If you’re looking for a delightful, no-bake treat that’s both colorful and irresistibly chocolaty, then let me introduce you to the magic of my Church Window Cookies Recipe. This recipe is a fan-freaking-tastic way to enjoy a nostalgic classic that’s perfect for holidays, gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try these cheerful, stained-glass-inspired cookies, you’ll be hooked just like my family is!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Wonder: You don’t need to wait around by the oven, making it perfect for busy days or warmer weather.
- Eye-Catching & Fun: The pastel marshmallows create vibrant, stained-glass-like windows that look as good as they taste.
- Simple Ingredients: You’re probably already stocked with most of these, and they come together quickly.
- Kid-Friendly Activity: The no-fuss process means you can get the little ones involved without worry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Church Window Cookies Recipe blend in perfect harmony — creamy chocolate, sweet marshmallows, crunchy walnuts, and coconut all bring their best game. Here’s a quick rundown and why each one matters.
- Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips: Semi-sweet offers a nice balance of sweetness without being overpowering, but milk chocolate works great if you prefer a creamier, sweeter bite.
- Salted butter: Cubed butter melts quickly and adds richness plus a hint of salt to balance all that sugar.
- Pastel marshmallows: These are essential for that stained-glass look and soft chewy texture. I love using multi-colored packs for maximum vibrancy.
- Toasted chopped walnuts: Toasting nuts is a game changer — it amps up their nutty flavor and crunch.
- Sweetened shredded coconut: Adds a tropical twist and acts like a “window frame” on the wax paper, keeping the logs from sticking and adding texture on top.
Variations
I like to play around with my Church Window Cookies Recipe depending on the mood and occasion. It’s a flexible canvas that lets you get creative, and I encourage you to make it your own!
- Nut-free version: I’ve swapped walnuts for sunflower seeds or left out nuts entirely when making these for friends with allergies — still delicious!
- Chocolate twist: Using white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet adds a creamy sweetness and makes the colors pop even more.
- Mini marshmallows: Cutting some marshmallows in half or using mini ones create different textures and smaller “windows.” It’s fun to experiment!
- Sprinkles on top: For a festive touch, sprinkle colored sugar or edible glitter over the coconut before chilling the logs.
How to Make Church Window Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate and Butter Gently
Start by placing your chocolate chips and cubed butter into a large saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly — this is key to prevent scorching. The moment the mixture turns silky smooth, remove it from heat. Letting it cool for about 5 minutes here makes all the difference! If it’s too hot, the marshmallows will melt when you mix them in instead of staying beautifully intact.
Step 2: Prep Your Workspace and Coconut “Frames”
Lay out two large pieces of wax paper side by side on your countertop. Sprinkle about one-quarter of the shredded coconut into each sheet, creating a 4 by 12-inch rectangle. This coconut acts like a cushion and decorative frame for your cookie logs, plus it keeps the sticky chocolate mixture from sticking to the paper.
Step 3: Combine Marshmallows and Walnuts
In a large bowl, toss together your pastel marshmallows and toasted chopped walnuts. This mix is what gives Church Window Cookies their signature look and delightful texture — sweet bursts from the marshmallows paired with the crunch from the nuts.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Mixture
Pour your cooled chocolate and butter mixture over the marshmallows and walnuts. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated. Don’t rush this step — you want every marshmallow touched with chocolate, but be careful not to crush the marshmallows.
Step 5: Shape and Chill Your Cookie Logs
Divide the mixture in half and scoop each onto one of your prepared wax papers, on top of the coconut. Shape each into a log about 4 inches wide and 12 inches long. Sprinkle the remaining coconut all over the tops and any bare spots to give them that final snowy frame look. Wrap each log tightly in the wax paper to keep everything in place.
Step 6: Refrigerate and Slice
Pop the wrapped logs into the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight. Patience pays off here because you want them nice and firm for slicing. Once chilled, unwrap and cut into 1/2-inch slices with a sharp knife. The colors inside look like stained glass — hence the name “Church Window.” Every slice is a little work of art!
Pro Tips for Making Church Window Cookies Recipe
- Low Heat Melting: I discovered the trick of melting chocolate and butter on the lowest heat setting to avoid burning — patience is key here.
- Marshmallow Temperature: Let the chocolate mixture cool before stirring in the marshmallows to keep them from melting and losing their shape.
- Toasting Nuts: Toast walnuts in a dry skillet for just a few minutes until fragrant — it adds so much depth to the flavor.
- Tight Wrapping: Wrapping the logs snugly in wax paper ensures they keep their shape and slice cleanly after chilling.
How to Serve Church Window Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I love to keep it simple with these cookies because the colors and textures speak for themselves. But sometimes, I’ll dust the plate with a little powdered sugar or add a few bright sprinkles on top just before serving for a festive flair. If I’m sharing with guests, a few fresh mint leaves on the side adds a lovely contrast that brightens the presentation.
