Begin by creaming together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

Beat in 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until combined.

Gradually add 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about a ¼-inch thickness.

Use a large cookie cutter to cut out shapes, then take a smaller cutter to create a center cutout for the stained glass effect.

Transfer cut-out cookies to prepared baking sheets, placing them about 2 inches apart.

Fill the center cutouts with assorted crushed hard candies, being careful not to overfill.

Place baking sheets in preheated oven and bake cookies for about 8-10 minutes, monitoring closely.

Remove cookies from oven and let them sit on the baking sheets for a few minutes.

Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely, then dust lightly with powdered sugar before hanging as ornaments if desired.