If you’re looking to add a fun, festive treat to your holiday baking, this Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These charming little wreaths combine the crunch of cornflakes with the gooey sweetness of melted marshmallows, all tinted a cheerful green and decorated with pops of red sprinkles or candy. They’re incredibly easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for sharing the joy of the season with kids and adults alike. Once you make these, they just might become your new favorite Christmas tradition!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe is how simple and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and that iconic holiday look.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup or 114 grams): Adds richness and helps bind the marshmallows to the cornflakes smoothly.
- Mini marshmallows (10 ounces or about 6 cups): Provide sweetness and the melty, chewy texture that holds everything together.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses a warm, familiar flavor that elevates the marshmallow mixture.
- Green gel food coloring (1/2 teaspoon or to desired color): Gives the cookies their festive wreath green, making them instantly recognizable and fun.
- Corn flakes (6 cups or 180 grams): Deliver that satisfying crunch and the classic cereal base for the cookies.
- Sprinkles or red M&M’s (2 tablespoons): Are the perfect “holly berries” to dress up your wreaths with a burst of color and a little extra sweetness.
How to Make Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your wreaths will come off the sheet easily once set, keeping their perfect shape intact.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
In a large pot or wide pan over medium heat, gently melt the butter first. Then add the mini marshmallows, stirring continuously. Watch closely as they melt into a smooth, sticky mixture—that’s the magic glue that will hold your wreaths together!
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Color
Once your marshmallows are melted, stir in the vanilla extract for a warm, comforting note. Next, add the green gel food coloring a bit at a time until the mixture reaches that perfect festive shade. This is what gives your cookies their unmistakable Christmas vibe.
Step 4: Fold in the Cornflakes
Gently fold the cornflakes into the marshmallow mixture. You want to coat every flake without breaking them up too much, so take your time and use a folding technique to keep the texture just right.
Step 5: Shape the Wreaths
Spray or lightly oil your hands or a medium cookie scoop to prevent sticking. Scoop out portions of the mixture and mold each into a circular shape with a small hole in the center—mimicking a classic wreath. This part is where your creativity shines, so have fun making them all just right!
Step 6: Decorate and Set
Press sprinkles or red M&M’s onto the top of each wreath as the perfect “holly berries.” Then let them cool and set completely on the parchment-lined tray for at least four hours. This patience pays off in firm, festive treats that are ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic red sprinkles and M&M’s are a beloved choice, consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snow-kissed effect. Edible glitter can also amp up the holiday sparkle and make your wreaths extra special for a party table centerpiece.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside hot cocoa or warm spiced cider for a cozy holiday pairing. They also go wonderfully with a simple platter of fresh fruit or a cheese board, balancing the sweet crunch with savory or fresh flavors during festive gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting, package the Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe wreaths in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons. You can also stack them in decorative tins or arrange them around a holiday candle centerpiece to delight guests and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once set, store your wreath cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and crunchy for up to five days—perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday week without worrying about them going stale.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead of time, you can freeze shaped but unadorned wreaths before adding the sprinkles. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw completely on the counter before decorating.
Reheating
These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. However, if you prefer them slightly softer, a few seconds in the microwave on low power can bring back some of their gooey charm.
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Absolutely! Just be aware that regular marshmallows take a little longer to melt and you may want to chop them into smaller pieces for a smoother melting process.
What if I don’t have green food coloring?
You can skip the coloring and still have delicious cookies, or experiment with other festive colors like red or even gold. The flavor will be the same, just a different look!
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Corn flakes can sometimes contain gluten, so just be sure to use a certified gluten-free cornflake brand to keep these treats safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Are these cookies suitable for kids to help make?
Definitely! This recipe is a great way to get kids involved in holiday baking since the process is straightforward and hands-on. Just help with the hot marshmallow melting step to keep them safe.
How long do these cookies keep their crispness?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these wreath cookies maintain their crunch for several days, but humidity can soften them over time. Best eaten within the first few days for peak texture.
Final Thoughts
Trying out the Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe is like capturing the spirit of the holidays in a bite-sized treat. Easy to make, utterly adorable, and irresistibly tasty, these cookies bring people together around the kitchen and the holiday table. Give this recipe a go, and you might just find your new go-to Christmas cookie that spreads cheer with every bite.
Print
Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12-14 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies are a festive and fun no-bake treat perfect for the holiday season. Made with crispy cornflakes coated in a sweet, melty marshmallow mixture tinted green with food colouring, and decorated with colorful sprinkles or red M&M’s, these wreath-shaped cookies are easy to make and sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Base Mixture
- 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)
Main Ingredient
- 6 cups (180 grams) corn flakes
Decorations
- 2 tablespoons sprinkles or red M&M’s
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to ensure the cookies do not stick later.
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large pot or wide pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they are fully melted and smooth, creating a sticky but pliable mixture.
- Add Flavour and Colour: Stir in the vanilla extract and green gel food colouring until the mixture is evenly tinted a festive green shade.
- Combine with Cornflakes: Add the cornflakes to the pot and fold them gently into the marshmallow mixture until they are all coated evenly, making sure not to crush the flakes.
- Shape Wreaths: Use a medium cookie scoop or your hands to portion small mounds onto the prepared baking sheet. If the mixture is too sticky, lightly oil your hands for easier handling. Shape each mound into a circle with a small hole in the center to form a classic wreath shape.
- Decorate and Set: Press sprinkles or red M&M’s onto the tops of each wreath to mimic holiday decorations. Allow the cookies to cool and set completely for at least 4 hours before serving to ensure they hold their shape.
Notes
- Lightly oil your hands before shaping wreaths to prevent sticking.
- Allow cookies to fully set for best texture and durability.
- You can substitute any small colorful candies or sprinkles for decoration.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- These cookies are best consumed within 3-4 days.
