This no-bake Cathedral Windows recipe is a bar “cookie” version of the traditional church window cookies made with chocolate and multi-colored mini marshmallows. They are much easier to cut and serve as bars than shaping into logs and slicing.
Coconut and walnuts are optional so it's a 3 ingredient recipe with 5 minutes prep!
SAVE THIS RECIPE
I'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
You’ll love this shortcut re-do of the classic Christmas and Easter stained glass windows “cookie!”
It’s a no-brainer for me. All I do is plop the mixture in a pan and spread it out to cut as bars or squares. No shaping or rolling in wax paper needed.
It’s more like a chocolate-marshmallow candy than a cookie, in my opinion. Either way you serve these windows "cookies", they make fun party treats, food gifts and a favorite at cookie swaps.
Look how beautiful these church windows cookie bars are all dressed up for Easter!
Want to make more simple, colorful sweets for parties? Try my Fruity Pebbles Crispy Treats, Easter Candy Bark and Stained Glass Jello Salad, too.
Beyond the holidays, try using white mini marshmallows to turn it into a simple chocolate-marshmallow treat. Stir in peanuts to make a Rocky Road–style candy.
Shortcuts
- Use a pan instead of rolling logs – It saves time and makes serving easier, especially when you’re preparing a big batch for the holidays.
- Drop Cookies - Another easy way to make this marshmallow candy is to just drop the mixture onto parchment or wax paper to make Church Windows Drop Cookies.
- Microwave the chocolate and butter – Melting the chocolate chips and butter together in the microwave is faster than using the stovetop. It also cuts down on dishes since you can melt and mix everything in one bowl.
Ingredients
You only need 3 ingredients to make these no bake treats! The coconut and walnuts are optional.
Scroll down to printable recipe for exact ingredient quantities.
- Chocolate chips – I made these cookie bars with both milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Both work fine. Kids tend to prefer milk chocolate. (I prefer semi-sweet!)
- Butter – Use real butter, salted or unsalted.
- Multi-colored mini marshmallows – I found these fruit-flavored marshmallows at the Dollar Tree and Walmart. White miniature marshmallows will work if you want Rocky Road cookie bars.
- Chopped walnuts – Nuts are totally optional. I love the little bit of crunch they add, but one of my friends said she grew up eating them with no nuts. Pecans are yummy, too!
- Sweetened shredded coconut – Coconut is also optional. Just sprinkle it on top. If only half of your family likes coconut, sprinkle it on half the pan.
Substitutions & Variations
- Marshmallow options – Multi-colored mini marshmallows don’t just add color, they also bring a subtle fruity flavor. They are the best choice for that stained-glass look, but you can also choose plain white if you like.
How to make Cathedral Window Cookies
Scroll down to the bottom for the printable recipe with detailed instructions.
- Melt chocolate chips and butter, then stir until smooth. Fold in mini marshmallows and (nuts, if using them).
Tip: Cut the stick of butter into smaller pieces before microwaving with the chocolate. Smaller chunks melt faster and more evenly.
- Spread the mixture in a pan, add a coconut topping if you want, and chill for 30 minutes.
Pro Tip
Work quickly when mixing. The chocolate firms up fast once it cools, so stir in the marshmallows and nuts right away to coat them evenly. Have everything measured and ready before you start melting the chocolate.
Lining the pan with parchment paper makes it super easy to lift out the "cookie slab" to cut into bars.
The pastel colored marshmallows make these perfect for baby showers and gender reveal party treats.
How to Store
You can store your stained glass window cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Want to keep them longer? Store them in the fridge. Just don’t forget to place a sheet of parchment or wax paper between layers to keep them from sticking together.
Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. Be social and share, y'all! Want all my new recipes and updates? Get my weekly newsletter in your inbox!
Leave a comment below the printable recipe if you have questions or tell me how you liked the recipe. Don't forget to rate it 5 stars if you love it!
Want more easy candy recipes?
Cathedral Windows (Church Window Cookies)
SAVE THIS RECIPE
I'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 (11.5-ounce) package milk chocolate chips or 1 (12-ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips (about 2 cups)
- ½ cup salted or unsalted butter (one stick, cut into 4 pieces)
- 1 (10.5-ounce) package multi-colored mini marshmallows
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Line a 9x9-inch or 11x7-inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. You can also line it with aluminum foil, then coat with cooking spray.
- Combine the chocolate chips and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave (1200 watts) on HIGH for a minute.
- Remove from the microwave and stir until everything is melted and smooth.
- Stir in the mini marshmallows (and walnuts, if using). Then, mix gently until the chocolate coats the marshmallows. Work quickly before the chocolate firms up.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and spread it to the edges. Gently press down with the back of the spoon or spatula.
- If adding coconut, sprinkle it evenly over the top and press lightly with your fingertips so it sticks to the chocolate-marshmallow mixture.I often sprinkle just half the pan with coconut.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes, or until firm enough to cut into bars. They are decadent and rich, so cutting into 25 pieces (5x5) works well.
Notes
- If you’re buying marshmallows in bulk, make sure to store them properly since they can dry out quickly once opened. Seal the bag tightly if there are leftovers.
- When it comes to toppings, don’t stop with just nuts and coconut. You can also try crushed peppermint candy or a drizzle of white chocolate!
Nutrition
Nutrition analysis on GritsAndGouda.com recipes are mostly calculated on an online nutrition calculator. I am not a dietitian and nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on products used.
Comments
No Comments