Church Window Cookies

Why You’ll Love It

Visually stunning: These colorful mini marshmallows candies, also called cathedral window cookies, create a beautiful “stained glass window” effect. They’re perfect for any celebration or holiday gathering.
No-bake convenience: These cookies come together without an oven, making them incredibly easy to prepare.
Rich and decadent taste: With a luscious combination of melted chocolate, creamy butter, and chewy marshmallows, every bite is packed with rich, indulgent flavors that satisfy your sweet tooth.

Church Window Cookie Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These melt into a rich and smooth chocolate coating that binds the ingredients together, creating the base for these no-bake stained glass cookies.
Salted butter: Adds a creamy texture and a hint of saltiness that balances the sweetness of the chocolate and marshmallows. If you only have unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt.
Colored mini marshmallows: The star of the cookies, these colored marshmallows give the “stained glass window” effect, adding a fun, chewy texture and a pop of color.
Toasted chopped walnuts: I prefer roughly to finely chopped nuts in this church window recipe. Chopped pecans work well too.
Sweetened shredded coconut: Coating the cookies in coconut gives them a festive, snow-like appearance and adds a layer of sweetness with a tropical twist.

How to Make Church Window Cookies

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Melt the chocolate and butter: Heat the chocolate chips and butter in 15-second intervals on a medium to low heat, stirring between each round. Continue until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
Mix in marshmallows and walnuts: Stir the mini marshmallows and toasted walnuts into the melted butter and chocolate. Make sure everything is evenly coated in chocolate so the mixture holds together.
Set up the coconut layer: Lay a large sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap on a flat surface. Spread half of the shredded coconut in a thick line down the center of the paper.
Form chocolate marshmallow logs: Spoon the chocolate marshmallow mixture onto the coconut, forming it into a rough log shape. Sprinkle the remaining coconut on top and gently press it into the log using your hands or the sides of the parchment paper.
Wrap and refrigerate: Fold the parchment over the log, wrapping it tightly. Twist the ends like a candy wrapper to secure it. Place the log in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight to set.
Slice and enjoy: When ready to serve, slice the log into ½-inch pieces with a sharp knife and enjoy your Christmas cookies.

Substitutions and Variations

Sweetened coconut swap: Use unsweetened shredded coconut if you prefer a less sweet version.
Chocolate alternative: While semisweet chocolate is commonly used, you can substitute it with dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor or milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier result.
Nut-free: You can leave out the nuts or substitute other mix-ins like crushed pretzels, graham cracker crumbs, rice cereal, or dried fruit.
Marshmallow options: If you don’t have mini marshmallows, you can chop regular-sized marshmallows into smaller pieces. For a different twist, try using flavored marshmallows. (These mini marshmallows are my favorite!)
Add-ins for extra flavor: Spoon in other ingredients like raisins, dried cranberries or mini chocolate chips. Add some cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the chocolate mixture for a hit of spice!
Gluten-free options: For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, and consider using gluten-free rice cereal as an alternative to nuts for added crunch.
Vegan version: Use vegan chocolate chips and vegan butter to create a plant-based version of these cookies. Check that your marshmallows are vegan too!
Decorative toppings: Sprinkle the log with colorful sprinkles, crushed candy pieces, or a dusting of powdered sugar before refrigerating.

Serving Suggestions

Appetizer: Start with devilled eggs or my pesto puff Christmas trees.
Main: Try my glazed ham recipe, this apple cider-bined turkey, or sheet pan turkey breast!
Dessert: Enjoy these treats as a pretty dessert with hot chocolate!

How to Store Church Window Cookies

Store: Store church window candy in an airtight container, either flat with parchment paper between layers or slice it and store it in a log shape.
Freezer: You can freeze church window cookies. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place the slices in an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Leave the log or slices in the refrigerator to defrost overnight.