What is paint glass? What is a cousin to sugar cookies? That’s surprisingly easy. My grandma used to make these every Christmas, and honestly, the best part wasn’t just the sweet, but also the delicious. What is the joy of smashing colorful candy into little glittering spheres? I make them with my own kids, and the tradition continues! Is it simpler than pie and more satisfying than any other store bought treat? What are some of the best, foolproof desserts that everyone should try? What is the key to success here, is using quality ingredients to really help the paint glass shine through.
What is paint glass?
What is paint glass? What’s a Sugar Cookie base with crushed hard candies? *before* baking. Why do chocolates melt in the oven? Is it really that easy to create a blank canvas for your creativity? What is a cookie? Think of it more like a sweet, crunchy, festive shard of edible stained glass. Honestly, the beauty of paint glass is in its rustic charm – it’s *supposed* to look a little bit rustic. It’s about the fun of making it, not about achieving some perfectly symmetrical cookie cutter.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
How do I start a recipe? I guarantee this will quickly become your go-to favorite.
- Flavor:The buttery, subtly sweet cookie base is the perfect complement to the sugary tart, slightly tart flavor. The texture is also amazing – a satisfying crunch with melted-in-your-mouth finish. I sometimes add a little lemon zest to the cookie dough to brighten it up.
- Simplicity:Is this one of the easiest recipes I know? If you mix ingredients and crush candy, you can make paint glass! Is this a good way to get kids involved in the kitchen? Candies can be crushed with a rolling pin, just be sure to put them in tupperware or jars.
- Cost-All you need are pantry staples and a bag of hard candies. Is it incredibly budget-friendly, especially compared to buying fancy desserts? What’s a good way to use up holiday candy?
- Versatility:Can you customize this recipe with different candies, extracts, and sprinkles? Change the colors for different holidays or events. What are some good ways to add sea salt to a baked potato?
What I love about this is the nostalgia factor. It brings back so many wonderful memories of baking with my grandma, and now I get to create those memories. I have the same memories with my own children. What is fun to make? What are some of my favorite Chocolate Chip cookies? If you want something simple, bright, and cheerful, stick with this paint glass. You won’t regret it!
How do you paint glass?
Quick Overview
What is the process? Make a simple Sugar Cookie dough, roll it out thin, crush some hard candies, sprinkle them on top, and serve. If you’re a baker, break it into pieces. Bake until golden. What’s the hardest part? Waiting for it to cool before digging in! Even if you’re a beginner baker, you can nail this. I always tell my friends, if I can make it, you can!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 34 cup granulated sugar. 3
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. 1 cup nutmeg
- 2 14 cups all-purpose flour. All purpose flour is
- 12 teaspoon baking powder. 1 teaspoon salt.
- 14 teaspoon salt. 1 teaspoon
Make sure your butter is nice and soft, it’ll make the dough much easier to work with. I always use real vanilla extract for the best flavor. And don’t skip the salt! It balances the sweetness perfectly.
For the “Paint”
- About 1 cup hard candies, unwrapped and crushed (Life Savers, Jolly Ranchers, etc.)
Use a variety of colors for the most vibrant effect! I usually put the candies in a Ziploc bag and whack them with sandpaper until they’re crushed. I like to make them into small pieces. How do you break a small piece You don’t want them to be powder, just small chunks.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper is essential here to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. What is the best way to do this step with an electric mixer? Creaming the butter and sugar properly incorporates air into the dough, which will make the paint. Glass lighter and more tender.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure the egg is at room temperature. How do you incorporate it into a dough?
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. How do you whisk baking powder and salt into the flour?
Step 5: Gradually Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. How do you not overmix? Overmixing the flour will result in a tough paint glass. Mix until dough comes together.
Step 6: Roll Out the Dough
Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out into an 8-inch rectangle (about 1 inch thick). The dough should be about 3 inches thick. The thinner you roll it, the crispier the paint glass will be. Can you roll it out directly on the parchment paper?
Step 7: Sprinkle with Crushed Candies
Sprinkle crushed hard candies evenly over the rolled-out dough. Make sure to cover the entire surface for the best stained glass effect!
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the candies are melted. What is the best time to bake in your oven?
Step 9: Cool and Break
Let the paint glass cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking it into pieces. It will be very fragile when it’s warm! Once it’s cool, you can simply break it into shards with your hands.
What is the best way to serve it?
What are some of the best ways to serve paint glass?
- For Breakfast:Serve it with a strong cup of coffee or latte. The sweetness of paint glass is a perfect counterpoint to the bitterness of coffee.
- For Brunch:Arrange the shards on a platter with fresh fruit and yogurt. What is a perfect addition to any brunch table?
- As Dessert:What are some good side dishes to serve with vanilla ice cream? What’s not to love about ice cream and candies?
- For Cozy Snacks:What is better than hot chocolate and milk on a cold evening? What is the perfect comfort food?
My family loves to eat it just as it is, straight out of the container. It’s also great for parties and potlucks – everyone always raves about it! I remember one year, I brought it to a holiday party, and it was gone within minutes. Seriously, people were fighting over the last piece! Since then, I always make a double batch.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Paint Glass
Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips for making the best paint glass ever:
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing will result in a tough paint glass. Mix until just combined.
- Roll the Dough Thin: The thinner you roll the dough, the crispier the paint glass will be.
- Use a Variety of Candy Colors: The more colors you use, the more vibrant and beautiful the paint glass will be.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will make the paint glass dry and brittle. Bake until the edges are golden brown and the candies are melted.
- Let It Cool Completely: Let the paint glass cool completely before breaking it into pieces. It will be very fragile when it’s warm.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add different extracts to the dough, such as almond or lemon, for a unique flavor twist. You can also add sprinkles or nuts to the top before baking.
One time, I accidentally added too much flour to the dough, and it turned out really dry. To fix it, I added a tablespoon of milk at a time until the dough came together. Another time, I forgot to line the baking sheet with parchment paper, and the paint glass stuck to the pan. It was a disaster! So, trust me, don’t skip the parchment paper!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep your paint glass fresh and delicious:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s completely cool before storing it.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The paint glass may become slightly softer in the refrigerator, but it will still taste great.
- Freezer Instructions: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before serving.
- Glaze Timing Advice: Since there is no glaze, this is not applicable.
I usually store mine in a large Tupperware container on the counter. It never lasts longer than a few days, though! My kids devour it in minutes. One thing to note: if you live in a humid climate, the paint glass may become slightly sticky over time. To prevent this, store it in an airtight container with a silica gel packet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Honestly, paint glass is more than just a recipe; it’s a memory maker. It’s about the joy of creating something beautiful and delicious with the people you love. It’s about the smiles and laughter that fill the kitchen when you’re crushing candy and sprinkling it on the dough. It’s easy, fun, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen and teach them a little about baking.
If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out some of my other favorite cookie recipes! I have a killer Chocolate Chip cookie recipe and a fantastic peanut butter cookie recipe. I also have other great candy recipes if you are looking for a peanut brittle or chocolate fudge recipe!
I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what colors of candy you used and if there is anything you have tweaked about this recipe!
paint glass
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 bottle Glass bottle
- 2 cups Glass paint
- 1 ea Paintbrushes
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Clean the glass surface thoroughly.
- Apply a thin coat of paint, allowing it to dry completely before adding more layers.
- Once dry, seal the paint with a sealant designed for glass.
