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As winter arrives, the air is filled with the scent of cookies. This signals the start of the holiday season. Church Window Cookies are a beloved tradition that brings back memories of joy and warmth.
These festive treats have vibrant colors and look like stained glass. They remind us of our childhood, filled with holiday excitement.
Table of Contents
What are Church Window Cookies?
Church Window Cookies are a beloved no-bake holiday treat. They have been a cherished Christmas tradition for many years. These festive desserts look like stained glass windows, thanks to the colorful mini marshmallows and melted chocolate.
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A Classic No-Bake Holiday Treat
What makes Church Window Cookies special is how easy they are to make. They don’t need to be baked, which makes them quick and simple to add to holiday desserts. With just chocolate, butter, marshmallows, and nuts, you can whip up a batch fast.
Resembling Stained Glass Windows
The standout feature of Church Window Cookies is their stunning look. The melted chocolate around the pastel mini marshmallows creates a beautiful, translucent effect. This effect makes them a delightful and eye-catching addition to holiday cookie platters or dessert tables.
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“Church Window Cookies are a festive, no-bake treat that capture the essence of the holiday season. Their stained glass-inspired design and classic Christmas flavors make them a beloved tradition.”
Key Ingredients
Making chocolate and marshmallow cookies, also known as Church Window Cookies, needs special ingredients. These ingredients are the heart of this classic no-bake holiday treat.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
The recipe uses 2 cups (12 ounces) of semi-sweet chocolate chips. They melt into a rich, velvety base for the cookies.
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Unsalted Butter
A half cup (1/2 cup) of unsalted butter, cubed, is used. It helps bind the ingredients together and adds a smooth, creamy texture to the chocolate mixture.
Pastel Mini Marshmallows
Soft, colorful pastel mini marshmallows (1 package, 10 ounces) are folded into the chocolate mixture. They create pockets of gooey sweetness throughout the cookies.
Chopped Nuts (Walnuts or Pecans)
The recipe includes 1 cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans. They add a delightful crunch to the nut-based holiday treats.
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Shredded Sweetened Coconut
Finally, 2 cups of shredded sweetened coconut coat the exterior of the cookies. This provides a festive and visually appealing coconut coating that complements the other festive baking ingredients.
These key components come together to create the signature look, texture, and flavor of the beloved Church Window Cookies. They are a cherished holiday tradition.
Preparation Process
Making Church Window Cookies is easy and fun. You just melt chocolate, mix marshmallows and nuts, and shape the dough. Let’s go through the steps to make the perfect holiday treat.
Melting the Chocolate and Butter
To start, melt semi-sweet chocolate chips and unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir often until it’s smooth and melted. This method is key for the right texture and taste of the cookie dough.
Cooling the Chocolate Mixture
Once melted, let the chocolate and butter cool for 5-10 minutes. This step is important to avoid melting the marshmallows when they’re added. The chocolate should be warm but not hot.
Combining Marshmallows and Nuts
While the chocolate cools, prepare the other ingredients. Use pastel mini marshmallows and chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. Mix them in a big bowl for a tasty marshmallow and nut mix.
After the chocolate cools, pour it over the marshmallow and nut mix. Stir until everything is well combined. This ensures the cookie dough is evenly mixed.
“The key to perfectly melted chocolate is to go low and slow, stirring frequently until the mixture is smooth and silky. This technique ensures the chocolate doesn’t seize up or burn, resulting in a beautifully tempered coating for the Church Window Cookies.”
Shaping and Chilling
Now that you’ve made the chocolate, marshmallow, and nut mix, it’s time to shape it into church window cookies. The secret to the perfect shape is forming logs with a rich coconut coating.
Forming Logs with Coconut Coating
Start by splitting the chocolate mix in half. Place each half on parchment or wax paper coated with sweetened coconut. Use your hands to shape the mix into long, cylindrical logs, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick. Wrap the coated logs tightly in the parchment or wax paper, making sure the coconut sticks to the outside.
Refrigerating for Firmness
Next, the cookies need to chill in the fridge to firm up. Refrigerate the wrapped logs for 2 to 4 hours. This will make them firm enough to slice into individual cookies. Chilling is key to keeping the cookies’ stained glass look when sliced.
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By following these steps, you’ll get perfectly shaped church window cookies. They’re ready to be sliced and enjoyed by your guests. The coconut coating adds a nice texture and seals in the flavors of chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts.
