These Christmas Wreath Cookies are a festive, no-bake treat that instantly put you in the holiday spirit. Bright green, shaped like tiny decorative wreaths, and adorned with cheerful pops of red, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. The sweet, chewy, buttery crunch of cornflakes mixed with gooey marshmallow is irresistible, and both kids and adults find themselves coming back for seconds. If you’re looking for a simple holiday recipe that stands out on the cookie platter and gets everyone talking, these Christmas Wreath Cookies will never let you down!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of staple ingredients and a few festive extras, you’ll be amazed at the big flavors and holiday magic these Christmas Wreath Cookies bring to your table. Each item plays an important role, so here’s how these elements work together to create the magic.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds a rich, creamy base and helps everything blend smooth and glossy.
- Large Marshmallows: The secret to that gooey, chewy texture that holds the cookies together.
- Vanilla Extract: Infuses the cookies with classic, sweet depth; a little goes a long way.
- Almond Extract (optional): For a subtle, nutty note that elevates the holiday flavor profile.
- Green Food Coloring: Gives the cookies their signature wreath color—add little by little for your perfect green.
- Cornflakes Cereal: Brings a delightful crunchy bite, and forms the lovely leaf-like texture of the wreaths.
- Red Cinnamon Candies or Red Mini M&Ms: The “holly berries” that absolutely complete the merry look!
- Nonstick Spray or Butter: A lifesaver for greasing your hands (and keeping the sticky marshmallow mixture manageable).
How to Make Christmas Wreath Cookies
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
Start by grabbing your largest saucepan—this makes mixing much easier! Melt the butter over low heat until just liquid, then add all the marshmallows at once. Stir constantly and patiently until the marshmallows melt down into a smooth, glossy pool. Using low heat prevents scorching and ensures that dreamy texture.
Step 2: Add Flavors and Food Coloring
Take the pan off the heat, then stir in the vanilla extract and the optional almond extract for that holiday aroma. Immediately mix in your green food coloring, a few drops at a time, stirring until you reach a beautiful, vibrant wreath-green. Remember: you can always add more color, but you can’t take it out—go slow for the shade you love!
Step 3: Coat the Cornflakes
Gently pour in your cornflakes cereal and fold the mixture with a long spoon or spatula, turning and coating the flakes until each piece is glossy and green. Aim for even coating—you want every bite of your Christmas Wreath Cookies to have both crunch and sweetness.
Step 4: Shape the Wreaths
This part is a little messy and a lot of fun! Butter your hands well or spritz with nonstick spray to make shaping easier. Working quickly (the mixture sets fast!), grab small handfuls and form into rounds, about 2 to 3 inches wide. Poke a hole in the center with your finger or the end of a wooden spoon to create the classic wreath shape. Set your wreaths on wax paper or parchment-lined baking sheets.
Step 5: Add the Holly Berries
While the cookies are still sticky, press a few red cinnamon candies or mini M&Ms onto each, clustering them to look like holly berries. This finishing touch makes your Christmas Wreath Cookies pop with color and festive cheer.
Step 6: Let Them Set
Allow the cookies to cool and solidify completely—about 30 minutes at room temperature. This helps them hold their shape and ensures their delightful texture! Once set, they’re ready to enjoy or pack up for sharing.
How to Serve Christmas Wreath Cookies
Garnishes
Amp up the festive factor by lightly dusting the finished cookies with a touch of powdered sugar “snow,” or add an extra candy bow on top for ultimate holiday charm. These little enhancements take your Christmas Wreath Cookies from lovely to absolutely magical.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with mugs of hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or mulled cider for a cozy, complete experience. For the ultimate sweet spread, serve alongside other holiday favorites like gingerbread, frosted sugar cookies, or spiced nuts—the flavors bounce off each other beautifully!
Creative Ways to Present
Pack Christmas Wreath Cookies into clear treat bags tied with red and green ribbons for adorable edible gifts. Try arranging them in a circle on a platter to make one big “wreath” centerpiece, or stack in a cookie tin with a sprig of faux holly tucked inside for a festive surprise. These cookies are showstoppers wherever they go!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Christmas Wreath Cookies keep best when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Place wax or parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll stay chewy and delicious for up to three days—if they even last that long!
Freezing
Though these cookies are best fresh, you can freeze them in a pinch. Lay cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, placing parchment between layers. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature (still wrapped) to help retain their soft, chewy bite.
Reheating
No reheating is needed, as these cookies are meant to be enjoyed at room temperature. If they’ve gotten a bit firm, a few seconds (no more than 5-10) in the microwave can help restore softness—just keep an eye so they don’t get too melty!
FAQs
Can I use a different cereal instead of cornflakes?
Cornflakes create the iconic leaf-like texture, but you can experiment with crispy rice cereal for a different crunch. Just keep in mind that the shape and overall wreath look may change a bit, so adjust expectations and have fun!
How long will Christmas Wreath Cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, your cookies will keep their chewy texture and delightful flavor for about three days. For longer-term storage, freezing works, but for best taste, enjoy within a few days of making.
Is it possible to make these cookies without food coloring?
Absolutely! While the green color makes them stand out, you can skip the food coloring for a more natural (but less traditional) look. They’ll still taste fantastic, or try using a natural green powder like matcha for some color.
Can I involve kids in making Christmas Wreath Cookies?
This is a perfect recipe for little helpers! Let them add the candies, shape the wreaths (with supervised hands), and marvel at how the cookies transform. Just be sure to help with the warm mixture, as it can be hot right off the stove.
What do I do if the mixture gets too firm to shape?
If your marshmallow-cornflake mixture starts setting up before you finish shaping, simply return the pan to low heat for a minute or two. Stir gently until it’s just soft enough to work with again—then continue the wreath-making fun!
Final Thoughts
Bring some extra joy to your holiday kitchen with these delightfully simple Christmas Wreath Cookies. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a cookie swap, class party, or simply to share at home, they never fail to charm a crowd. Gather your loved ones, have fun getting sticky, and let the sweet, festive results bring big smiles all around!
Print
Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Wreath Cookies are a festive and delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. They are easy to make, no-bake cookies that resemble traditional Christmas wreaths, adorned with red candies. These sweet and crunchy cookies are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 30 large marshmallows
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- green food coloring
- 4 cups cornflakes cereal
- red cinnamon candies or red mini M&Ms for decoration
- nonstick spray or butter for handling
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth.
- Add Flavor and Color: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and almond extracts, then add green food coloring until the mixture reaches your desired wreath color.
- Combine with Cornflakes: Gently fold in the cornflakes, stirring until fully coated.
- Shape the Wreaths: Lightly grease your hands with butter or nonstick spray and quickly shape the mixture into small wreaths by forming rounds and poking a hole in the center.
- Add Decorations: Place each wreath on wax paper or a parchment-lined baking sheet. Press a few red cinnamon candies or mini M&Ms onto each wreath while still sticky.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool and set completely before serving.
Notes
- Work quickly, as the mixture sets fast.
- If it gets too firm to shape, briefly warm it back on the stove over low heat.
- You can also shape them into balls for an easier version.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
