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Church Windows
Everyone has that cookie that they grew up making and eating during the holidays.
This one is Ryan’s favorite from his childhood!
And I assumed that this was a pretty common ‘cookie’. But I shared these with 3 different groups of friends and no one had any idea what they were! Are these like a Minnesota thing? Haha.
Church windows are a no bake cookie made with mini colored marshmallows, chocolate chips, walnuts and shredded coconut.
There are variations of this cookie, and feel free to make substitutions because there’s no reason to skip this easy christmas recipe!
You could use pecans or almonds in place of the walnuts.
You could omit the shredded coconut or I’ve heard of people dusting the log of church windows in powdered sugar.
You could add peanut butter to the melted chocolate, or peppermint extract, etc.
You could use regular mini marshmallows (instead of the colored “fruity” ones) or you could use any type of marshmallows (I hear they have awesome flavors like gingerbread and peppermint) and cut the large marshmallows into smaller pieces.
If there’s a will there’s a way! Make these exactly how you want.
I’m pretty sure I’ll make another version of these church windows because I can’t help but take a classic recipe and give it an updated twist!
A single recipe will make 2 logs – you’ll want to divide the chocolate-y marshmallow mixture in half because it makes rolling them into logs easier. See our quick 40 second video for a demonstration!
These cookies keep very well. I wrapped both logs in plastic wrap, the first log disappeared fast and the second log stayed wrapped in the fridge for 4 days before we cut into them. Just cut off the ends and slice the log into 1/2 inch rounds. The cookies don’t stay as fresh for multiple days if you slice them and keep them in the fridge because the marshmallows get hard. But for a day or two they should be fine!
For a step-by-step of how to make this church window recipe, watch this short video:
Church Windows
Yield: 24+ church windows
Total Time:1 hour
Church Windows! A classic no bake christmas cookie made with mini marshmallows, chocolate, walnuts and shredded coconut - these church window cookies are a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 stick butter, 1/2 cup
- 12 oz (2 cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup finely diced walnuts
- 1 & 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1 bag mini multi colored marshmallows, 10 oz
Directions:
- In a small pot melt the butter and chocolate chips, stirring occasionally until smooth and melted. Allow the chocolate to cool for 7-10 minutes before moving forward.
- While the chocolate is cooling, prepare your ‘rolling’ station. Lay 2 pieces of long plastic wrap on a flat surface. Sprinkle each piece with a generous amount of shredded coconut, but reserve some.
- Add the finely diced walnuts to the chocolate and mix to combine.
- Dump the mini marshmallows into a large mixing bowl. Pour the cooled chocolate over the marshmallows and mix well to combine.
- Place half of the marshmallow mixture in a log shape on one piece of plastic wrap (on top of the coconut) and place the other half of the mixture on the second piece of plastic wrap.
- Sprinkle more coconut on top of the marshmallow mixture. Use the plastic wrap to roll the mixture into a uniform log shape, wrapping it tightly. Repeat with the second log.
- Place the logs in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, longer is great. Use a knife to cut the logs into slices.
I haven’t had church windows in a long time! My grandma used to make them every Christmas!
I definitely think it’s an old school cookie!
Thank you so much for this recipe. My grandmother use to make these every Christmas and we decided this year to go and look for the recipe! So glad I found it and can surprise my mom with this dessert this Christmas!
That will be so sweet!! Enjoy!
Kids of all ages will love these.
I don’t think it’s a “Minnesota” thing-I was born and raised in Minneapolis (still live there-came back just as soon as I could!) and I have never seen these! They look really neat!
Hahaa, okay, good to know!!!
These cookies are so pretty and everyone will love them!
My Mother In Law makes these! So fun! Kids love ’em!
I bet the kids would love these!
My aunt was the expert in making Church Window cookies. To make slicing easier, she would freeze the logs and then slice then as they were partially frozen. This made the slicing easier, and the cookies always looked perfect.
What a fun recipe!
I am so intrigued by these! The name is so clever and I think they are beautiful!
I remember eating these as a kid, haven’t had one in years.
Could you make them without nuts?
Yes, definitely!
How many cookies does this recipe make?
Hi Amanda! The recipe makes 2 large logs and it depends how you slice them, but I would estimate about 20-24.
Thanks! Never heard of these~! 12 year old daughter and I are going to make these today! Thanks! Can’t wait to try these!
Oh my goodness! I was looking for something totally different but ran across this recipe. My grandmother made them at Christmas time and I’ve been looking for the recipe for years. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
They are SO good! Enjoy!
Instead of coconut? Suggestions would be great. Can’t wait to try them.
Can these be frozen, and if so, before or after they are cut. Thank you
Hmmm.. I would say you could probably freeze the log before you slice them!
My mom always makes these, has for many years since I was young. (From WI) We call them Cathedral Cookies. Always a big favorite!
These recipes, make me want to bake for hours. They look so easy, especially the CHURCH WINDOWS! I just found these, but you can bet they will be on my list for next time I am baking!!
YUMMY!! 2017
I’ve lived in Massachusetts my whole life, and my mom makes these when she can find the colored mini-marshmallows. She’s from Nova Scotia, though. (Also she leaves out the nuts for us because why would you put a nut in a space that could be filled by chocolate?)
Hahaha, more chocolate the better!
I grew up in Michigan and my older sister made these at Christmas time. Over 40 years later, my 22-years old daughter makes them!!! So yummy and great to freeze for later use.
What am I doing wrong? First tried melting on low heat hot hard, I just tried double boiled on low heat . Says to stirred Occasionly.which I did and turning hard before the butt melts. ???? Help