Stained Glass Cookies

Also known as cathedral or church window cookies, these no-bake slices earn their name the moment you cut into the chilled log: the white mini marshmallows suspended in dark chocolate look like little panes of stained glass. No oven required.

The one detail that makes or breaks them: let the melted chocolate and butter cool before you stir in the marshmallows. Too warm and the marshmallows dissolve into the chocolate instead of staying whole, and you lose the whole mosaic effect.

Fold in chopped walnuts for crunch, then shape the mixture into a log and roll it in flaked coconut, which gives a snowy coating and a sweet, chewy edge.

A few hours in the fridge firms the log enough to slice into neat rounds. They keep beautifully, which makes them a smart make-ahead for a holiday cookie tray.

Kitchen Tips

• Cool the chocolate until just barely warm before adding the marshmallows. This is the key to keeping them whole for the stained-glass look.
• Chill the log thoroughly, at least three to four hours, so it slices cleanly without squashing.
• Use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts for tidy, picture-perfect rounds.

Variations

• Use colored fruit-flavored marshmallows for a brighter, more literal stained-glass effect.
• Swap the walnuts for pecans or almonds.
• Stir a teaspoon of rum or vanilla extract into the melted chocolate for extra flavor.