If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and downright adorable treat to whip up this holiday season, you’ve got to try this Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these little wreaths come together quickly and still wow everyone with their colorful charm and that perfect combination of sweet and crunchy. Once you see how easy they are, you’ll want to make them every Christmas!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick to Make: You’ll be amazed at how fast these cookies come together — no oven required!
- Kid-Friendly Fun: This is the perfect recipe to gather kids around and get everyone decorating wreaths.
- Simple Ingredients: It uses everyday pantry staples plus festive candies you likely already have on hand.
- Beautiful Presentation: These cookies are as charming as they are tasty — great for gift-giving or party platters.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe work in harmony to create that perfect chewy, crispy, and colorful treat. Each component has its role — butter and marshmallows meld to make the sticky coating, cornflakes give a crunch, and the candies add a festive pop of color and flavor.
- Butter: Using real butter adds richness and helps the marshmallows melt smoothly.
- Marshmallows: The sticky binder that brings everything together in a sweet embrace.
- Green gel or liquid food coloring: This is what turns the mixture into a lovely, holiday wreath green; gel coloring tends to be more vibrant.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor that balances out the sweetness.
- Cornflakes: The classic crunchy cereal base that gives a delightful texture contrast.
- Red hot candies or red candy-coated chocolates: These act as ‘berries’ on your wreaths to bring in that Christmas color and a little zing.
- Cooking spray: Helps shape the wreaths without the sticky mixture sticking to your fingers.
Variations
One of the things I love most about this Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to make these vegan, gluten-free, or jazz them up with different toppings, the possibilities are endless. Play around with your favorites — this recipe is forgiving and flexible!
- Vegan Variation: Swap regular butter for a plant-based alternative and use vegan marshmallows to keep the wreaths friendly for all diets — I did this once for a holiday party and no one suspected a thing!
- Gluten-Free: Cornflakes are naturally gluten-free but always check the label to be sure; you can also try gluten-free cereals if preferred.
- Different Candies: Sometimes I swap the red candies for mini peppermint candies or even dried cranberries for a different flavor and texture.
- Add Nuts or Seeds: For an extra crunch, a handful of chopped nuts or pumpkin seeds mixed in can really elevate the texture.
How to Make Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Marshmallows and Butter
Start by lining a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat — trust me, this step saves you from sticky cleanups later. Then, in a large microwave-safe bowl, add the butter and marshmallows. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until everything is melted and smooth. I like to keep a close eye here because marshmallows can burn quickly if left too long.
Step 2: Add Color and Flavor
Once melted, mix in your green food coloring and vanilla extract. You’ll notice the mixture turning into that perfect festive green that makes these cookies so special. Stir until the color is evenly distributed — it’s fun seeing the transformation happen right before your eyes!
Step 3: Toss in the Cornflakes
Gently fold in the cornflakes until each flake is nicely coated with the marshmallow mixture. Be gentle here because you want to keep the flakes as intact as possible for that amazing crunch.
Step 4: Shape the Wreaths
Grease a 1/4 cup measuring cup with cooking spray — this is your secret tool to shape uniform cookie bases. Pack the mixture into the cup and turn it out onto your prepared sheet pan. Then, using your fingers (lightly sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking), make a hole in the center to create that classic wreath shape. Don’t worry if the hole isn’t perfect; the candies will cover any little imperfections.
Step 5: Decorate and Cool
Top each wreath with red hot candies or red candy-coated chocolates — I love how these “berries” really make the cookie come alive. Let all the cookies cool completely, which only takes about 10 minutes, until they’re firm and ready to eat.
Pro Tips for Making Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
- Use Cooking Spray Religiously: Spraying your fingers and the measuring cup avoids sticky frustration and keeps the shapes neat.
- Don’t Overheat Marshmallows: Melt slowly in short bursts to prevent scorching — you want a silky smooth texture.
- Gently Stir Cornflakes: To keep flakes whole for extra crunch, fold carefully rather than mixing aggressively.
- Shape While Warm: Work quickly before the mixture cools and becomes less pliable.