Slicing and Serving
When the Church Window Cookie dough is chilled and firm, it’s time to slice. Use a sharp, serrated knife to cut the cookies into 1/4-inch thick pieces. This ensures clean, uniform cuts that highlight the colorful marshmallows and nuts.
After slicing, arrange the cookies on a platter or in decorative containers. These festive treats are perfect for any holiday or gift-giving. Their vibrant look and no-bake ease make them a favorite for Christmas, Easter, and more.
Pair the cookies with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or milk for a tasty snack or dessert. Their rich chocolate taste and chewy texture will impress everyone. Arrange them in a way that adds to your holiday decor or table setting.
Serve the Church Window Cookies on a platter or in decorative containers. They’re a hit at any holiday celebration. Enjoy their flavors and the ease of making this classic dessert.
Church Window Cookies: A Festive Tradition
The holiday season is not complete without holiday baking traditions like classic Christmas cookies. Church Window Cookies are a no-bake treat loved by many. They are made with chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts, creating a festive look.
Making and sharing Church Window Cookies is a special activity. It brings families and communities together. The recipe is simple, using chocolate chips, butter, marshmallows, nuts, and coconut.
- Melt the chocolate and butter, then cool it slightly before mixing with marshmallows and nuts.
- Shape the mix into logs, coat with coconut, and chill until firm.
- Slice the logs into pieces for a stunning, colorful treat.
Making Church Window Cookies is easy and rewarding. They add a whimsical touch to any holiday table. Their bright colors make them a feast for the eyes.
“Church Window Cookies are a holiday classic that bring back memories of baking with my grandma. The process is simple, but the results are truly magical.”
Church Window Cookies are perfect for both experienced and new bakers. They add joy and create memories. So, get your family together and make these festive classic Christmas cookies.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Enjoy the delightful flavors of Church Window Cookies long after they’re baked. Proper storage and freezing can help. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Refrigerator Storage
For short-term storage, refrigerate the cookie logs or sliced cookies in an airtight container. This keeps the texture and flavor of the cookie storage fresh. Enjoy them for up to 7 days in the fridge.
Freezing for Long-Term Preservation
To extend the shelf life of your Church Window Cookies, freeze them for up to 2 months. Wrap the cookie logs tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. Or, slice the cookies and freeze them in individual portions or small bundles.
When ready to serve, thaw the freezing no-bake treats in the refrigerator overnight.
Follow these storage and freezing no-bake treats tips to enjoy Church Window Cookies all year. Whether refrigerating for short-term or freezing for longer, these treats are always ready to serve.
Variations and Substitutions
The traditional Church Window Cookies recipe includes chopped nuts and a shredded coconut coating. But, you can change it to fit different diets and tastes. If you have a nut allergy or prefer no nuts, you can leave them out or use other crunchy things like crushed graham crackers or Rice Krispies cereal.
Nut-Free and Coconut-Free Options
You can also swap the coconut coating for other toppings. Try powdered sugar, crushed peppermint candies, or a mix of powdered sugar and cocoa powder. These cookie customizations make allergy-friendly alternatives that taste great just like the original.
- Omit the nuts for a nut-free option
- Replace nuts with crushed graham crackers or Rice Krispies
- Substitute the coconut coating with powdered sugar, crushed peppermint candies, or a powdered sugar-cocoa mixture
By trying these variations, you can make sure everyone can enjoy Church Window Cookies. This is true even if they have dietary restrictions or personal preferences.
Making Church Window Cookies with Kids
Church Window Cookies are a fun family baking activity for the holiday season. The no-bake process and hands-on assembly make it a great project for kids. They can mix ingredients, shape logs, and decorate with sprinkles or festive toppings.
This recipe helps create lasting holiday memories and traditions. It keeps kids entertained and proud of their work. They see simple ingredients turn into a tasty holiday treat.
Set up a “cookie decorating station” with toppings and decorations. This lets kids personalize their cookies. It boosts creativity, fine motor skills, and baking appreciation.
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips | 12 ounces |
Unsalted Butter | 1/2 cup |
Colored Mini Marshmallows | 10 ounces |
Chopped Nuts (Walnuts or Pecans) | 1 cup |
Shredded Sweetened Coconut | 1 1/2 to 2 cups |
Involve your little ones in family baking activities to make delicious kid-friendly holiday treats. It’s a chance to build lasting memories. Enjoy the holiday season by baking Church Window Cookies together.
