If you are searching for a fun, festive, and utterly delicious treat to brighten your holiday season, the Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe is the perfect answer. These no-bake delights combine crispy cornflakes and gooey marshmallows in a charming wreath shape, bursting with holiday spirit thanks to their vibrant green color and cheerful red candy “berries.” Not only are these cookies a breeze to make, but they also bring that nostalgic warmth of homemade goodness mingled with a crunchy, chewy texture that everyone will adore. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a party, or simply as a joyful kitchen project, this recipe brings the magic of Christmas right to your fingertips.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for the Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe is wonderfully straightforward, yet each item plays a crucial role. From the creamy butter providing richness to the mini marshmallows acting as the sticky binder, every piece contributes to the perfect taste and texture you’re about to enjoy.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: This adds a smooth richness and helps melt everything together effortlessly.
- 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows: The gooey magic that holds the whole wreath together with a sweet, chewy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract): A subtle flavor enhancer that adds depth and warmth to your cookies.
- 1/2 teaspoon green food coloring (gel or liquid): For that festive, eye-catching wreath color that screams Christmas cheer.
- 4 cups cornflake cereal: Providing an irresistible crunch and lightness, forming the cookie’s base.
- Red cinnamon candies or mini red M&Ms: These peppers up the wreath’s appearance, mimicking bright, cheerful holly berries.
How to Make Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
Start by melting the butter gently in a large saucepan over low heat, allowing it to become smooth without browning. Once melted, toss in the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they melt into a luscious, sticky mixture. This step is crucial because the smooth marshmallow blend acts as the glue that shapes your wreath cookies perfectly. Once fully melted and silky, take the pan off the heat to prepare for flavor and color.
Step 2: Add Flavor and Color
Now, stir in the almond extract or vanilla extract for that subtle yet important hint of warmth and aroma. Then, introduce the green food coloring, mixing thoroughly until you have an even, vibrant green hue. This step transforms your treat into a Christmas masterpiece.
Step 3: Combine with Cornflakes
Gently fold in the cornflake cereal, ensuring every flake gets thoroughly coated with that sticky marshmallow mixture. Be careful to mix without crushing the flakes too much—keeping their crunch is part of the joy in this recipe.
Step 4: Shape Your Wreaths
With your hands lightly greased or using wax paper to prevent sticking, quickly drop heaping spoonfuls of the cornflake mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Form each mound into a wreath by creating a natural donut shape, pressing a hole in the center and smoothing out edges. This shaping should be done quickly before the marshmallow cools and hardens.
Step 5: Add the Holly Berries and Set
While the cookies are still warm and sticky, decorate each wreath with 2–3 red cinnamon candies or mini red M&Ms to mimic the look of holly berries. Once adorned, allow the cookies to cool at room temperature until fully set. This vibrant finishing touch not only enhances the festive look but adds a spicy or sweet burst to each bite.
How to Serve Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding extra garnishes like a dusting of powdered sugar can mimic a dusting of snow, giving your wreaths an even more festive touch. You can also consider pairing the wreath with tiny sprigs of fresh rosemary for a natural pine aroma and a beautiful green contrast.
Side Dishes
These cookies are terrific on their own but also pair beautifully with a cozy cup of hot cocoa or mulled apple cider. The warm beverages complement the sweet, crunchy texture of the wreath cookies perfectly, making for a cozy holiday snack experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is key during the holidays, so consider arranging your Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe on a festive platter lined with holly leaves or red ribbon. Wrapping individual wreaths in clear cellophane tied with a seasonal ribbon makes them perfect for gift-giving or party favors that guests will remember fondly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (although these cookies rarely last long), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps the wreaths fresh and maintains their crispy yet chewy texture for up to 5 days, perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday week.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies if you want a longer shelf life. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
Since these are no-bake cookies set by marshmallow, reheating isn’t typically necessary. However, if you want them warm and slightly gooey, a brief 10-second zap in the microwave can revive their melty charm—just be sure not to overdo it or the candy decorations might soften too much.
FAQs
Can I use regular vanilla extract instead of almond extract?
Absolutely! Vanilla extract works beautifully and is a great substitute that will still give your wreath cookies delightful flavor. Almond extract adds a slightly nutty warmth, but the recipe is flexible depending on your pantry and preferences.
Do I have to use green food coloring?
You don’t have to. The green color gives these cookies their iconic festive wreath look, but if you prefer a natural twist, you might experiment with spinach powder or skip the coloring altogether for classic marshmallow-white wreaths.
What if I don’t have red cinnamon candies?
Mini red M&Ms work perfectly as a colorful alternative and add a nice chocolatey contrast. You could also try red jellybeans or small red gumdrops to mimic holly berries.
Are these cookies suitable for kids to make?
This Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe is a wonderful project for kids with adult supervision, especially during the melting step. Kids will love shaping the wreaths and decorating them with candies, making it an excellent holiday activity.
Can I make these wreath cookies gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure to use gluten-free cornflake cereal, which is widely available in most grocery stores. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so the recipe adapts nicely for dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about the Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe that turns holiday baking into a joyful tradition. Easy to make, no oven required, and irresistibly festive, these wreath cookies bring smiles to every face around the table. Whether this is your first time making them or you revisit this recipe year after year, it’s a sweet little ritual that celebrates the holiday spirit in the most delicious way possible. So gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and enjoy the magic of creating edible holiday joy together!
Print
Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 18 wreath cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate the holidays with these delightful Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies, a no-bake treat combining buttery marshmallows, crunchy cornflakes, and festive red candies. Easy to make and perfect for cookie trays or holiday parties, these wreath-shaped cookies bring a fun and flavorful twist to your seasonal baking.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract)
- 1/2 teaspoon green food coloring (gel or liquid)
Cereal
- 4 cups cornflake cereal
Decorations
- Red cinnamon candies or mini red M&Ms for decoration
Instructions
- Melt the Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Flavoring and Color: Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in the almond extract and green food coloring until the mixture is evenly colored.
- Coat the Cornflakes: Gently fold in the cornflakes, ensuring they are completely coated with the marshmallow mixture without crushing the flakes.
- Shape the Wreaths: Working quickly, drop heaping spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly grease your fingers or use wax paper to mold each mound into a wreath shape by pressing a hole in the center and shaping the edges smoothly.
- Decorate with Candies: While the cookies are still sticky, press 2–3 red candies onto each wreath to resemble holly berries for a festive look.
- Allow to Set: Let the cookies cool at room temperature until completely set and firm before serving or storing.
Notes
- For easier shaping, lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- This recipe requires no baking, making it a quick and easy holiday treat.
- Almond extract can be substituted with vanilla extract if preferred.
