These nostaligic no-bake chocolate marshmallow treats are called "cookies" but are really closer to a rocky road candy. The pastel marshmallows create beautiful "stained glass window" patterns when sliced and make a fun dessert to serve for Easter or any spring celebration.
Church Window Cookies
They’re technically not cookies at all, but rather a no-bake chocolate marshmallow candy that’s rolled into a log and sliced to reveal a beautiful stained glass pattern inside, hence the name church windows. The pastel marshmallows create the “glass,” while the chocolate mixture forms the frame around them.
If you love Rocky Road candy or ice cream, these treats have a very similar flavor profile. You get that same irresistible combination of rich chocolate, chewy marshmallows, and crunchy nuts, but in a sliceable dessert that looks almost like edible stained glass.
Ingredients in Church Window Cookies
These classic no-bake treats come together with just a handful of simple ingredients:
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Salted butter
- Vanilla extract
- Pastel mini marshmallows
- Chopped pistachios
- Sweetened shredded coconut
How to Make Church Window Cookies
These cookies are incredibly easy to make with just a few simple steps:
- Mix mini marshmallows and pistachios together in a large bowl.
2. Melt the chocolate and butter together, stir in the vanilla and cool slightly.
3. Pour over the marshmallows and pistachios, folding to coat.
4. Spoon the mixture over coconut on parchment, top with more coconut, and roll into logs.
5. Chill until firm, then slice into rounds.
The Secrets the THE BEST Church Window
- Use really good chocolate. Since this is essentially a candy, this is the time to splurge on a really good quality chocolate that you wouldn't mind eating on it's own like Guittard (my preference) or Ghirardelli.
- Use enough coconut. Don't worry about using a lot of coconut to roll the log. It can be messy but it will help the log come together nicely when you roll it in the parchment paper.
- Roll the logs tight. Use your hands to roll the logs light and shape them. This will make sure there are no little air pockets when you cut.
- Chill well. Chill these at minimum 3 hours but up to overnight before slicing with a sharp knife! This will make cutting so much easier.
A Nostalgic No-Bake Chocolate Marshmallow Treat
This version is incredibly easy to make and requires just a handful of ingredients and no baking. I added chopped pistachios for a little crunch and color, and rolled the logs generously in sweetened coconut for that classic coconut exterior.
The result is a treat that’s equal parts fun, festive, and beautiful. They’re perfect for holiday cookie trays, an Easter dessert table, or anytime you want something sweet that feels a little retro and a lot fun.
Why You’ll Love These Church Window Cookies
You’re going to love these no-bake Church Window Cookies because they’re incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients and no oven required. They come together quickly and are perfect for when you want a nostalgic sweet treat.
The combination of rich chocolate, chewy marshmallows, crunchy pistachios, and sweet coconut gives them that classic rocky road style flavor, while the colorful marshmallows create a beautiful stained glass effect when sliced.
They’re fun, and guaranteed to stand out on any dessert tray!
Church Window Cookies (no-bake candy)
No-bake Church Window Cookies with pastel marshmallows create a stained-glass effect, making them perfect for Easter!
Ingredients
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup salted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (10 oz) bag pastel mini marshmallows
- ½ cup chopped pistachios
- 1 (14 oz) bag sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- In the heatproof bowl of a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips and butter together, stirring frequently until smooth and fully melted.
- Remove from heat and allow the chocolate mixture to sit for about 5 minutes, or until it is no longer hot to the touch.
- Stir the vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the mini marshmallows and chopped pistachios.
- Pour the slightly cooled chocolate mixture over the top and gently fold until everything is evenly coated.
- Lay out three sheets of parchment paper on your work surface. Divide the shredded coconut between the sheets, spreading it out into an even layer.
- Spoon the marshmallow mixture evenly over the coconut creating three even logs.
- Sprinkle additional coconut over the top, then use the parchment to roll the mixture tightly into logs, coating the outside with coconut as you go. Twist the parchment ends tightly to seal.
- Place the logs in the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours, or overnight until firm.
- Unwrap the chilled logs and (with a very sharp knife) slice into ½-inch rounds to reveal the colorful “church window” pattern.
- Serve immediately or store chilled until ready to enjoy.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Church Window Cookies
- Allow the chocolate mixture to cool slightly before mixing so the marshmallows keep their shape.
- A sharp knife wiped clean between cuts helps create neat slices.
How to Store
Store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 48 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 76Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 34mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 1gSugar: 5gProtein: 1g
