If you’re looking for a festive treat that is as fun to make as it is to eat, the Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe is an absolute winner. This delightful holiday snack combines the crispy crunch of cornflakes with the gooey sweetness of melted marshmallows, all shaped into charming wreaths that are just begging to be decorated. Whether you’re baking with kids or want a quick, no-fuss dessert that boasts personality and flavor, these cookies are the perfect addition to your Christmas celebration table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that work beautifully together to create a snack that’s both crisp and chewy, with a festive pop of color. Each component is essential: the butter helps bind and add richness, marshmallows provide that luscious sweetness and gooey texture, and the cornflakes give the cookies their signature crunch and structure.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Melts smoothly to create the perfect base for the marshmallows and keeps the cookies rich but not greasy.
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows (about 6 cups): These melt down to form the sweet, sticky glue that holds everything together and gives a soft chew.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the sweet marshmallow flavor—a small touch, big impact!
- 1/2 teaspoon green gel food coloring: Gives the wreaths that beautiful, iconic Christmas green without watering down the mixture, unlike liquid coloring.
- 6 cups corn flakes (180 grams): Provides light, crispy texture and structure; so essential for creating the wreath shape.
- 2 tablespoons sprinkles or red M&M’s: These mimic tiny Christmas berries and add festive color and a fun crunch.
How to Make Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps your wreath cookies cool down without sticking, making cleanup a breeze and keeping their perfect shape intact.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows
In a large pot or a wide pan over medium heat, gently melt the butter. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously. Keep going until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture looks smooth and glossy—this is the magic glue for the cookies.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Color
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and green gel food coloring. Mix thoroughly until the color is evenly distributed, transforming your marshmallow mixture into a vibrant, festive green.
Step 4: Coat the Cornflakes
Pour in the cornflakes and gently fold them into the marshmallow mixture. Be careful not to smash the flakes; you want every bite to have that lovely crunch. Keep folding until every flake is coated with that glossy green mixture.
Step 5: Shape Your Wreaths
Lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking, then scoop out mounds of the mixture onto your parchment-lined baking sheet using a medium cookie scoop or your hands. Shape each mound into a ring with a small hole in the center—just like a tiny wreath. This interactive step is so much fun, especially if you get little helpers involved!
Step 6: Decorate and Set
Use sprinkles or little red M&M’s to decorate the tops of each wreath. These little bursts of color mimic holly berries and instantly add Christmas cheer. Let your cookies cool and set completely at room temperature for at least 4 hours so they hold their shape beautifully.
How to Serve Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar over the wreaths just before serving can simulate a light dusting of snow, enhancing the holiday look. If you want to elevate presentation, tuck a small sprig of fresh rosemary under the base as a fragrant “wreath hanger.”
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of hot cocoa or spiced apple cider—both complement the sweet and crispy texture, making your holiday snack experience complete. They’re also fabulous alongside simple sugar cookies or gingerbread for a festive cookie platter.
Creative Ways to Present
For a memorable holiday gift or party favor, wrap individual wreaths in cellophane and tie with a red or green ribbon. Alternatively, arrange a bunch on a festive cake stand or scatter them around a centerpiece to give your holiday table an extra playful touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their crisp texture and lovely chewiness for up to 4 days, making them perfect for baking ahead of a holiday gathering.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these wreaths in advance, you can freeze them by separating layers with parchment paper inside an airtight container or freezer bag. When properly wrapped, they freeze well for up to 2 months and can thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature. If you want to refresh the texture slightly after freezing, let them sit out for 30 minutes or so. Avoid microwaving, as that might make them overly soft or sticky.
FAQs
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
While regular food coloring will work, because it’s liquid, it might make your marshmallow mixture a bit stickier and less glossy. Gel food coloring gives a more vivid color without changing the texture, so it’s recommended for the best results with this Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe.
What if I don’t have mini marshmallows?
You can chop up regular-sized marshmallows into smaller pieces, but mini marshmallows melt more evenly and quickly, helping you achieve a smooth texture that coats the cornflakes nicely.
Can I substitute corn flakes for another cereal?
Corn flakes provide a light, crispy texture ideal for the wreath shape. You could experiment with rice cereal or crispy oat clusters, but keep in mind these may change the final texture and how the wreaths hold together.
How do I prevent the mixture from sticking to my hands?
Oiling your hands lightly with a neutral oil or a quick spray of non-stick spray before shaping the wreaths makes handling much easier. The marshmallow mixture is sticky, so this simple trick can save you a lot of frustration!
Can children help make these cookies?
Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully kid-friendly, especially for shaping and decorating. Just supervise them closely around the melted marshmallow mixture since it gets hot during cooking.
Final Thoughts
The Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe is a joyful holiday treat that warms both the kitchen and your heart. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for making memories with friends and family. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s sure to become a beloved festive tradition in your home, spreading smiles with every crispy, gooey, colorful bite.
Print
Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus 4 hours setting time
- Yield: 12-14 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Holiday Treat
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These festive Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies are a delightful no-bake treat combining melted marshmallows and cornflakes, dyed green for a holiday look and decorated with red sprinkles or M&M’s to resemble Christmas wreaths. Perfect for holiday parties, they come together quickly and set with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1/2 cup (114 grams) unsalted butter
- 10 ounces (283 grams) mini marshmallows (about 6 cups)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon green gel food colouring (or to desired colour)
- 6 cups (180 grams) corn flakes
- 2 tablespoons sprinkles or red M&M’s
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Melt butter and marshmallows. In a large pot or wide pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the mini marshmallows then stir continuously until fully melted and the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Add flavor and color. Stir in the vanilla extract and green gel food coloring until the mixture is evenly tinted a vibrant green.
- Combine with cornflakes. Add the cornflakes to the marshmallow mixture and fold gently with a spatula to ensure all flakes are evenly coated without breaking them.
- Shape the wreaths. Using a medium cookie scoop or your lightly oiled hands, portion the mixture into small mounds on the prepared baking sheet. Shape each mound into a circular wreath form with a small hole in the center to mimic a Christmas wreath.
- Decorate and set. Press sprinkles or red M&M’s onto the tops of each wreath like ornaments. Allow the cookies to cool and set completely for at least 4 hours at room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Lightly oiling your hands helps prevent the sticky marshmallow mixture from adhering while shaping the wreaths.
- If you prefer a stronger green color, add more gel food colouring gradually until desired shade is achieved.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- For extra festive flair, add small edible glitter or crushed peppermint candies on top.
