“Yes, you can eat them,” I replied, “They’re cookies. You can also hang them from your tree.” “What’s inside?” asked Matthew (7). “Life Savers. And Jolly Ranchers.” “LIFE SAVERS? AND JOLLY RANCHERS?” It was as if Santa himself had just poked his head through the fireplace. The boys, my young neighbors, dissected and demolished the ones they had each picked out to eat. It was all I could do to keep their hands off the remaining cookies. Oddly, they went straight for the hard candy center, and only after it was discussed (“What is this, watermelon? Must be a Jolly Rancher”) and devoured, did they move on to the cookie border. This recipe is a classic, originally from Yankee Magazine. The cookies also make beautiful Christmas ornaments!

Which Candies Make the Best Stained Glass Window Cookies?

Jolly RanchersLife SaversClear lollipopsCinnamon disksButterscotch hard candiesAny clear hard candies

Are Stained Glass Window Cookies Hard to Eat?

No! The candy layer is very thin and gets crunchy and more breakable after it cools down. You get the benefit of a thin candy inside of a buttery cookie!

More Holiday Cookies That Wow

Christmas Sugar Cookies Linzer Cookies Holiday Pinwheels Peppermint Meringue Cookies Chocolate Orange Shortbread

Using a smaller cookie cutter of a similar shape or a knife, cut shapes into the centers of cookies. (You can use the centers for extra dough.) Allow the cookies to cool on the pans for at least 10 minutes; otherwise, the candy centers may separate from the dough. When cookies are completely cooled, remove and store in an airtight container. String with ribbon if you want to hang as ornaments. Did you love the recipe? Leave us stars below!