"Stained Glass" Paintbrush Cookies
Colorful stained glass paintbrush cookies combine sweet vanilla and nutmeg flavors with vibrant candy centers, perfect for festive occasions or creative cookie decorating sessions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cream together shortening, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Sift dry ingredients together and add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream.
- Divide dough and roll out to 1/4-inch thickness on a well-floured pastry cloth.
- Cut with cookie cutters and place on a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F, until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. This helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. If you don't have shortening, butter can be used as a substitute, but it will slightly change the texture. Adding a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the flavor beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for festive occasions or as a sweet treat alongside a cup of tea. Try serving them with Eileen'S Tomato Soup for a delightful contrast. You can also decorate them with royal icing or edible glitter for added flair, creating a stunning centerpiece for your dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies, layered between parchment paper, for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Stained Glass" Paintbrush Cookies contains roughly 301 calories, with 5g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2604mg per serving (113% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add a nuttier flavor and more nutrients. However, the cookies may be denser, so it's best to not exceed this ratio.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don't have sour cream on hand, plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk can be used as a great substitute. Both will maintain the moisture and tanginess needed for the cookie dough.
How can I make these cookies more colorful?
To create a stained glass effect, consider using crushed hard candies in the center of each cookie. As they bake, the candies melt and create a beautiful, colorful design. Just be sure to use clear or light-colored candies for the best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).