Are you looking for a quick and easy dessert recipe that’s also visually stunning? Look no further! Church windows, also known as stained glass windows, are a delightful treat that's perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. These colorful cookies are surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner bakers, and the end result is a beautiful and delicious homemade treat that's sure to impress. This recipe offers a delicious blend of flavors and textures, making it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Food coloring (red, yellow, blue)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is easily done with an electric mixer, but can also be accomplished with a good amount of elbow grease and a sturdy spoon.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Divide and Conquer
Divide the dough into three equal portions. Place each portion in a separate bowl. Add a different food coloring to each bowl – red, yellow, and blue – and mix until the color is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Assemble the Church Windows
On a lightly floured surface, roll out each colored dough to about ⅛ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters (circular cutters work best) to cut out circles from each color. Arrange three circles of different colors on top of each other slightly offset to create a stained-glass effect. Gently press down to adhere them.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the assembled cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Decorate (Optional)
Once cooled, you can add sprinkles to the tops of your Church Windows for extra flair.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Church Windows:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened; this will help create a smooth and fluffy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Even Dough Thickness: Rolling the dough to an even thickness ensures even baking.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the wire rack before serving to prevent breakage.
Variations:
- Flavored Church Windows: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or peppermint extract to one or more of the dough portions for added flavor.
- Holiday Colors: Use different food colorings to create festive cookies for holidays like Christmas or Easter.
- Shape it Up: Experiment with different cookie cutters to create unique shapes beyond circles.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 100-120 calories. This can vary depending on the size of the cookies and the type of sprinkles used. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator and input the exact ingredients and their quantities. This recipe is relatively low in calories and makes for a good quick dinner side dish.
This recipe for Church Windows is a fun and delicious way to enjoy homemade cookies. They're perfect for sharing and guaranteed to brighten anyone's day! Enjoy!