Church Window Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a nostalgic treat that bursts with color and flavor, this Church Window Cookies Recipe is absolutely the way to go. These no-bake cookies bring together a scrumptious blend of semisweet chocolate, pastel marshmallows, crunchy walnuts, and sweet shredded coconut, creating a festive dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or just want a quick and charming sweet bite, these cookies deliver a perfect balance of chewy, crunchy, and creamy textures that will have everyone asking for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Church Window Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a star role. From the richness of chocolate to the playful colors of the marshmallows, every element adds something special to the texture and flavor.

• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips: The smooth, melty base that holds everything together with rich chocolatey goodness.
• 1/2 cup butter (sliced): Adds creaminess and helps the chocolate melt perfectly to coat all ingredients.
• 10 ounces pastel mini marshmallows: These provide bursts of color and a chewiness that’s just irresistible.
• 3/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts: Adds a satisfying crunch and a toasty nuttiness balancing the sweet flavors.
• 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut: The final coating that gives a soft texture and tropical sweetness, wrapping the logs beautifully.

How to Make Church Window Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate and Butter

Start by gently melting the chocolate chips and sliced butter together in a large saucepan over low heat. Stir consistently until the mixture is just smooth and combined. This stage is key to creating that luscious chocolate base that glues your cookies together.

Step 2: Cool the Mixture Slightly

Once melted, remove your pan from heat and allow the chocolate and butter blend to cool until it’s warm but no longer hot. This cooling step ensures the marshmallows won’t melt when you add them, preserving their colorful, window-like appearance in the cookies.

Step 3: Stir in Walnuts and Marshmallows

Gently fold in the toasted walnuts and pastel mini marshmallows into the chocolate mixture. This blend brings together crunch and chew with every stir, building the delightful texture that defines Church Window Cookies Recipe.

Step 4: Divide onto Parchment Paper

Separate the chocolaty mixture evenly onto three pieces of parchment paper. This division helps keep the logs manageable and easy to shape, ensuring each cookie has a perfect portion of marshmallows and nuts.

Step 5: Shape into Logs

Using the parchment paper, mold the mixture into logs about 8-10 inches long. The parchment keeps your hands clean and helps form a neat, cylinder shape for slicing later on.

Step 6: Roll in Shredded Coconut

Carefully roll each chocolate log in sweetened shredded coconut. This coating not only adds a lovely texture contrast but also gives these cookies their signature snowy look that’s hard to resist.

Step 7: Chill the Logs

Wrap the logs tightly in parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling is essential to let the cookies firm up so they slice cleanly and hold together beautifully.

Step 8: Slice into Perfect Portions

When you’re ready to serve, remove the logs from the fridge and slice them into ½-1 inch thick cookies. Each slice will reveal those charming pastel marshmallow “windows” peeking through the dark chocolate and coconut coating.

Step 9: Enjoy!

These cookies are ready to delight your taste buds. Perfect with a cup of coffee or as a festive treat at your next party, enjoy the burst of flavor and fun textures with every bite.

How to Serve Church Window Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While these cookies are flavorful on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a festive snowy effect that’s especially pretty during winter holidays. You could also add a sprinkle of more toasted walnuts or tiny coconut flakes for an extra touch of texture and appeal.

Side Dishes

Because Church Window Cookies Recipe is rich and sweet, pairing them with a fresh fruit platter or a tangy yogurt dip makes for a lovely balance. They also go surprisingly well alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or rich hot chocolate, elevating your dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the cookie slices on a festive platter with colorful ribbons or serving them inside clear glass jars to showcase the beautiful pastel marshmallows. They also make great edible gifts when wrapped neatly in wax paper and tied with twine—an instant crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Church Window Cookies Recipe are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the coconut fresh and the chocolate firm. They will stay delicious for up to one week, ready whenever that sweet craving hits.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these cookies further ahead, they freeze beautifully. Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and slice as usual. Freezing preserves that delightful texture and flavor.

Reheating

These cookies are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. However, if you want a softer texture, you can bring slices to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to let the chocolate soften a bit.

FAQs

Can I use different types of nuts in this Church Window Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! While walnuts are traditional and provide a wonderful crunch, you can substitute pecans, almonds, or even pistachios depending on your taste and what you have on hand.

Are there any alternatives to butter in this recipe?

You can try using margarine or coconut oil, but keep in mind these may slightly change the flavor and texture. Butter gives the best creamy richness in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe without marshmallows?

The mini marshmallows are key to the “window” effect and chewy texture, but if you don’t have them, you could try dried fruit pieces instead. The texture and appearance will be different but still tasty.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you ensure your marshmallows, chocolate chips, and shredded coconut are gluten-free certified, this Church Window Cookies Recipe is naturally gluten-free and safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

How long should I chill the logs before slicing?

At least 2 hours is needed for the logs to firm up properly, but chilling overnight in the fridge is even better as the flavors meld and the logs become easier to slice cleanly.

Final Thoughts

Church Window Cookies Recipe is one of those delightful treats that make baking feel joyful and effortless. With vibrant marshmallows shining through a smooth chocolate base and a snowy coconut finish, these cookies are as charming visually as they are delicious. I can’t wait for you to try this nostalgic recipe—it’s bound to become a sweet staple in your dessert lineup and a conversation starter at every occasion!

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