I was told to try Jolly Ranchers which refused to crush or be pulverized. Then the recipe called for the cookie to bake a bit before adding the “glass.” Instead, the hole in the middle completely closed up! Then the glass didn’t melt. Then, I threw the mess against the wall. Now I have the Life Savers which, of course, can be crushed.
I only made them once.....for a gingerbread house.......but I don’t remember it being a particularly troublesome procedure.
Maybe its your oven......