Church Window Cookies (No Bake Chocolate Marshmallow Log)

 Old-fashioned church window cookies (aka cathedral windows or chocolate marshmallow log) are an easy no bake Christmas treat with colored marshmallows and coconut.

Church Window Cookies (also called Cathedral Windows, Church Window Squares or Chocolate Marshmallow Log) are an old-fashioned no bake Christmas treat. Colorful mini marshmallows are rolled in a chocolate log, covered in coconut and sliced into pretty “stained glass” rounds. They’re perfect for a cookie tray or a homemade Christmas gift.

I got my recipe from a sweet lady named Lela at my bridal shower 36 years ago! She has long gone to glory, but I just love pulling out her handwritten recipe card at Christmas time.

Ingredients you’ll need for Church Window Cookies

A printable version of this recipe with exact measurements is below.

• Butter: melts with the chocolate to make the base.
• Semi-sweet chocolate: baking squares or chocolate chips both work.
• Egg (optional): the old recipe calls for one, but it turns out just fine without it.
• Powdered sugar: thickens the chocolate so it holds the marshmallows.
• Colored mini marshmallows: these make the “stained glass windows.”
• Flaked coconut: for rolling. The bigger the flakes, the prettier the log.
• Nuts (optional): chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch. I didn’t use any.

Step by Step Instructions for Church Window Cookies (with Pictures)

Step 1: Melt the butter and chocolate together
The microwave is the easiest way to do this. Heat in short bursts and stir in between, because chocolate scorches quickly.

Step 2: Add powdered sugar and egg and beat well
Let the chocolate cool for a minute or two first. My old recipe card calls for an egg, but I know a raw egg in a no bake recipe makes some people hesitate. It’s completely optional.

Step 3: Add marshmallows
Stir gently until every marshmallow is coated in chocolate. Those bright colours are what give these their “stained glass window” look.

Step 4: Lay out the coconut
I used the biggest flaked coconut I could find, and almost the whole bag. Don’t be shy with it!

Step 5: Shape the log
This part gets sticky. Wetting your hands with hot water helps you press the mixture into a tight log without it sticking to you. Then cover the top with more coconut and roll it up in the wax paper.

Step 6: Chill and slice
Give it at least 30 minutes in the fridge. A well-chilled log slices into neat rounds that show off all the colours.

And there they are! A pretty and delicious Christmas treat.

FAQ for Church Window Cookies

What are church window cookies?
Church window cookies are an old-fashioned no bake Christmas treat. Colourful mini marshmallows are stirred into a chocolate mixture, rolled into a log, coated in coconut, then chilled and sliced. They’re called church window cookies because the marshmallows look like stained glass windows when you slice them.

What other names do church window cookies go by?
You may know them as Cathedral Windows, Church Window Squares, Stained Glass Candy, Yuletide Slice or Chocolate Marshmallow Log. My old recipe card simply calls them “Chocolate Marshmallow Roll.”

Do I have to use the egg?
No. The original recipe calls for one raw egg, but you can leave it out and the recipe turns out just fine.

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?

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• Cranberry Lemon Bars
• Jam Sandwich Cookies (a shortcut recipe!)
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• 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.

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