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There’s something undeniably enchanting about the holidays, especially when it comes to baking. As the temperatures drop and the joyous spirit fills the air, I find myself reaching for a favorite recipe that has been a staple in my home for years: Church Window Cookies. With their vibrant hues of pastel marshmallows and a rich, chocolaty coat, these delightful treats remind me of stained glass windows, each bite transporting me back to a world of childhood wonder.

What I love most about these no-bake gems is their simplicity. With just five ingredients and a handful of steps, they’re quick to whip up, making them an ideal addition to any holiday cookie platter—or the perfect last-minute gift when you need to impress. Not only do they look stunning, but they also offer a soothing mix of textures and flavors that make every mouthful a delightful experience. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s bring some festive cheer to your kitchen with these beautiful Church Window Cookies!

Why Are Church Window Cookies So Irresistible?

Nostalgic Flavors: These treats evoke memories of childhood and holiday gatherings, making them a beloved classic.
No-Bake Convenience: Perfect for busy bakers, you can whip them up in no time without turning on the oven.
Eye-Catching Presentation: The colorful marshmallows create a stunning visual appeal, reminiscent of stained glass windows.
Endless Customization: Feel free to mix and match nuts or coatings, ensuring there’s a version just for you.
Perfect for Sharing: Great for cookie exchanges, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser during any festive occasion.
These Church Window Cookies are not just delicious; they also make for delightful gifts. If you’re looking for more simple treat ideas, check out our holiday cookie collection.

Church Window Cookies Ingredients

For the Chocolate Mixture

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Provides the rich chocolate flavor that makes these cookies a standout; feel free to substitute with milk or dark chocolate as desired.
Unsalted Butter – Adds a creamy richness and binds the ingredients together; you can use salted butter if adjusting the salt level in the recipe.

For the Cookie Base

Pastel Mini Marshmallows – These colorful treats offer a chewy texture and fun visual appeal; regular mini marshmallows work just as well if pastels aren’t available.
Nuts (Walnuts or Pecans) – Incorporate a crunchy element that enhances flavor; almonds or pistachios are great alternatives, or simply omit for a nut-free option.

For Coating

Shredded Coconut – Complements the cookies’ texture beautifully; consider substituting with crushed graham crackers or cocoa powder if you prefer a coconut-free variation.

These delightful Church Window Cookies are simple to prepare and melt-in-your-mouth delicious! Enjoy creating your vibrant treats!

How to Make Church Window Cookies

Melt Ingredients: Begin by placing semi-sweet chocolate chips and unsalted butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until it melts into a smooth, glossy mixture—this should take about 5 minutes.
Cool: Once melted, remove the saucepan from heat and let the chocolate mixture cool for about 5-10 minutes. A slightly warmer mix helps integrate the marshmallows perfectly.
Combine: In a mixing bowl, combine the pastel mini marshmallows and finely chopped nuts. Pour the cooled chocolate over this delightful combo, and gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
Prep Rolling Station: Lay out large sheets of parchment or wax paper on your countertop. Evenly sprinkle half of the shredded coconut on each sheet; this will be the base for your logs.
Form Logs: Divide the chocolate mixture in half. Place each half on the coconut-covered sheets, shape them into logs, then tightly roll them in the parchment. Twist the ends securely to ensure they hold their shape.
Chill: Pop the rolled logs into the refrigerator and chill for 2-4 hours until they are firm enough to slice. This step is crucial for perfect slices!
Slice: After chilling, carefully unwrap the logs and cut them into ¼-inch thick slices. Store these beauties wrapped up in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Optional: For added flair, dust the sliced cookies with powdered sugar for a snowy touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Church Window Cookies

Chill Properly: Chilling the logs for the recommended time allows the cookies to firm up, ensuring clean, beautiful slices.
Avoid Overheating: Melt the chocolate over low heat to prevent burning; a gentle approach creates a smooth mixture perfect for coating.
Customize Wisely: When adding different nuts or coatings, remember to keep the balance of flavors so the chocolate remains the star of these Church Window Cookies.
Perfect Temperature: For optimal texture, store cookies at room temperature; refrigerating can ruin the chocolate’s lovely sheen due to blooming.
Seal in Freshness: Use parchment paper between layers when storing to prevent the cookies from sticking together after slicing.

