The Church Window Cookie is an undisputed star of the holiday treat plate, a dazzling confection that captures the festive spirit like no other. More than just a simple no-bake sweet, it's a nostalgic masterpiece built from melted chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy walnuts, all rolled together into a shimmering log.
This treat is called a "Church Window" because when you slice it, the brightly colored marshmallows inside look exactly like stained glass panels illuminated by light. You absolutely must save this pin for the recipe, because this cookie offers maximum visual impact with minimal effort, requiring no oven time at all.
The magic lies in its simplicity and striking appearance. The soft, chewy texture of the tinted marshmallows contrasts perfectly with the rich, dense chocolate coating and the satisfying crunch of nuts. It’s an edible work of art that’s easy enough for children to help assemble, yet elegant enough to grace any holiday party.
These beautiful cookies are traditionally prepared ahead of time, chilled, and sliced just before serving, making them the ultimate stress-free addition to your seasonal baking repertoire.
Church Window Cookies are a captivating, no-bake confection that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary visual and textural experience.
This dessert earns its evocative name from the way brilliant, jewel-toned miniature marshmallows are suspended within a rich, dark chocolate matrix, creating the beautiful, multi-hued look of stained-glass.
The process is remarkably easy: melted chocolate and butter are blended with a touch of vanilla, then folded around an abundance of bright marshmallows and crunchy walnuts or pecans. Once chilled and sliced, each disk reveals a unique, shimmering pattern.
These cookies are a staple of festive holiday baking, cherished for their nostalgic charm and ease of preparation—no oven required!
They offer a delightful contrast between the creamy, deep flavor of the chocolate fudge base and the sweet, chewy lightness of the vibrant marshmallows.
They hold their shape beautifully and are a perfect candidate for holiday cookie plates, bringing both color and irresistible flavor to any occasion.
In a medium, sturdy saucepan, combine the butter, granulated sugar, milk, and salt. Set the pan over medium heat. Continue stirring constantly until the butter is liquefied and the sugar particles have fully dissolved into the liquid. Once smooth, add the cocoa powder and whisk it in until the mixture is uniform and dark. Bring the base to a low, rolling boil and let it cook for precisely one minute. Lift the saucepan off the heat source right away after the cooking time is complete.
Pour the mini marshmallows and chopped nuts directly into the warm chocolate base. Using a spacious wooden spoon or flexible spatula, incorporate the ingredients with gentle, deliberate movements until all the marshmallows and nuts are covered by the chocolate. The overall consistency will be thick, dense, and visibly lumpy due to the marshmallows and nuts.
If you plan to use the coconut coating, spread the flakes evenly across two large sheets of parchment or wax paper. Divide the marshmallow-chocolate mixture into two equal portions. Place each portion onto one of the prepared sheets. Using the paper to guide you, rapidly form each section into a straight, firm log, roughly 1.5 to 2 inches thick.
Once the logs are rock-solid, take them out of the refrigerator and remove the wrapping. Use a sharp, smooth knife to cut the cylinder into 1/2-inch thick rounds. The vibrant interior colors are now revealed, creating the gorgeous stained-glass appearance. Serve the cookies chilled; any leftovers should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their shape and texture.Servings 24
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
The base of the Church Window Cookie is melted chocolate and butter, which sets up the final texture.
The marshmallows are the "glass" of the window, so their handling is paramount.
The signature slice-and-serve shape depends entirely on a tight, uniform roll.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Once you master the base, you can introduce countless variations to suit any season or preference.
While simple, the presentation and serving method can truly elevate the Church Window Cookie experience.
Because these are a no-bake confection, their storage requirements are slightly different from traditional baked cookies.
The Church Window Cookie is more than just a quick dessert; it is a culinary optical illusion. Its simplicity belies its festive impact, relying on the contrast between the dark, deeply-flavored chocolate base and the bright, chewy marshmallow gems. By focusing on a properly cooled chocolate mixture, gentle incorporation of the "windows," and the crucial step of chilling the log until rock-solid, you guarantee a visually stunning and texturally perfect outcome. With the added flexibility of unique flavor and color variations, these no-bake masterpieces will remain a cherished and fuss-free addition to your dessert repertoire, ready to dazzle guests with their intricate, colorful beauty.
