Glazed biscuits
Stained Glass Cookies with Colorful Drops
Who doesn't love sharing sweets with their loved ones? Stained glass cookies are a perfect choice to add a touch of magic to any festive table or simply to bring a smile to the faces of those dear to you. These cookies not only look spectacular but also taste delicious, thanks to the combination of butter, vanilla, and the fruity flavors of orange. Let's discover together how to prepare them!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Resting time: 1 hour
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Total: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes
Number of servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 200 g of flour
- 75 g of butter (at room temperature)
- 1 egg
- 100 g of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Zest of one orange
- Colorful drops (approx. 100 g)
Necessary utensils
- Large mixing bowl
- Mixer or spatula
- Grater for orange zest
- Dustpan for transferring cookies
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (various shapes)
Step-by-step instructions
1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the butter at room temperature and sugar. Using a mixer or spatula, mix well until you achieve a creamy composition. This is essential for fluffy and delicious cookies.
2. Adding wet ingredients: Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, and grated orange zest. Mix well to integrate all the ingredients.
3. Dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredient mixture to the bowl with wet ingredients, mixing gently. It is important not to overmix, to avoid making the cookies too tough.
4. Forming the dough: If the dough is still sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until you achieve a non-sticky dough. Once the dough is ready, shape it into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap.
5. Resting the dough: Let the dough rest in the refrigerator for 1 hour. This step is crucial as it helps solidify the butter, which will keep the cookies from losing their shape during baking.
6. Preparing the drops: While the dough is resting, place the drops in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. These will add a splash of color and a crunchy texture to the cookies.
7. Cutting the cookies: After the dough has been in the refrigerator, take it out and roll it out on a floured surface until you get a sheet about 5 mm thick. Use the cookie cutters to create various shapes. I chose to make bears, trees, hearts, and snowflakes.
8. Filling the cookies: On half of the cookies, add a small amount of crushed drops in the center. This will be the magical "funnel" that will melt during baking!
9. Baking the cookies: Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake them in a preheated oven at 170°C for 10-12 minutes. Watch closely, as the cookies should be golden but not burnt.
10. Cooling and serving: After baking, let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a plate to cool completely.
Serving suggestions
These cookies can be enjoyed plain, but they are wonderful to share with loved ones, whether at a party or as a sweet surprise for family. You can pair them with a cup of flavored tea or a glass of milk.
Variations and tips
- Flavor variations: Experiment with other flavors, such as lemon zest or cinnamon, to add a unique twist to the cookies.
- Chocolate cookies: Replace the drops with chocolate chips for a decadent version.
- Decoration: After cooling, you can glaze the cookies with white chocolate or colored fondant for a festive look.
Nutritional benefits
These cookies are not only delicious but also a quick source of energy due to the sugar and healthy fats from the butter. The orange zest adds a boost of vitamin C, while the drops provide an explosion of energy and color.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of drops can I use?
Any type of colorful drops works well! You can opt for those with various flavors or even for sugar-free drops.
How long do the cookies last?
The cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but the taste will be slightly different. Butter provides a better texture and richer flavor.
These stained glass cookie recipes are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a wonderful activity to do together with family or friends. So put on your apron and enjoy every step of the process! Each bite will bring a splash of happiness!
Ingredients: 200 g flour, 75 g butter, 1 egg, 100 g sugar, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, a pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla essence, grated zest of one orange, drops
