Stained glass biscuits
Stained Glass Cookies for Christmas
Who doesn't remember the magic of childhood when Christmas was celebrated with sparkling lights and delicious sweets? Stained glass cookies are a true symbol of this season, being not only a delightful dessert but also a splendid decoration for the Christmas tree. This recipe will turn your time in the kitchen into an experience full of joy and creativity.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Baking time: 7-10 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 40 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 30 cookies
Ingredients:
- 40 assorted colored hard candies
- 225 g soft butter
- 450 g all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 300 g sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 6 tablespoons milk
- vanilla extract
- cookie cutters
Step 1: Preparing the dough
Start by sifting the flour along with the salt, baking powder, and baking soda into a large bowl. This step is essential to avoid lumps in the dough and to achieve a uniform texture.
In another bowl, add the soft butter and sugar. Mix well with a spatula or an electric mixer until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This process will add air to the dough, contributing to the light texture of the cookies.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step is important to ensure good emulsification of the ingredients.
Put half of the flour mixture into the bowl with butter and sugar. Mix with a spatula, then add the milk and vanilla extract. Mix again, then add the remaining flour. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours. This step will help firm up the dough, making it easier to handle.
Step 2: Preparing the candies
Meanwhile, sort the hard candies by color and gently crush them with a meat mallet. This will help them melt evenly during baking.
Step 3: Shaping the cookies
After the 2 hours of chilling, sprinkle flour on the work surface and roll out the dough with a rolling pin. It should not be too thin, about 5 mm thick is ideal. Use cookie cutters to create various festive shapes.
Then, with a smaller cutter or a knife, cut out a small portion from the center of each cookie. Fill the hole with a bit of crushed candy, ensuring it is well distributed.
Step 4: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 7-10 minutes, until the candies have melted and have a glossy appearance.
When ready, remove the tray from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on the tray to harden.
Step 5: Serving and variations
Now that the stained glass cookies are ready, you can play with their shape! If you wish, you can make a small hole at the top and tie them with a string to use as ornamental baubles.
If you have leftover dough and candies, you can opt for classic cookies by adding a splash of cocoa to the dough or spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a festive flavor.
Stained glass cookies are more than just a dessert; they are a way to bring joy and color into your home during the holiday season. Enjoy them with your loved ones and savor the magic of Christmas!
Ingredients: 40 drop candies of various colors, 225 g soft butter, 450 g flour 000, 2 eggs, 300 g sugar, 1 pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 6 tablespoons of milk, vanilla essence, cookie cutters.
