If you're looking for a Christmas candy that's as pretty as it is delicious, Cathedral Window Candy is the one! With colorful mini marshmallows peeking through chocolate "windows," every slice looks like a little stained-glass masterpiece.
The best part? It's no-bake, super simple, and comes together in just minutes! Leaving you more time to sip cocoa and enjoy the holiday lights! 🎄
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Cathedral Window Cookies stand out on cookie trays
This candy isn't just tasty, it's a showstopper! The combination of rich chocolate, sweet marshmallows, and a coconut coating makes it a nostalgic holiday favorite. It looks fancy enough to impress at any cookie exchange or on a Christmas platter, but it's so easy you'll wonder why you haven't made it every year.
Plus, it slices into perfect little pieces that are just right for gifting (or sneaking straight from the fridge!).
Cathedral Window Candy
Equipment
- 1 baking sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Large, microwave safe mixing bowl
- Rubber or silicon spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cups sweetened, shredded coconut
- ½ cup butter (one stick)
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 10 ounces colored mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the shredded coconut into a rectangular shape on the prepared baking sheet. Set aside.
- In a large, microwave-safe mixing bowl, add butter and chocolate chips. Microwave on high at 30 second intervals, stirring well between each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla.
- Allow the melted chocolate to cool for about 5 minutes,-we don't want to melt the marshmallows!
- Gently fold in the marshmallows, mixing well to ensure that every marshmallow is coated in chocolate.
- On a strip on parchment paper, shape the chocolate covered marshmallows into a log. *See tip below.
- Carefully center the entire log onto the shredded coconut on the baking sheet. Roll back and forth in the coconut, generously covering the entire log.
- Tightly wrap the log using the parchment paper already on the baking sheet and refrigerate the wrapped log at least an hour, until the candy is completely chilled and the chocolate has hardened.
- Remove the candy from its wrapping, and slice the log into ½-inch discs. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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What you'll need: ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card for the exact measurements.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
Absolutely! Try dark chocolate for a richer flavor or milk chocolate for something sweeter.
Nope! White marshmallows work too, plain ones taste just as good!
Absolutely, nuts will be a delicious addition to this recipe. Stir in a cup of chopped nuts. Walnuts, pecans, pistachios, almonds or hazelnuts would all be great choices!
Deb's tips for slicing the cookies
Use a serrated knife to slice the candy. It will cut through the chocolate without squishing the marshmallows. Slice in one clean motion, (do not saw back and forth). Clean the knife off between each slice.
Using a glass filled with hot water, warm the knife slightly by dipping it in the water. Wipe it dry, then slice. The warm knife will help it glide through the chocolate easily.
More great Christmas candy recipes
If easy homemade sweets are your jam, you'll definitely want to try a few more favorites from the blog. The Cashew Toffee is crunchy, buttery, old-fashioned candy made in minutes, while Rocky Road Fudge is packed with marshmallows and chocolate for the ultimate sweet bite.
For something salty-sweet and totally snackable, whip up a batch of Chocolate Covered Cashews. And if you're looking for more great ideas for your cookie exchange, I have a whole category of Christmas Cookies Recipes you'll enjoy!
Finishing up these festive Cathedral Cookies
Cathedral Window Candy is proof that holiday treats don't need to be complicated to be festive and fun. With just a few ingredients and a little chill time, you'll have a tray of candy that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen. So grab those marshmallows and let's make something sweet!
And don't forget to share this recipe with a friend. it's too good to keep to yourself!
Sandra says
So festive! These will be perfect tucked in my cookie tray for my potluck!
Dee says
This looks yummy. I wonder if it needs to be refrigerated and kept cool after finished serving? I have loved the non baked fruitcake for years and this is great idea to make also.
Karen says
So easy and delicious!
Debra Clark says
I hope you give it a try Karen!
Carol says
Cute idea, wish I liked marshmellows. The grandkids would love this, might show them the cookie and ingredients to see if they want me to make.
Debra Clark says
That's a great idea Carol!
Brenda Dickson says
I have always wanted to make this candy, but I always felt intimidated by it. It looks so good and has ingredients that I love and my whole family loves. I think that this will be going on the goodies tray on Christmas Eve. I can hardly wait to make it and eat it! Thank you for the recipe and great instructions, Deb.
Debra Clark says
You are welcome Brenda!! This will be super fun on your cookie tray. Easy too, the family will love it!
Sue Turcsany says
This is quite unusual and festive. First time seeing a cookie like this. I like the fact that it is no bake as well, plus I have all the ingredients in my pantry. Will try making this the next time the grandkids come over.
Debra Clark says
Wonderful!! Enjoy Sue, this candy is super yummy. The kids will love it!