Can you substitute plain flour for all-purpose in baking stained glass cookies?

You can substitute plain flour for all-purpose flour in stained glass cookies, but there might be some slight differences in the results.

Plain Flour vs. All-Purpose Flour:

* Plain flour (also known as "cake flour" in some regions) has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour. This means it will create a softer, more delicate cookie.

* All-purpose flour has a higher protein content, which results in a chewier, sturdier cookie.

Impact on Stained Glass Cookies:

* Texture: Using plain flour might make the cookies slightly softer and more prone to breakage, especially if you're using a lot of melted candy for the "stained glass" effect.

* Spread: The cookies might spread a little more than with all-purpose flour, as the lower protein content means less gluten development.

Tips for Substituting Plain Flour:

* Adjust the liquid: You might need to add a little more liquid to the dough to compensate for the lower protein content of plain flour. Start by adding a tablespoon or two at a time and knead until you reach the desired consistency.

* Chill the dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes will help prevent excessive spreading.

* Use a cookie cutter with a thicker base: This will help the cookies hold their shape better.

Overall: You can absolutely use plain flour for stained glass cookies, but be aware of the potential for softer cookies and more spreading. If you're confident in your baking skills, feel free to experiment! If you prefer a more sturdy cookie, sticking with all-purpose flour is the safest bet.