If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and absolutely irresistible treat this holiday season, you’re going to love this Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies come together quickly but look like you spent all day in the kitchen. Plus, they’re perfect for gifting, party platters, or just indulging with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire. Keep reading because I’m sharing everything you need to make these charming little wreaths that everyone will go crazy for!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick & Easy: No baking required — these come together in under 15 minutes, perfect for a last-minute holiday dessert.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: I love making these with my nieces and nephews; the decorating part really gets them excited about holiday baking.
- Visually Stunning: The bright green and red candies make these cookies festive enough to be a centerpiece on your cookie tray.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Friends and family rave about the crispy marshmallow coating—it’s a classic combination with a holiday twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe is how simple ingredients come together to create something absolutely delightful. Plus, these are pantry-friendly staples, so you might already have most of what you need at home!
- Butter: Using real butter gives these cookies a rich flavor and helps melt the marshmallows perfectly.
- Marshmallows: The key sticky ingredient that binds the wreath together; large marshmallows melt smoothly here.
- Green Gel or Liquid Food Coloring: Gel is my go-to because it gives you vibrant color without altering the texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a touch adds warmth and depth to the sweet marshmallow mixture.
- Cornflakes: Crisp and light, they provide that classic crunch without overpowering sweetness.
- Red Hot Candies or Mini Candy-Coated Chocolates: These “berries” really bring the wreath to life—try using mini M&M’s if you want a chocolaty pop.
- Cooking Spray: A small helper to keep your fingers from sticking while shaping.
Variations
I love to shake things up with this Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe depending on what candy I have on hand or how festive I want to get. You can totally customize the colors and add your own flair, and honestly, it makes the whole process more fun!
- Color Variations: I once used a combo of green and red food coloring in the marshmallow mix for a fun twist, and it looked amazing on the cookie platter.
- Allergy-Friendly: Swap out cornflakes with gluten-free cereal or Rice Krispies for a safe alternative without sacrificing crunch.
- Candy Choices: Instead of red hots, I’ve used tiny peppermint candies or even silver dragées for an elegant look.
- Miniature Wreaths: Making smaller versions by using a tablespoon to shape the mixture is a great way to create bite-sized treats for guests.
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—that’s your workspace for shaping the wreaths. Next, toss the butter and marshmallows into a large microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until everything is melted and smooth. I discovered this trick because microwaving all at once made things scorch too often, so this method is foolproof.
Step 2: Add Color and Flavor
Once melted, stir in the green food coloring and vanilla extract. The color can be adjusted depending on how vibrant you want your wreaths. When I first tried this with liquid green coloring, I added a little more than the recipe called for, and the color was perfect—rich without being overpowering.
Step 3: Coat the Cornflakes
Gently fold in the cornflakes, making sure each piece is evenly coated in the marshmallow mixture but not crushed. This step is where patience pays off—if you mush the cornflakes, your cookies lose their signature crunch. I always use a silicone spatula for gentle folding.
Step 4: Shape Your Wreaths
Spray a 1/4 cup measuring cup with cooking spray or lightly grease your hands. Then pack the mixture firmly into the cup. Turn it out onto your lined baking sheet, and use your fingers (dampened or sprayed to avoid sticking) to create a hole in the center—that’s your wreath shape! This trick makes shaping so much easier and more uniform.
Step 5: Decorate and Cool
Top each wreath with your choice of red candies to mimic holly berries. I love using red hot candies for a little spice, but mini M&M’s work like a charm if you want a bit of chocolate. Let your cookies cool completely until they firm up—it usually takes about 30 minutes at room temperature.
Pro Tips for Making Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
- Even Melting: Heating marshmallows and butter in small increments avoids burning and makes stirring easier—trust me, I learned that the hard way!
- Prevent Stickiness: Keep your fingers damp or lightly sprayed with cooking spray when shaping wreaths to prevent sticking and make shaping easier.
- Uniform Wreaths: Using a measuring cup to mold the mixture helps create perfectly sized wreaths without extra mess.
