Church Window Cookies: A Fun, No-Bake Recipe for Beginners

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If you’re a beginner cook looking for a fun and easy treat to impress your friends and family, Church Window Cookies are the perfect choice. This no-bake recipe is as simple as it gets, yet it delivers a beautiful, colorful, and delicious result that’s perfect for any occasion, especially around the holidays. With just a handful of ingredients like mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and chocolate, you can make a batch of these sweet, eye-catching treats in no time.

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As someone who has spent years experimenting with different recipes, I can confidently say that Church Window Cookies are one of the easiest ways to get into baking without the need for an oven. They are a great way to get familiar with basic kitchen techniques, such as melting chocolate and assembling ingredients in a fun way. Whether you’re a beginner cook or someone who simply enjoys making sweet treats, this recipe is both approachable and delightful.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. While Church Window Cookies are often made during the holidays, there’s no reason you can’t whip them up year-round. You can change the ingredients slightly based on what you have in your kitchen, and you’ll still have a tasty result. So, let’s dive into the recipe, and see how easy it is to make this scrumptious treat!

Ingredients and Preparation

Before jumping into the step-by-step instructions, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make Church Window Cookies. Don’t worry, the list is short, and these ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store. Also, you’ll see some alternative ingredient suggestions to accommodate different tastes or dietary preferences.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut (divided)
• 1 bag mini pastel-colored marshmallows (10 ounces)
• ½ cup finely chopped toasted walnuts (you can substitute with almonds or pecans if desired)
• 12 ounces chocolate candy melts, melting wafers, or CandiQuik Almond Bark (or you can substitute with your favorite milk, dark, or white chocolate chips)

Preparation:

To make sure everything goes smoothly, gather your ingredients before you start. It’s always helpful to measure everything out beforehand, especially if you’re a beginner. The prep for this recipe is quick and straightforward, so once you have your ingredients ready, you can move straight into assembling the cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Church Window Cookies is incredibly easy, even for those with little to no cooking experience. These steps break down the process into manageable chunks, so let’s get started!

1. Prepare Your Workspace

Start by lining two baking sheets with wax paper, parchment paper, or plastic wrap. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking once they’re rolled and chilled. Make sure to leave about an inch of space around the edges of the sheets to give yourself plenty of room to work.

2. Sprinkle Coconut on the Sheets

Once your baking sheets are ready, take 1 cup of shredded coconut and sprinkle it evenly on the prepared sheets. Each strip should be about 10 inches long and 2.5 inches wide. This coconut will form the base of your cookie logs, so don’t skip this step—it’s key to getting that “window” effect once you slice the log later.

3. Toss the Marshmallows and Walnuts

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mini marshmallows and chopped walnuts. Gently toss them together until they’re well mixed. If you’re substituting walnuts with another nut, like pecans or almonds, make sure they’re finely chopped so that they evenly distribute throughout the mixture.

4. Melt the Chocolate

Next, it’s time to melt the chocolate. You can use chocolate candy melts, melting wafers, or CandiQuik, which are all easy options that don’t require tempering like traditional chocolate bars. Melt the chocolate according to the instructions on the package. Be sure to melt it slowly, either in the microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring after each, or using a double boiler on the stove. It’s important to make sure the chocolate is completely melted but not too hot, as an overly warm chocolate mixture will cause the marshmallows to melt too quickly.

5. Combine Chocolate with Marshmallows and Walnuts

Once the chocolate is smooth and melted, pour it over the marshmallow and walnut mixture. Lightly spray a spatula with nonstick cooking spray (this prevents the chocolate from sticking to the spatula) and gently stir everything together. Be careful not to crush the marshmallows—you’re just looking to coat them evenly with the chocolate.

6. Assemble the Cookie Logs

Divide the chocolate-covered mixture into two equal portions. Scoop each portion on top of the coconut strips you prepared earlier, and then sprinkle ½ cup of shredded coconut over the chocolate mixture. Using the edges of the wax paper, carefully roll the mixture into a tight log. Be sure to tuck in the ends of the wax paper as you roll to keep everything contained.

7. Chill the Logs

Now it’s time to chill your logs. Place both rolled logs into the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 45 minutes to an hour. This step is crucial because it allows the chocolate to harden, making it easier to slice the logs into neat pieces. Don’t rush this step—if you try to slice the logs too soon, the chocolate may melt and make a mess.

8. Slice and Serve

After chilling, remove the logs from the fridge and unwrap the wax paper. Slice the logs into approximately ¾-inch pieces. These bite-sized cookies should reveal a beautiful pattern of marshmallows and coconut, resembling stained-glass windows. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later.

Beginner Tips and Notes

As a beginner cook, it’s always helpful to have some tips to make your experience smoother and avoid any common mistakes. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you make your Church Window Cookies:

1. Melt the Chocolate Slowly: If you overheat the chocolate, it can seize up and become unusable. Always melt it in short bursts, either in the microwave or on the stovetop using a double boiler, and stir between intervals.
2. Don’t Overmix: When combining the chocolate with the marshmallows and walnuts, be gentle. Overmixing could cause the marshmallows to collapse or become too soft. You want to coat everything evenly, not crush the marshmallows.
3. Be Patient When Chilling: The chilling step is essential for the chocolate to firm up and keep the cookies from falling apart when sliced. Don’t skip this step, even if you’re in a rush. A well-chilled log will make clean, beautiful slices.
4. Storage: These cookies store really well! Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to a month—just make sure to wrap them tightly in wax paper or plastic wrap before freezing.

Serving Suggestions

While Church Window Cookies are delightful on their own, there are a few serving suggestions you can try to elevate the experience:

1. Serve with Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh berries or sliced fruits like strawberries or oranges makes a great contrast to the rich chocolate and coconut in the cookies.
2. Pair with a Warm Beverage: These cookies are fantastic when paired with a hot beverage like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. The sweetness of the cookies complements the warmth of the drink.
3. Add a Drizzle of Caramel: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle some caramel sauce over the cookies before serving. The combination of caramel and chocolate is always a hit!
4. Make a Cookie Platter: Church Window Cookies can be part of a festive cookie platter. Pair them with other no-bake or simple-to-make treats like Rice Krispies, no-bake cheesecake bites, or peanut butter balls.

Engagement Features

I hope this recipe has inspired you to give it a try and make your very own Church Window Cookies! These cookies are a fun, beginner-friendly treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a holiday celebration or just a weekend baking project, they’ll surely be a hit with anyone who tries them.

I’d love to hear about your experience with this recipe. How did your cookies turn out? Did you try any ingredient substitutions or tips of your own? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts. If you have any questions while making the cookies, feel free to ask—I’m here to help! Happy baking, and enjoy your sweet creations!