If you’re on the hunt for a no-fuss holiday treat that bursts with festive charm and flavor, look no further than this Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe. These delightful no-bake wreaths combine the nostalgic crunch of cornflakes with a sweet marshmallow coating, tinted the perfect evergreen shade. Topped with bright red candies, they look just like mini wreaths ready to adorn your holiday table while bringing smiles to everyone who takes a bite. Trust me, these cookies are as joyful to make as they are to eat, making them a must-try for the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great recipe starts with simple ingredients, and this Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe is no exception. Each item plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of sweet, colorful, and crunchy holiday magic.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Provides a smooth, rich base that helps melt the marshmallows and flavor the cookies without overwhelming sweetness.
- 30 large marshmallows: These glue the cereal together with their gooey sweetness and help give the cookies their classic chewy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle aromatic warmth that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional): For a lovely hint of nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the vanilla.
- Green food coloring: Brings that iconic evergreen wreath hue to life, making the cookies as festive as they are tasty.
- 4 cups cornflakes cereal: The crunchy base that holds the cookies together, adding texture and a delightful crispness.
- Red cinnamon candies or red mini M&Ms: These bright, cherry-like toppings mimic wreath berries, adding both color and a pop of spice or sweetness.
- Nonstick spray or butter: Essential for greasing your hands so shaping the sticky dough is a breeze.
How to Make Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
Begin by melting the unsalted butter in a large saucepan over low heat. This ensures the butter doesn’t brown or burn, setting the perfect base for your marshmallows. Once melted, add all the marshmallows and stir constantly until they are completely melted and smooth. This gooey mixture is the heart of your Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe and must be silky for easy mixing with the cereal.
Step 2: Flavor and Color the Mixture
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and optional almond extract to infuse the marshmallow base with warm, fragrant notes. Then add green food coloring a little at a time until you reach that perfect, vibrant wreath green. This step transforms the cookies from ordinary to festive, making them visually irresistible.
Step 3: Combine with Cornflakes
Gently fold in the cornflakes, stirring until each flake is coated in the marshmallow mixture. The goal is to keep as much crunch as possible while having every piece sticky enough to hold together. This mixture is what gives your Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe that wonderful texture contrast between soft and crisp.
Step 4: Shape the Wreaths
Lightly grease your hands with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and even though the mixture sets quickly, work swiftly. Scoop some mixture and form into small rounds. Then create a hole in the center of each round to shape your wreath. Place each shaped wreath on parchment-lined baking sheets or wax paper for easy removal.
Step 5: Decorate and Set
While the cookies are still sticky, press a few red cinnamon candies or mini M&Ms onto each wreath to mimic festive holly berries. This final touch is not only pleasing to the eye but adds a burst of color and flavor that completes the Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe. Allow the cookies to cool and set fully before serving to ensure they keep their charming shape.
How to Serve Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are already decorated with bright red candies, but if you want to get creative, a light dusting of powdered sugar can simulate a snowy effect. You can also add tiny edible silver or gold sugar pearls for an extra sparkle that dazzles guests.
Side Dishes
Christmas Wreath Cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of cocoa or spiced cider. Their sweet crunch complements the cozy drinks perfectly, creating a festive treat spread that’s easy to assemble and share at holiday gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or serving, arrange the wreath cookies on a festive platter lined with fresh pine sprigs or holly leaves to boost the Christmas spirit. Alternatively, place each cookie in a clear cellophane bag tied with red and green ribbon for lovely edible party favors everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Make sure the container is sealed tight to keep the cookies fresh and maintain their delightful crunch and chewy marshmallow texture.
Freezing
Although these cookies are best fresh, you can freeze them if needed. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Since these are no-bake cookies, reheating is not necessary and can actually cause them to lose their perfect texture. If the marshmallow becomes too firm before shaping, simply warm the mixture gently over low heat to soften it again before reshaping your wreath cookies.
FAQs
Can I use a different cereal instead of cornflakes?
Absolutely! Crisp rice cereal or something similar can be used, but cornflakes provide a classic texture and look that suits the wreath shape perfectly.
What if I don’t have green food coloring?
You can skip the food coloring or use natural alternatives like spinach powder for color, but keep in mind the vibrant green adds to the festive appearance of the Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe.
Is there a way to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free cornflakes to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities without compromising on flavor or texture.
Can I substitute the cinnamon candies?
Mini red M&Ms, red jelly beans, or even dried cranberries can work as substitutes to decorate your wreaths beautifully.
How long do these cookies last once made?
Best enjoyed within three days, the cookies may start to lose their freshness and texture after that, so it’s wise to make them close to when you’ll serve them.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about making these Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe—each step brings a bit of holiday joy that shines through the festive color and crunch. Whether you’re baking with kids or putting together the perfect dessert platter, these wreath cookies are guaranteed to become a cherished seasonal favorite. Give it a try, and I promise this recipe will add a sprinkle of sweetness and cheer to your holiday celebrations.
Print
Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Wreath Cookies are a festive, no-bake treat perfect for the holiday season. Made with buttery marshmallow-coated cornflakes dyed green and decorated with red cinnamon candies or mini M&Ms, they are quick to prepare and delightfully crunchy. Their charming wreath shape makes them a fun and colorful addition to any holiday cookie platter.
Ingredients
Base 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
Decorations
- red cinnamon candies or red mini M&Ms for decoration
Other
- 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 the pan from heat and stir in vanilla and almond extracts. Add green food coloring gradually until the mixture reaches your desired wreath color.
- Coat Cornflakes: Gently fold the cornflakes into the green marshmallow mixture, stirring until all the cereal is fully coated.
- Shape Wreaths: Lightly grease your hands with butter or nonstick spray. Quickly form the mixture into small wreath shapes by making rounds and poking a hole in the center.
- Decorate Cookies: Place each wreath on wax paper or a parchment-lined baking sheet. While still sticky, press a few red cinnamon candies or mini M&Ms onto each wreath to resemble berries.
- Set and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool and set completely before serving to retain their shape and texture.
Notes
- Work quickly because the mixture sets fast and becomes hard to shape.
- If the mixture gets too firm, warm it briefly over low heat to soften.
- You can shape the mixture into balls instead of wreaths for an easier version.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