How to Serve Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually stick with classic red candies because they contrast so beautifully against the green, but sometimes I add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a frosted effect. A little edible glitter can also add magical sparkle for a special party night.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of spiced hot cocoa or classic eggnog. For a holiday dessert platter, a few peppermint bark pieces or gingerbread men balance the flavors nicely and round out your festive spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For one Christmas, I arranged these wreath cookies around a lit candle centerpiece on a big white platter — the glow made the red candies gleam like real berries. You can also tie them in small bundles with festive ribbons to give as edible gifts. Trust me, everyone will ask for the recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cool, these cookies keep great in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I recommend layering them between parchment paper or wax paper so they don’t stick together — especially important if your candies are a bit soft.
Freezing
I usually freeze these cookies if I make them ahead for a party. Wrap each wreath individually in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 1 month and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
Since these aren’t baked cookies, reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to freshen them up a bit, just let them sit out at room temperature for about 20 minutes after taking them out of the freezer to soften slightly before serving.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cereal instead of cornflakes for the Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Although cornflakes give that classic crunch and texture, you can experiment with other cereals like Rice Krispies or even Cheerios for a different twist. Just make sure the cereal holds up well and isn’t too powdery or soggy after coating with marshmallows.
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What if I don’t have green food coloring?
Without green food coloring, the wreaths won’t have that signature festive look, but they’ll still taste delicious! You could try using natural alternatives like spinach powder or spirulina for color, though intensity will vary. Otherwise, enjoy them plain — the taste remains delightful.
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How do I prevent these wreath cookies from sticking to my hands?
Great question! Spraying your hands lightly with cooking spray or wiping them with a wet paper towel before shaping the wreath holes helps so much. You want to keep the mixture sticky enough to hold but not clinging too much to your fingers.
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Can I make these Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! They’re perfect for prepping a day or two before your event. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the freezer if further ahead. It makes stressful holiday baking days so much easier.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe has been one of my go-to holiday treats for years now — whenever I make it, my family goes crazy, and it instantly brings that cozy Christmas feeling into the kitchen. I love how quick, easy, and festive it is, plus it’s a fantastic way to get everyone involved in holiday baking. I hope you’ll give these adorable wreath cookies a try this season; once you do, I’m sure they’ll become a cherished tradition in your home too.
Print
Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These festive Christmas Wreath Cookies are a fun and easy holiday treat made by coating cornflakes in a sweet marshmallow mixture tinted green, then shaped into wreaths and decorated with red candies to resemble holly berries. Perfect for holiday parties or gifting, they require no baking and come together quickly with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Marshmallow Mixture
- 1 stick of butter (1/2 cup)
- 30 large marshmallows
- 6 drops green gel food coloring or 1 and 1/4 teaspoons liquid green food coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Wreath
- 5 cups cornflakes
- Cooking spray
- 1 bottle of red hot candies or 1/2 cup red candy coated chocolates such as mini M&M’s
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Surface: Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and allow the wreaths to set properly.
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows: Place the marshmallows and butter in a large bowl. Microwave in 30 second increments, stirring between each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
- Add Coloring and Flavor: Stir in the green gel or liquid food coloring and the vanilla extract until the marshmallow mixture is evenly colored and smooth.
- Coat the Cornflakes: Add the cornflakes to the bowl and gently stir to evenly coat each flake with the green marshmallow mixture.
- Shape the Wreaths: Grease a 1/4 cup measuring cup with cooking spray. Pack the coated cornflake mixture firmly into the measuring cup, then turn it out onto the prepared sheet pan. Use your fingers, dampened or lightly coated with cooking spray, to create a hole in the center of each mound to form a wreath shape.
- Decorate: Press red hot candies or red candy coated chocolates onto the wreaths to resemble festive holly berries.
- Set and Serve: Allow the wreath cookies to cool completely at room temperature until firm before serving or packaging.
Notes
- Using cooking spray on your fingers helps create a clean hole in the wreath without sticking.
- If you don’t have a microwave, melt the marshmallows and butter in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly.
- The red candies can be substituted with any small red candy for decoration.
- Store the wreath cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- These cookies are a no-bake treat, ideal for quick holiday preparations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
