If you’ve been hunting for a fun, colorful, and utterly delicious treat to brighten up any gathering, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Church Window Cookies Recipe. Imagine biting into a rich chocolate blend studded with pastel marshmallows, crunchy toasted walnuts, and wrapped in a snowy coat of sweet shredded coconut. These no-bake wonders are like edible stained glass, bursting with texture and flavor, and they’re surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re sharing them with family, friends, or keeping them all to yourself, Church Window Cookies bring joyful nostalgia and a cozy cheer to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a crucial role, ensuring your Church Window Cookies Recipe dazzles with flavor, texture, and vibrant color.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: The rich, smooth base that holds everything together while adding indulgent cocoa goodness.
- Butter (sliced): Adds creaminess and helps the chocolate melt perfectly for a luscious, silky finish.
- Pastel mini marshmallows: Your colorful “windows” that create the iconic stained glass effect and offer a delightful chew.
- Chopped toasted walnuts: Bring a satisfying crunch and nutty depth that balances the sweet elements perfectly.
- Sweetened shredded coconut: Coats the logs with a snowy white texture and a hint of tropical sweetness.
How to Make Church Window Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
Begin by gently melting the semisweet chocolate chips with the sliced butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this silky base is what will hold your cookies together. Take your time; melting slowly ensures you don’t scorch the chocolate and lose that vibrant, rich flavor.
Step 2: Cool the Chocolate Mixture
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the chocolate mixture cool just enough so it’s no longer hot to the touch but still melted. This step is essential because if the mixture is too warm, it will melt the marshmallows and dull those charming pastel colors that make these cookies so unique.
Step 3: Stir in Walnuts and Marshmallows
Once your chocolate is just the right temperature, fold in the toasted walnuts and pastel mini marshmallows. This not only adds texture but creates that beautiful stained glass effect through the soft pops of color. Be gentle to keep those marshmallows intact and maximize visual appeal.
Step 4: Portion and Shape
Divide the mixture evenly onto three pieces of parchment paper. Using the paper, shape each portion into an 8 to 10-inch log. The parchment makes it easy to mold without the mixture sticking to your hands, and keeps things neat for chilling.
Step 5: Roll in Coconut and Chill
Roll each log carefully in the shredded coconut, coating them well to create a snowy exterior that contrasts gorgeously with the dark chocolate interior. Wrap the logs tightly in the parchment, then pop them into the fridge. Let them chill for at least 2 hours, or even overnight, so they firm up beautifully and are easy to slice.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
When you’re ready to enjoy, take the logs out of the refrigerator and unwrap the parchment. Slice into half-inch to one-inch rounds, revealing those colorful marshmallow “windows” inside. Serve immediately and watch happy faces light up with every bite.
How to Serve Church Window Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies shine on their own, adding a sprinkle of extra toasted walnuts or a delicate dusting of powdered sugar can elevate their presentation. A few pastel mini marshmallows placed artfully on the serving tray can also heighten the charm and invite guests to dig in.
Side Dishes
Church Window Cookies pair beautifully with a cozy cup of hot cocoa or a smooth, creamy latte. Their rich chocolate and nutty flavor balance out the warmth of these beverages perfectly. For daytime treats, a fresh fruit plate with pineapple or orange segments boosts the tropical vibe from the coconut and refreshes the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the slices in a circular pattern on a festive platter for a stunning centerpiece at holiday parties. You could also stack mini logs as edible “logs” wrapped with ribbons for gift-giving. For kid-friendly events, place individual slices in colorful cupcake liners for easy, mess-free munching.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Church Window Cookies hold up wonderfully in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh and maintains their firm texture. You can expect them to stay perfect for up to a week, making them a great make-ahead dessert for busy schedules.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these vibrant treats later, Church Window Cookies freeze beautifully. Wrap the logs tightly in parchment and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When frozen, they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing and serving.
Reheating
Since these cookies are best enjoyed firm and cool, reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you prefer them slightly softer, leave sliced cookies at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to take the chill off before serving. Avoid microwaving, as this can melt the chocolate unevenly.
FAQs
Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts?
Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts work perfectly in this Church Window Cookies Recipe and add their own unique crunch and flavor. Just make sure to toast them lightly to bring out the best taste.
Are pastel mini marshmallows essential?
The pastel marshmallows give Church Window Cookies their signature colorful look, but you can use regular mini marshmallows if needed. Though the colors won’t pop quite the same, the taste and texture will still be delightful.
Do I have to chill the logs overnight?
While chilling for at least two hours is important to firm up the logs for slicing, overnight chilling actually improves the flavor melding and texture. If you’re in a rush, two hours is fine, but the longer chill time is recommended for best results.
Can I make smaller or larger logs?
Yes! You can adjust the size of the logs to suit your preference. Smaller logs bake and chill faster, perfect for bite-sized cookies, while larger ones give a more impressive presentation. Just adjust slicing thickness accordingly.
Is this recipe nut-free adaptable?
To make a nut-free version of this Church Window Cookies Recipe, simply omit the walnuts or replace them with crunchy seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. This keeps the crunch and texture without compromising on flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Church Window Cookies Recipe that makes each bite feel festive and fun. It’s such a rewarding treat to whip up, especially when you see those bright marshmallow colors sparkling against the rich chocolate. Whether it’s a holiday tradition or just a special sweet you want to add to your rotation, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite cookie to share and savor!
Print
Church Window Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 48 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Church Window Cookies are a no-bake, colorful, and festive treat combining melted chocolate, butter, pastel marshmallows, toasted walnuts, and shredded coconut. These cookies are shaped into logs, chilled until firm, and then sliced for a delightful chewy and crunchy texture perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime sweet craving.
Ingredients
Chocolate Mixture
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup butter (sliced)
Mix-ins
- 10 ounces pastel mini marshmallows
- 3/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts
Coating
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the semisweet chocolate chips and sliced butter together until just melted and smooth, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Cool Mixture: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the chocolate mixture cool slightly. It should remain melted but not hot enough to melt the marshmallows in the next step.
- Add Walnuts and Marshmallows: Gently fold the chopped toasted walnuts and pastel mini marshmallows into the cooled chocolate mixture until evenly combined.
- Divide Mixture: Separate the chocolate mixture evenly onto three pieces of parchment paper, preparing to shape into logs.
- Shape Logs: Using the parchment paper to help, shape each portion of the mixture into an 8-10 inch log, ensuring they’re compact and uniform in size.
- Roll in Coconut: Carefully roll each log in the sweetened shredded coconut to coat the exterior thoroughly for added texture and flavor.
- Wrap and Chill: Wrap each coconut-coated log tightly in parchment paper and place them in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to firm up.
- Slice and Serve: Once chilled and firm, remove the logs from the refrigerator, unwrap, and slice into ½ to 1-inch thick slices.
- Enjoy: Serve your delicious Church Window Cookies as a festive, no-bake treat perfect for sharing.
Notes
- Ensure the chocolate mixture cools enough before adding marshmallows to prevent melting and losing their shape.
- You can substitute walnuts for pecans or almonds depending on preference or dietary restrictions.
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts and increase coconut slightly for texture.
- Store wrapped logs in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze slices for longer storage.
- The pastel marshmallows add a colorful windowpane effect inside the cookies, making them visually appealing.
