otherwise, it will be too soft to roll, and the cookies will spread.
Stained glass effect
Roll – Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.Pro tip – I use a rolling pin with spacers so the dough is the same thickness all over. If necessary, chill the excess dough before you gather the scraps together and re-roll the cookie dough again.
Preheat the oven to 177°C / 350°F / Gas Mark 4. And line 2 x baking trays with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Shape – Use a 3-inch large snowflake cookie cutter, cut the shape, and place it on a parchment-lined baking tray. Use a 1.5-inch smaller snowflake cutter (about two sizes smaller) for the center.Pro tip: Use the center cut-outs as a small snowflake cookie. Fill – Fill the center with crushed candy, keeping it well within the cavity. If you plan to hang these on the Christmas tree as ornament cookies, make a hole on top, using a small round piping tip (about size 3) to tie the string and ensure it’s not too close to the edges.
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until slightly golden around the edges. When you take the cookies out of the oven, do not touch them. Leave them to cool on the baking tray until completely cooled.Pro tip – The candy will be very HOT and syrupy when you take the cookies out of the oven, so do not touch it. When cooled completely, the candy will set and become hard.
Dust – You can dust the cookies with confectioner sugar (powdered sugar) or leave them as is.
Frequently asked questions
Creative variations
When selecting cookie shapes, you can let your imagination run wild. Let the magic of the winter season inspire you, whether it’s delicate snowflakes, cozy mittens, or adorable snowmen. The key is to choose shapes that resonate with you and evoke a sense of joy and wonder. And if you’re feeling adventurous, consider mixing and matching different shapes to create a whimsical assortment of cookies. Also, combining snowflakes with mittens or adding a sprinkle of snowmen to the mix can add charm to your edible winter wonderland. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the sizes as well. Varying the shapes and sizes of your cookies will add visual interest and make your display even more captivating. Each cookie will contribute a unique charm to the masterpiece, from miniature snowflakes to grand snowmen. Remember, there are no limitations when choosing the perfect cookie shapes. So, feel free to experiment, play, and let your imagination guide you. This is your opportunity to unleash your creativity and create a personalized winter wonderland. The key to creating these stunning snowflake-stained glass cookies is finding a cookie dough recipe that holds its shape well during baking. You want a dough that is firm enough to maintain its intricate design yet still yields a soft and buttery bite. After all, the taste is just as important as the aesthetics. To achieve the perfect balance, we recommend using a sturdy cookie dough. If gingerbread cookie is not your choice, there are many other sugar cookie doughs. This classic gingerbread recipe combines the simplicity of everyday pantry ingredients with a touch of vanilla for a subtle yet delightful flavor. The dough comes together easily, making it ideal for shaping and cutting out intricate snowflake designs.
No chill no spread sugar cookies, or No chill sugar cookie dough vanilla sugar cookies & chocolate sugar cookies. Eggless vanilla sugar cookies & eggless chocolate sugar cookies Classic Gingerbread cookies & no spread gingerbread sugar cookies Best Chocolate Chip Cookies & Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies
Creative ways to serve snowflake stained glass cookies
One fun and visually appealing way to serve snowflake-stained glass cookies is by presenting them on a tiered dessert stand. This elegant display adds a touch of sophistication to your gathering and allows your guests to see and access the cookies easily. Arrange the cookies in a cascading pattern, starting with the larger ones on the bottom tier and gradually placing smaller ones on the higher tiers. This arrangement looks stunning and adds a festive flair to your table. Consider setting up a DIY decorating station if you want a more interactive and playful option. Provide a variety of colorful frostings, sprinkles, and edible glitter, and let your guests have fun embellishing their own snowflake cookies. This hands-on approach encourages creativity and adds a personal touch to the cookies. Plus, it’s a great activity for both kids and adults alike. For a cozy and casual gathering, serve the snowflake-stained glass cookies alongside a warm beverage like hot chocolate or spiced apple cider. Combining the warm drink and the sweet, buttery cookies is the perfect winter treat. Consider placing a few cookies on the rim of the mugs or using them as stirrers, allowing the cookie to melt into the drink slowly and infusing it with its delightful flavors. If you’re hosting a winter-themed party, consider incorporating the snowflake theme into your dessert table. Display the snowflake-stained glass cookies alongside snowflake-inspired treats such as snowflake-shaped marshmallows, powdered sugar-dusted snowflake brownies, or even snowflake-shaped ice cream sandwiches. This cohesive presentation will impress your guests and also create an enchanting atmosphere at your event.
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