If you’re looking to add a burst of festive cheer to your holiday treats, the Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These vibrant, no-bake wreath-shaped cookies bring together the chewy sweetness of marshmallows and the satisfying crunch of cornflakes, all beautifully tinted green and dotted with bright red candies to mimic holly berries. They’re quick to make, irresistibly fun to decorate, and deliver that warm, nostalgic flavor that feels like a hug during the chilly holiday season. Whether you’re baking with kids or seeking a playful twist on Christmas cookies, this recipe captures the spirit of the holidays in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is all you need to whip up these festive treats. Each component plays a crucial role—from the creamy butter that binds everything together to the colorful candies that complete the wreath’s iconic look.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup): Provides smooth richness and helps melt the marshmallows evenly for that perfect chewy texture.
- Large marshmallows (30): The sweet base that creates a gooey, delightful coating when melted.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and depth to the sweet mixture.
- Green food coloring (1½ teaspoons): Gives your cookies their festive wreath-green hue, transforming them visually for the holidays.
- Cornflake cereal (4 cups): Offers a crispy, crunchy contrast that makes every bite satisfying without being too heavy.
- Red cinnamon candies or mini red M&M’s (for garnish): The perfect pop of color resembling holly berries, adding a fun flavor and decoration.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Essential for keeping your hands from sticking while shaping the wreaths.
How to Make Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
Begin by gently melting the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add in all the marshmallows. Stir constantly to ensure they melt evenly and combine into a smooth, glossy mixture. This step ensures your base is perfectly gooey and ready to hold the cereal together in the most delicious way.
Step 2: Add Flavor and Color
Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, comforting flavor. Next, add the green food coloring, making sure to mix thoroughly so every bit of the marshmallow mixture is beautifully tinted Christmas green. This is where the cookies start to come alive visually, setting the stage for holiday fun.
Step 3: Fold in the Cornflakes
Slowly fold in the cornflake cereal, gently coating every flake with the vibrant marshmallow mix. Take your time here to avoid crushing the flakes, as their crispy texture is a delightful contrast to the soft, sweet coating. The combination is what makes these cookies so uniquely festive and delicious.
Step 4: Shape the Wreaths
Lightly spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray—this is a game-changer to keep the sticky mixture from clinging to your fingers. Quickly form the mixture into small wreath shapes: rings about two inches in diameter with a hole in the middle to mimic the classic Christmas wreath. Place these on a parchment-lined baking sheet to set.
Step 5: Decorate with Candy Berries
While the wreaths are still soft and pliable, press red cinnamon candies or mini red M&M’s onto the cookies. These act as charming holly berries, giving your cookies their signature holiday look. Once decorated, let the wreath cookies cool and set completely, about 30 minutes, to firm up their shape before indulging.
How to Serve Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the red candies, consider adding a dusting of powdered sugar to mimic freshly fallen snow or a tiny sprinkle of edible glitter for some extra sparkle. These little touches elevate the presentation and make your Christmas Wreath Cookies pop on any holiday platter.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a festive glass of eggnog. Their sweet and crunchy profile complements creamy drinks perfectly, creating a cozy holiday experience that is both nostalgic and joyful.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your wreath cookies in a circle on a decorative holiday plate or stack them with wax paper between layers to give as charming homemade gifts. You can also thread a colorful ribbon through the holes and hang them as edible ornaments for an adorable and tasty winter decoration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Christmas Wreath Cookies have set, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the marshmallow coating soft and the cornflakes crisp, maintaining that delightful texture and flavor.
Freezing
While these cookies are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them for longer storage. Place the cooled wreaths in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving to preserve their chewy-crisp balance.
Reheating
If your mixture becomes too firm during shaping, simply warm it gently over low heat in the saucepan for a few seconds. For reheated leftovers, allow them to come to room temperature naturally to keep their texture intact—the marshmallow gooeyness returns beautifully without needing additional heat.
FAQs
Can I use a different cereal instead of cornflakes?
Absolutely! While cornflakes provide a light crunch and subtle flavor, you can experiment with cereals like Rice Krispies or Cheerios depending on your texture preference. Just keep in mind the size and shape of the cereal so the wreath form holds well.
Is green food coloring necessary?
The green coloring is what gives the cookies their festive, Christmas wreath look, but if you prefer a more natural option, you can try using matcha powder or spinach juice for a gentle tint—though this may slightly alter the taste.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan version, use plant-based butter and vegan marshmallows. Some brands offer marshmallows without gelatin, and these work perfectly for the recipe while keeping things plant-based and festive.
How do I keep the cookies from sticking to my hands?
Spraying your hands with nonstick cooking spray is key. If you don’t have that, lightly wetting your hands with water or rubbing a small amount of oil on your fingers can also help handle the sticky marshmallow mixture without frustration.
What’s the best way to decorate these cookies if I don’t have red cinnamon candies?
If you can’t find red cinnamon candies, mini red M&M’s are a perfect substitute. You can also use red sprinkles or small dried cranberries for that pop of holiday color and a burst of flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about creating sweet, simple, and vibrant treats like the Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe that bring joy to any holiday gathering. They are quick to make, fun to decorate, and sure to impress both kids and adults alike. I encourage you to get into the festive spirit and give these charming cookies a try—you might just discover your new holiday tradition.
Print
Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with these festive Christmas Wreath Cookies made from gooey marshmallows, buttery cornflakes, and vibrant green food coloring. These no-bake treats are easy to shape into adorable wreaths and decorated with red cinnamon candies or mini red M&M’s to mimic holly berries, making them a fun and delicious addition to your holiday dessert table.
Ingredients
Base Mixture
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 30 large marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoons green food coloring
- 4 cups cornflake cereal
Decoration
- Red cinnamon candies or mini red M&M’s (for garnish)
- Nonstick cooking spray (for hands)
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth, creating a creamy base.
- Add Flavor and Color: Remove the saucepan from the heat, then stir in the vanilla extract and green food coloring until the mixture is evenly colored a festive green.
- Mix in Cereal: Gently fold in the cornflake cereal until each flake is fully coated with the marshmallow mixture, ensuring an even texture throughout.
- Shape Wreaths: Lightly spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking, then form the mixture into small wreath shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Decorate: While the mixture is still soft, press red cinnamon candies or mini red M&M’s onto each wreath to resemble holly berries, adding a festive touch.
- Cool and Set: Allow the cookies to cool and set for about 30 minutes at room temperature before serving to ensure they hold their shape.
Notes
- Work quickly as the marshmallow mixture sets fast and becomes difficult to shape.
- If the mixture becomes too firm to handle, briefly warm it over low heat to soften.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