Gift-Giving Potential
Church Window Cookies are perfect for homemade holiday gifts. They look festive and taste great. Friends, family, and neighbors will love them.
You can put these cookies in decorative tins, boxes, or bags. Add some holiday treats for a special gift. Their bright colors and stained glass look bring holiday cheer to any gift.
Make a big batch of Church Window Cookies. Then, divide them into small servings or boxes. This way, you can give them to many people during the holidays. The recipe makes about 24 cookies, so you can make lots of gifts.
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips | 3 cups |
Unsalted Butter | 1 cup |
Pastel Mini Marshmallows | 2 cups |
Chopped Nuts (Walnuts or Pecans) | 1 cup |
Shredded Sweetened Coconut | 1 cup |
Church Window Cookies are a hit as homemade holiday gifts or edible Christmas presents. They look amazing and taste even better. Wrap them up and share the joy of this classic holiday treat with your loved ones.
Pairing with Other Holiday Treats
Church Window Cookies are a great addition to holiday desserts. They look and taste amazing with other festive sweets. This makes your Christmas sweets spread both beautiful and delicious.
Pairing them with peppermint bark is a classic choice. The cookies’ chocolate and marshmallow flavors go well with the bark’s minty taste. This mix of textures and tastes is sure to impress your guests.
Fudge is another great match for Church Window Cookies. The fudge’s dense chocolate taste pairs well with the cookies’ chewy texture. Making homemade fudge to serve with these cookies is a treat for everyone.
Adding gingerbread cookies to the mix is also a good idea. The gingerbread’s warm spices contrast nicely with the cookies’ sweet chocolate. This combination captures the holiday spirit perfectly.
- Peppermint Bark
- Fudge
- Gingerbread Cookies
Church Window Cookies are a hit at any Christmas celebration. Their unique look and tasty flavors make them a great addition to many holiday sweets.
Conclusion
Church Window Cookies are a timeless holiday treat that captures the Christmas spirit. They have a vibrant, stained glass look and a tasty mix of chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts. These no-bake cookies are perfect for any festive dessert table.
They are great for baking with family or as gifts for loved ones. Church Window Cookies bring joy and holiday cheer to everyone who tries them.
These cookies have a rich history and unique features. Their intricate patterns remind us of church windows. The simple preparation makes them a special holiday tradition.
Church Window Cookies are more than a sweet treat. They connect families and friends, creating lasting memories. So, add them to your holiday baking list and enjoy the magic of the season with every bite.
Church Window Cookies are perfect for both seasoned bakers and newcomers. They offer a delicious and beautiful way to celebrate the holiday season. Let the spirit of the season guide you as you make these delightful treats. They will delight your taste buds and spread holiday cheer to your loved ones.
FAQ
What are Church Window Cookies?
Church Window Cookies are a simple holiday treat. They’re made with chocolate, mini marshmallows, nuts, and coconut. They look like stained glass windows, making them a festive Christmas dessert.
What are the key ingredients in Church Window Cookies?
The main ingredients are semi-sweet chocolate chips, unsalted butter, and pastel mini marshmallows. You also need chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, and sweetened shredded coconut.
How do you make Church Window Cookies?
First, melt the chocolate and butter. Let it cool. Then mix it with marshmallows, nuts, and coconut. Shape into logs, chill, and slice into cookies.
How do you store and freeze Church Window Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the logs or sliced cookies tightly. They can stay frozen for up to 2 months.
Can you make substitutions or variations to Church Window Cookies?
Yes, you can. Omit nuts for those with allergies. Or, use other toppings like powdered sugar or crushed peppermint instead of coconut.
Can you make Church Window Cookies with kids?
Absolutely. They’re perfect for kids to help with during the holidays. The no-bake process and fun assembly make it a great activity for them.
Can Church Window Cookies be used as homemade holiday gifts?
Yes, they’re a great choice for homemade gifts. Their festive look and tasty flavors make them a hit with friends, family, and neighbors.
How can Church Window Cookies be paired with other holiday treats?
Enjoy them alone or with other holiday treats. They pair well with peppermint bark, fudge, or gingerbread. Their chocolate and marshmallow flavors complement many seasonal desserts.
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