Stained Glass Cookies Colorful (Printable Version)

Crisp sugar cookies with vibrant Jolly Rancher centers make a playful, eye-catching dessert. #baking #cookies #dessert #holiday #candies

# Ingredients:

→ Dough

01 - 16 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
02 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 - 1 teaspoon almond extract
05 - 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
06 - 1 large egg, at room temperature
07 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
08 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

→ Decoration

09 - 20 Jolly Rancher hard candies, assorted colors
10 - 2 tablespoons water (optional, for decoration)
11 - 2 to 4 tablespoons sanding sugar (optional, for decoration)

# Steps:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to beat together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
02 - Blend in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and kosher salt, mixing until fully combined.
03 - Beat in the large egg until the dough is homogenous.
04 - Gradually add all-purpose flour and baking powder, incorporating about 1/2 cup at a time. Mix just until integrated, avoiding overmixing.
05 - Form the dough into a ball and divide in half. Roll out each half onto sheets of parchment paper to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
06 - Transfer the rolled dough on parchment onto baking sheets and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for optimal texture.
07 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
08 - Choose two cookie cutters of the same shape in different sizes, with the largest being approximately 2 to 3 inches. Prepare to cut cookie outlines and centers for stained glass effect.

# Notes:

01 - Chilling the dough ensures cookies maintain shape during baking and result in crisp edges.