- Keep It Crisp: Handle the cornflakes gently to maintain their crunch; breaking them makes the cookies mushy and less appealing.
How to Serve Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually stick with classic red hot candies or mini M&M’s to garnish these wreath cookies—that pop of red makes the green really stand out and gives that authentic holiday look. Sometimes I sprinkle a tiny bit of edible glitter for a magical shimmer that wows guests.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with cozy winter drinks—think hot cocoa with marshmallows, peppermint tea, or even mulled cider. I also like to lay them alongside gingerbread cookies or sugar cookies on the holiday dessert tray for a festive variety.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I’ve arranged these Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe treats around a large pine garland centerpiece on the table, creating a wreath-themed display. Another fun idea is to tie a few in cellophane with a red ribbon and gift them as edible favors—so simple but so thoughtful!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover wreath cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay crisp and fresh for about 4-5 days, which is great because I often find myself sneaking one (or two!) during the week after Christmas.
Freezing
Freezing these cookies is absolutely possible! I wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a sealed freezer bag. When I thaw them, I make sure they’re at room temperature before serving so you don’t lose that crunch.
Reheating
To freshen them up if they’ve softened, I pop the wreath cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-5 minutes. This revives the crunch without melting the candies—something I learned when I tried microwaving, which just made them mushy!
FAQs
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Can I use mini marshmallows instead of large marshmallows for the Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe?
Yes! Mini marshmallows can work, but since they melt faster and more evenly, just watch closely while microwaving to prevent burning. Your mixture might become stickier and spread out more, so pack the measuring cup a bit tighter when shaping.
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What’s the best way to make the green color really vibrant?
Gel food coloring gives the most vivid green without changing the texture. If you only have liquid food coloring, you might need to add a bit more for brightness, but be careful not to add too much liquid.
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Can I prep the marshmallow mixture ahead of time?
I don’t recommend prepping the entire mixture in advance because it hardens quickly as it cools. However, you can melt the marshmallows and butter and keep it warm for a little while in a double boiler to make mixing easier right before adding the cornflakes.
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Are these cookies gluten-free?
They can be if you use gluten-free cornflakes or substitute with a gluten-free cereal option. Always double-check the labels to be sure all your ingredients are safe if you’re serving someone with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe has been a go-to for my family’s holiday gatherings for years now. I love how simple it is to make yet how charming and festive the results are. Whether you’re baking with kids or need a quick treat for a party, these cookies have you covered. I promise you’ll have just as much fun making them as you will enjoying every bite—give them a try and watch them disappear fast!
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These festive Christmas Wreath Cookies are a delightful no-bake treat combining buttery marshmallows and crunchy cornflakes, shaped into wreaths and decorated with red candies for a perfect holiday snack. Easy to make and fun to decorate, they bring holiday cheer with every bite.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 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
Mix-ins & Decoration
- 5 cups cornflakes
- 1 bottle of red hot candies or 1/2 cup red candy coated chocolates such as mini M&M’s
- Cooking spray (for greasing)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking surface: Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Melt marshmallows and butter: Place the marshmallows and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until fully melted and combined into a smooth mixture.
- Add flavor and color: Stir in the green food coloring and vanilla extract until the marshmallow mixture is evenly green and smooth.
- Incorporate the cereal: Add the cornflakes to the bowl and gently stir, being careful not to crush the flakes, until they are fully coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Shape the wreaths: Lightly grease a 1/4 cup measuring cup with cooking spray. Pack the coated cereal mixture firmly into the measuring cup, then turn it out onto the prepared sheet pan. Using damp or greased fingers, press a hole in the center of each mound to form a wreath shape.
- Decorate: Press red hot candies or red candy-coated chocolates around the wreaths to resemble holiday berries.
- Cool and set: Allow the wreath cookies to cool completely at room temperature until firm and set before serving.
Notes
- Using gel food coloring results in a more vibrant green than liquid coloring.
- Damp or greased fingers prevent sticking when shaping wreath holes.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute cornflakes with rice cereal for a different texture.
- These cookies are a fun activity to make with kids during the holiday season.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
