Vintage church window cookies, also known as cathedral windows or chocolate marshmallow logs, are an effortless no-bake festive confection utilizing colored marshmallows and coconut.
These Church Window Cookies, which have other names like Cathedral Windows, Church Window Squares, or Chocolate Marshmallow Log, are a classic no-bake holiday delight. Brightly colored mini marshmallows are incorporated into a chocolate log, then coated in coconut and cut into attractive 'stained glass' circles. They are ideal for a cookie tray or as a thoughtful homemade Christmas present.
I received this recipe from a kind woman named Lela at my bridal shower 36 years ago! Although she has since passed away, I still cherish pulling out her handwritten recipe card during the Christmas season.
Ingredients needed for Church Window Cookies
A downloadable version of this recipe with precise quantities is provided underneath.
- Butter: this melts with the chocolate to form the base.
- Semi-sweet chocolate: either baking squares or chocolate chips will suffice.
- Egg (optional): the original instructions mention one, but it works perfectly well without it.
- Powdered sugar: this thickens the chocolate so it can hold the marshmallows together.
- Colored mini marshmallows: these create the distinct 'stained glass windows.'
- Flaked coconut: for rolling the log; larger flakes yield a more beautiful appearance.
- Nuts (optional): chopped walnuts or pecans can add texture; I chose not to include any.
Step-by-Step Guide for Church Window Cookies (with Images)
Step 1: Combine the butter and chocolate
The microwave offers the simplest melting method. Heat in brief increments, stirring between each, as chocolate burns quickly.
Step 2: Incorporate powdered sugar and egg, then mix thoroughly
Allow the chocolate to cool for one or two minutes initially. My inherited recipe suggests an egg, yet I recognize that a raw egg in a no-bake recipe may cause some hesitation; it remains completely optional.
Step 3: Fold in the marshmallows
Gently stir until every marshmallow is enveloped in the chocolate. These vivid hues are what give them the 'stained glass window' aesthetic.
Step 4: Prepare the coconut coating
I utilized the largest flaked coconut available, nearly emptying the entire bag. Do not hold back on this step!
Step 5: Form the log
This stage can become sticky; dipping your hands in warm water assists in pressing the mixture into a firm log without sticking. Then, top it with more coconut and wrap it in wax paper.
Step 6: Refrigerate and cut
Allow it to chill for a minimum of 30 minutes. A properly chilled log yields clean, neat rounds showcasing all the colors.
There they are! A lovely and tasty holiday confection.
Frequently Asked Questions about Church Window Cookies
What are church window cookies?
These are a traditional no-bake Christmas sweet. Colorful mini marshmallows are mixed into a chocolate blend, rolled into a log, covered in coconut, then chilled and sliced. They earn the name church window cookies because the marshmallows resemble stained glass when sliced.
What other names are used for church window cookies?
You might recognize them as Cathedral Windows, Church Window Squares, Stained Glass Candy, Yuletide Slice, or Chocolate Marshmallow Log. My original recipe card simply referred to them as “Chocolate Marshmallow Roll.”
Is the egg mandatory?
No. While the initial recipe calls for one raw egg, omitting it results in a perfectly acceptable treat.
Can I use chocolate chips instead of baking squares?
Yes. Use about ¼ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in place of 1 ½ squares (1 ½ oz) of baking chocolate.
What if I can’t find coloured mini marshmallows?
They can be harder to find than they used to be, especially outside the Christmas season, so pick up a bag when you see one. (I sometimes have to go to smaller grocery stores to find them!) If you can’t find them, white mini marshmallows still make a tasty treat. You’ll just miss the stained glass look.
How do I store church window cookies?
Wrap the log (or the slices) tightly and keep it in the fridge. They slice best and hold their shape when cold.
Can I make church window cookies ahead of time?
Yes, they’re a great make-ahead treat for Christmas baking. Make the log a day or two ahead, keep it wrapped in the fridge, and slice it just before serving or packaging as gifts.
Can you freeze church window cookies?
Yes. I like to slice mine first and then free the slices flat so they thaw quicker when I’m ready to use them. Be sure to freeze them in an airtight container (I like to use a Tupperware type container).
Want some more yummy Christmas Cookie Recipes?
- Soft & Chewy Rolled Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe
- Never Fail Fudge
- Make this condensed milk fudge recipe in the microwave in 5 minutes!
- Cranberry Lemon Bars
- Jam Sandwich Cookies (a shortcut recipe!)
- 75+ Christmas cookie recipes with pictures
- Cute & quick Rudolph Cookies
- Brownie Mix Cookies
- No bake Coconut Balls with condensed milk
- Easy Gingerbread Cookies for eating and decorating
- Soft Toffee Doodle Cookies with caramel bits
Plan Your Christmas Baking (and Every Meal in Between!)
The holidays are busy enough. Grab my free printable menu planning set to map out your Christmas cookie baking, holiday dinners and everyday meals all in one place.
And if you want to see more real life behind the scenes action, be sure to come join me on my @Bildirimlerim Instagram Channel!
Church Window Cookies (Chocolate Marshmallow Log)
The Chocolate Marshmallow Log, or Church Windows, provides a wonderfully tasty and effortless no bake Christmas cookie option for the holidays.
Ingredients
Method
- Gently melt the butter and chocolate inside a glass bowl safe for microwave use for one minute. After stirring, microwave an additional 30 seconds, then mix until the chocolate achieves a completely smooth consistency; note that microwave durations might differ.
- Allow the blended material to cool a little before incorporating the powdered sugar and egg (should one be utilized), whisking until uniform.
- Fold in the mini marshmallows until they are distributed evenly throughout the mixture.
- Prepare a sizable sheet of wax paper and dust a substantial layer of coconut across its middle.
- Deposit the marshmallow blend onto the coconut, then, using damp hands, form a compact log shape. Dust the exterior with additional coconut before wrapping the log in the wax paper.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, subsequently cutting the log into slices.
Notes
For the chocolate component, use 1 ½ oz (42 g), which equals 1 ½ squares of semi-sweet baking chocolate; alternatively, ¼ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips will work. Regarding the egg, the initial instructions specify one raw egg, but omitting it is perfectly acceptable as the resulting treat remains delicious.
You have two options for the chocolate: either 1 ½ squares of semi-sweet baking chocolate, amounting to 1 ½ oz (42 g), or substitute with ¼ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
The recipe originally requires one raw egg, however, you are free to skip it; the final product is just as good without the egg.