Church Window Cookies Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these delectable treats!

Nut-Free: Omit the nuts altogether or use crispy Rice Krispie cereal for a delightful crunch without allergens.
Fruity Twist: Add dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a pop of flavor and natural sweetness alongside the chocolate.
Coconut-Free: Skip the shredded coconut and roll the logs in crushed graham crackers or powdered sugar for a different finish.
Dark Chocolate: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a richer flavor profile that balances sweetness with depth.
Mix of Nuts: Combine different nuts such as almonds, pecans, and walnuts for a gourmet touch. A rainbow of nutty flavors takes these cookies to the next level!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili powder or cinnamon to the chocolate mixture for a warm, spicy twist that enhances the sweetness.
Zesty Orange: Incorporate orange zest into the cookie mixture for a refreshing citrus zing that brightens each bite.
Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the melted chocolate for a festive minty touch that’s perfect for the holidays.

Get inspired to make these Church Window Cookies uniquely yours!

Make Ahead Options

These Church Window Cookies are perfect for meal prep and can make your holiday baking stress-free! You can prepare the chocolate mixture and mix in the marshmallows and nuts up to 24 hours in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to create the logs, follow the standard steps: roll the mixture in coconut and refrigerate for an additional 2-4 hours until firm. This method helps maintain the cookies’ delightful texture and flavor, ensuring they are just as delicious when you serve them. For best results, slice them just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.

Storage Tips for Church Window Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and chewy.

Fridge: If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container, but be aware that this may affect the chocolate’s appearance.

Freezer: For longer storage, tightly wrap the sliced cookies and freeze for up to 1 month. To enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating: If you like them a bit softer, you can microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds before serving. Enjoy these delightful Church Window Cookies anytime!

What to Serve with Church Window Cookies?

These delightful, no-bake treats will brighten any gathering, making them even more special with the right pairings.

Rich Hot Chocolate: A cozy cup of rich hot chocolate brings warmth, perfectly complementing the cookies’ chocolatey goodness.
Eggnog: The creamy texture and nutmeg flavors of eggnog enhance the festive spirit and balance the sweet cookies beautifully.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a creamy contrast to the chewy texture of the cookies, creating a delicious flavor combination.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds a burst of freshness, offering a light and zesty counterpart to the rich chocolate.
Nutty Biscotti: Pairing with nutty biscotti introduces a crunchy texture that harmonizes wonderfully with the soft, chewy cookies.
Festive Tea: A spiced chai tea or herbal blend warms the soul and pairs well with the cookies’ comforting flavors.
Peppermint Bark: For a chocolate fix, serve with some minty peppermint bark that elevates the holiday taste experience.

These pairings will not only elevate your dessert table but also create a memorable holiday moment enjoyed by everyone.

Church Window Cookies Recipe FAQs

What kind of chocolate should I use for Church Window Cookies?
Using semi-sweet chocolate chips will give you the perfect balance of sweetness and rich chocolate flavor. However, if you prefer a different taste, feel free to substitute with milk chocolate for a sweeter profile or dark chocolate for a more intense, bittersweet experience.

How should I store Church Window Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you’d like to extend their life, tightly wrap the sliced cookies and freeze them for up to 1 month. Just remember to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying!

Can I make Church Window Cookies nut-free?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to make these cookies nut-free, you can omit the nuts entirely or replace them with Rice Krispie cereal for that delightful crunch without using any nuts. Just be mindful to adjust the measurements accordingly, ensuring the mixture holds together nicely.

What should I do if the chocolate mixture is too thick?
If you find that your chocolate mixture has thickened too much after cooling, you can gently reheat it over low heat while stirring in a little bit of vegetable oil or melted butter to help loosen it up. This way, it should blend smoothly with the marshmallows.

How can I customize my Church Window Cookies?
There are so many delightful variations to experiment with! You can incorporate different nuts like almonds or pistachios, or even add in some dried fruits such as cranberries or cherries for a fruity twist. Feel free to roll your logs in crushed graham crackers or powdered sugar instead of coconut for a different texture and flavor.

How long do Church Window Cookies last before they go bad?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these lovely cookies will stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature and can be kept in the freezer for 1 month. Just keep an eye out for any signs of spoilage, such as unusual odors or texture changes, to ensure they’re still delightful to enjoy!