Christmas Wreath Cookies
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These easy Cornflake Wreath Cookies are the perfect holiday treat! Made with just six ingredients and ready in just a few minutes. No-bake and perfect for your cookie trays.
I absolutely love holiday baking! Be sure to try my Cherry Shortbread Cookies, Grinch Cookie Recipe, Homemade Christmas Tree Cakes and Christmas Tree Krispie Treats! All amazing additions to your holiday baking list.
Recipe Features
- No-Bake: This is such a quick and easy recipe. No baking required and ready in under 20 minutes.
- 6 Ingredients: You only need a handful of ingredients to make these cornflake Christmas wreaths.
- Easy to Customize: I like a more simple decoration, but you can use any festive sprinkle!
Some of you might know these as holly crackles, some might refer to them as wreath cookies, but whatever you call them… they are DELICIOUS.
My husband has begged me to make these traditional holiday cookies for ages. I’m not sure why I put it off for so long. They are incredibly simple to make, have minimal ingredients, and are gorgeous. Not to mention they taste incredible. The melted marshmallow, butter, and cereal combine for a nearly irresistible treat.
Cornflake Wreath Cookie Ingredients
You only need a handful of very simple ingredients to whip up these corn flake wreaths. A lot like a traditional rice krispie, the base starts with butter and marshmallows. Here is what you need to get started.
- Butter: I like to use salted butter. However, unsalted works just as well. Use whatever you have on hand.
- Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows work best. The smaller pieces melt down quickly, making it the perfect gooey base for the cereal treats.
- Vanilla extract: Just a touch of vanilla helps to elevate the flavor. It’s a great way to take this recipe from good to great.
- Green food color: To get that classic color of a holiday wreath you’ll need a few drops of food color. I like a lighter green, but you can always add a touch more to get a super dark color.
- Cereal: Specifically, corn flakes. Alternatively, you could make these with rice krispies. We like the leafy look you get with the bigger corn flake cereal.
- Red chocolate candies: M&M’s work so well when it comes to adding the perfect finishing touch. Use regular or mini’s for a cute finish.
- Sprinkles: Optional, but so perfect for customizing the look.
I also opted for M&M’s vs red hots, which is what you would normally see. Mostly just out of taste preference and a request form my ten year old.
How to make Holiday Wreath Cookies:
- PREP: Prepare your work area by lining the work surface with either wax paper or parchment. This helps to make sure the marshmallow doesn’t stick as it cools.
- BUTTER: Place the butter into a large pot and slowly melt over medium heat. Once melted fully, stir in the marshmallows until smooth and all clumps have dissolved.
- CEREAL: Once the marshmallows have melted, remove from the heat and stir in the food color, vanilla extract and cereal. Stir to coat the corn flakes fully.
- SHAPE: Working quickly, spoon heaping mounds of the mixture onto the wax paper. Carefully shape into the traditional wreath shape.
- DECORATE: Immediately place red candies onto the wreath and gently press to secure.
- COOL: Allow the cookies to set. Store in an air tight container.
Helpful Tools
- Parchment Paper: Lining your work surface with either parchment paper (affiliate) or wax paper (affiliate) will be key in keeping your worksurface clean and keeping the melted marshmallow from sticking to everything.
- Dutch Oven: Using a large pot, or Dutch Oven (affiliate) will be key. This gives you enough space to melt and mix the ingredients without getting a bunch of dishes dirty.
- Silicone Spatulas: Using a soft spatula (affiliate) helps to mix the ingredients without breaking down the cereal.
Recipe Notes:
Wet your hands while shaping each wreath. This will help keep the melted marshmallow “glue” from sticking as you quickly shape each cookie.
The best way to store these cookies is in an airtight container, or zip top bag, at room temperature.
We find that these cookies are best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days of making. After that they tend to start to stale. Although, my husband says that’s when they taste the best.
Be prepared to work quickly. These set up in minutes, so you will need to be ready to shape them as fast as possible. I like to prep my work station by laying out parchment or wax paper and having the candies available to place as soon as I shape each wreath.
Want a darker color? Add more food coloring! We prefer less green but I have also seen plenty that are more vibrant. Both options are beautiful and equally tasty!
Searching for a festive treat that has a little chocolate? Check out my Brownie Bite Santa Hats!
Don’t forget to check out some of my other favorite holiday recipes! Gingerbread Cookies, Reindeer Cookies, and Eggnog Dip!
More Must-Try Holiday Treats
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Christmas Wreath Cookies- Made with Cornflakes!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 1½ teaspoon green food coloring
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 cups corn flake cereal
- Mini red chocolate coated candies
- White or colored sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Spread wax paper over a work surface.
- Place the butter into a large pot. Melt on medium heat. Stir in the marshmallows and allow to melt fully.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the food color, vanilla extract, and cereal.
- Working quickly, spoon heaping mounds of the mixture onto the wax paper. Carefully shape into the traditional wreath shape.
- Immediately place red candies onto the wreath and gently press to secure.
- Allow the cookies to set. Store in an air tight container.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
