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Pastel Candy-Centered Butter Cookies


  • Total Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Description

  • Pastel candy-centered butter cookies are a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat with a colorful stained-glass effect. Perfect for Easter, spring gatherings, and gifting!

 


Ingredients

Scale
For the cookies:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
For the candy centers:

 

  • ½ cup pastel-colored hard candies (such as Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers), crushed

Instructions

  • Prepare the Dough – Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  • Add Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually mix into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
  • Chill the Dough – Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
  • Preheat & Prep – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  • Roll & Cut the Cookies – Roll out the chilled dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use a round or flower-shaped cutter to cut cookies, then cut out smaller centers.
  • Add the Candy – Place cookies on the baking sheet and fill each center with about ½ teaspoon of crushed pastel candy.
  • Bake – Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookies are lightly golden and candy has melted.

 

  • Cool & Set – Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to fully cool.

Notes

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
  • Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
  • Freezing Dough: Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw before rolling and baking.
  • Freezing Baked Cookies: Store in layers with parchment paper in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

 

  • Reheating: Warm in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes if desired.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • chill time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: dessert , cookies
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: butter cookies, stained glass cookies, Easter cookies, pastel candy cookies, springtime dessert