Valentine Stained Glass Window Cookies

When I watch shows where famous bakers create exotic cakes and goodies I'm impressed, sure. One can't help but marvel over tiered cakes, with luscious, edible flowers, and fondant as far as you can see. But more realistically, there are those of us who love to create surprises and treats, but we don't necessarily have the money, time, or talent required. Still, it's nice to create special indulgences for marked occasions. This Valentine's Day, your family and friends will be in awe of some special cookies you make for them. Stained glass window cookies are gorgeous, delectable, and simple to bake.

It doesn't take much longer to make stained glass window cookies than it does to make any other type. Use a sugar cookie recipe, a boxed mix, or even refrigerated dough. Roll out the dough so that it's a quarter-inch thick. It can be helpful to lay a piece of wax paper on the counter, sprinkle with flour, lay the cookie dough on it, lightly flour the top, and put down another piece of wax paper. This wax paper sandwich will keep the cookie dough from sticking to the rolling pin.

Use two different sizes of heart cookie cutters to make the stained glass windows. Cut out the large shape, then position the small cookie cutter on it, and cut it out. This will give you a heart with a heart-shaped hole in the middle. Cover a baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Lay the cookies out on the pan and leave at least a half-inch between each pair.

Jolly Rancher candies can help you easily make the stained glass effect on the cookies. The candy melts easily, making it perfect for creating the glass of different colors. Break the candy, put pieces in the center of each cookie, and bake.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and bake the cookies for about 10 minutes, or until they are browned, and the candies melted. Allow them to cool for a few minutes on the pan and then place them on a wire rack to finish cooling.

The stained glass hearts are perfect for Valentine's Day but you can also make the unusual cookies for other occasions. Cut a Christmas tree shape, make tiny holes in it, then fill them with the candies to make ornaments. Or, make an Easter egg shape and fill parts of it with the colorful candies. No matter how they're shaped, these cookies are delightful.