Side Dishes
Church Window Cookies pair beautifully with a warm mug of hot chocolate or a lightly brewed cup of coffee. For a holiday spread, I like serving alongside other no-bake treats like peanut butter balls or classic fudge — this way, there’s a variety of textures and flavors for everyone to enjoy.
Creative Ways to Present
Once, I wrapped the sliced cookies in clear cellophane with a festive ribbon for a neighbor gift—they were a huge hit! Another time, I arranged slices in a circle on a beautiful serving platter with edible flowers tucked between. For kids’ parties, I’ve placed stacks on colorful paper doilies alongside a mini DIY decorating station with extra coconut and sprinkles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. I usually layer them between sheets of wax paper to prevent sticking, and they stay perfectly chewy and chocolatey — no sogginess here!
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, I’ve frozen the cookie logs before slicing without any issues. Just wrap them extra tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw logs overnight in the fridge and then slice—easy peasy.
Reheating
You don’t really need to reheat Church Window Cookies, but if you prefer the chocolate a little softened, pop slices in the microwave for 5–7 seconds. Just be careful — the marshmallows can get gooey fast, and you don’t want a melted mess!
FAQs
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Can I use other types of nuts in the Church Window Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While the classic recipe uses walnuts, you can substitute pecans, almonds, or even skip nuts altogether if you prefer a nut-free version. Just toast them lightly to bring out the flavor before mixing.
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Why do my marshmallows melt when I mix them with the chocolate?
This usually happens if your melted chocolate is still too hot when stirred together. Let the chocolate and butter mixture cool for at least 5 minutes before adding marshmallows to keep them intact and maintain their texture.
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Can I make Church Window Cookies without coconut?
You can, though the shredded coconut adds both texture and helps with shaping the logs. If you’re not a fan, try replacing it with crushed graham crackers or finely chopped nuts for a similar effect.
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What’s the best way to get clean slices?
Use a sharp knife and slice when the cookies are well chilled and firm. For extra clean cuts, wipe the knife blade between slices to avoid dragging chocolate and marshmallows across the log.
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How long do Church Window Cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these cookies stay fresh for up to a week. They’re best enjoyed within that timeframe for optimal texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Church Window Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those old-fashioned desserts that brings people together—a perfect blend of simple ingredients and eye-catching charm. I hope you’ll try it out soon, whether for a holiday cookie swap or just a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. Honestly, every time I make them, my family goes crazy for that beautiful mix of gooey marshmallow, rich chocolate, and crunchy walnuts. Give it a go—I know you’ll love sharing these vibrant slices of joy with your people.
Print
Church Window Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Church Window Cookies are a nostalgic no-bake treat combining melted chocolate, pastel marshmallows, toasted walnuts, and shredded coconut. Resembling stained glass windows, these colorful and chewy log-shaped cookies are perfect for festive cookie trays and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Chocolate Mixture
- 2 cups (12 ounces) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup salted butter (cubed)
Mix-ins
- 1 (10-ounce) package pastel marshmallows
- 1/2 cup toasted chopped walnuts
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: Place chocolate chips and cubed butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until everything is completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool for about 5 minutes to prevent melting the marshmallows later.
- Prepare Wax Paper and Coconut Base: Lay two large pieces of wax paper flat on the counter. Evenly sprinkle about 1/4 of the shredded coconut onto each piece, creating approximately a 4 by 12-inch section that serves as the base for the logs. Reserve half of the coconut for topping.
- Combine Marshmallows and Walnuts: In a large mixing bowl, add the pastel marshmallows and toasted chopped walnuts. Mix together gently.
- Add Chocolate Mixture: Pour the cooled chocolate and butter mixture over the marshmallows and walnuts. Stir carefully until all the ingredients are evenly coated and combined.
- Shape Cookies into Logs: Divide the mixture in half and transfer each half onto the prepared coconut sections on the wax paper. Shape each portion into a log shape, approximately 4 by 12 inches.
- Add Coconut Topping and Wrap: Sprinkle the remaining shredded coconut evenly on top of the logs and any uncovered wax paper areas. Then tightly wrap each log in the wax paper to hold its shape.
- Chill and Slice: Refrigerate the wrapped logs for at least 2 hours or overnight until firm. When ready, unwrap and use a knife to slice the logs into individual cookie pieces. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Church Window Cookies are a classic American no-bake cookie that resemble stained glass windows due to their colorful marshmallow pieces.
- Be sure to let the chocolate mixture cool before adding to prevent melting the marshmallows.
- Use pastel marshmallows for a more festive, stained-glass look.
- These cookies keep well refrigerated and are great for holiday platters or cookie exchanges.
- The nuts can be substituted or omitted for allergies or preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 142 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
