Christmas Wreath Cookies

Remember those cornflake treats from childhood? Here they are dressed up for Christmas - bright green wreaths dotted with candy "berries". No oven needed, just sticky fingers and holiday spirit.

Paolina baker
Updated on Saturday 30 November 2024
A festive green popcorn wreath decorated with red and green candies and white marshmallows on a plate.
A festive green popcorn wreath decorated with red and green candies and white marshmallows on a plate. Pin it
A festive green popcorn wreath decorated with red and green candies and white marshmallows on a plate. | Quickierecipe.com

The Easiest Christmas Wreath Cookies Ever

I started making these adorable no bake Christmas wreath cookies years ago with my kids and they've become our most treasured holiday tradition. They take just 15 minutes to whip up and need only six simple ingredients. Every time I bring these festive green wreaths to a holiday party people can't believe how cute they are. The cornflakes give them such a wonderful crunch that keeps everyone reaching for more.

A Holiday Cookie That Brings Joy

The magic of these cookies is in their simplicity and charm. My kitchen fills with giggles when we make them since there's no hot oven involved just lots of sticky fun shaping and decorating. The bright green color and red candy decorations make them look absolutely stunning on any holiday cookie platter.

Everything You Need

  • Butter: This gives our wreaths that irresistible rich taste.
  • Marshmallows: They melt into the perfect sticky glue for our wreaths.
  • Cornflakes: The secret to that amazing crispy crunch.
  • Green Food Coloring: Just enough to make them look like real wreaths.
  • Vanilla Extract: A splash makes everything taste better.
  • Red Candies: Mini M&Ms or red hots make the cutest decorations.

Creating Cookie Magic

Melt Butter and Marshmallows:
Start with melting your butter in a big pot keep the heat low then add marshmallows and stir until everything's smooth and silky.
Add Coloring and Vanilla:
Pour in your green food coloring and vanilla stir until you get that perfect Christmas green.
Mix with Cornflakes:
Fold in those cornflakes until every piece is coated in marshmallow goodness.
Shape Wreaths:
Pack your mixture into a greased measuring cup drop onto your cookie sheet then shape into wreaths with greased fingers.
Decorate:
Press those red candies on quickly while everything's still sticky then let them set.

My Best Cookie Making Secrets

Keep your hands greased or slightly wet while shaping these wreaths it makes everything so much easier. Work quickly when adding those red candies so they stick properly. I love turning this into a family project my little ones are always in charge of the decorating while I shape the wreaths. The joy on their faces when they see the finished cookies is priceless.

The Perfect Holiday Memory Maker

These sweet little wreaths have become such a special part of our Christmas celebrations. They're quick easy and always bring smiles to everyone's faces. The best part is making them together and watching the holiday magic unfold right in our kitchen. They may be simple but they carry so much Christmas joy in every bite.

A plate of festive green rice cereal treats shaped like wreaths, decorated with red candies and white marshmallows. Pin it
A plate of festive green rice cereal treats shaped like wreaths, decorated with red candies and white marshmallows. | Quickierecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Why use gel food coloring?
It gives brighter color without making the mixture too wet. Regular food coloring works too, just might need a bit more for that festive green.
How do I keep the mixture from sticking?
Spray your hands or measuring cup with cooking spray. You can also keep your fingers damp with water while shaping.
Do these freeze well?
They keep well in an airtight container but don't freeze great - the texture gets weird when thawed. Best made fresh.
Can I use different cereals?
Cornflakes give that classic wreath look, but any crispy cereal works. Just avoid sugar-coated ones or they'll be too sweet.
How long do they stay fresh?
Keep them in an airtight container and they'll stay crispy for about 3 days, if they last that long!

Christmas Wreath Cookies

No-bake holiday cookies made with green-tinted marshmallow-coated cornflakes, shaped into wreaths with candy decorations.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup butter (1 stick).
02 30 large marshmallows.
03 6 drops green gel food coloring.
04 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
05 5 cups cornflakes.
06 Red hot candies or mini M&Ms.
07 Cooking spray.

Instructions

Step 01

Line sheet pan. Use parchment or silicone mat.

Step 02

Microwave butter and marshmallows. Heat in 30-second bursts. Add green coloring. Add vanilla. Stir until smooth.

Step 03

Add cornflakes. Stir gently to coat. Pack in greased 1/4 cup. Turn out onto pan. Make hole in center. Add red candies.

Step 04

Let cool completely. Cool until firm.

Notes

  1. Keep hands greased or damp while shaping.
  2. Don't freeze - texture changes.
  3. Keeps 3 days in airtight container.
  4. Gel coloring works best.

Tools You'll Need

  • Sheet pan.
  • Large bowl.
  • 1/4 cup measure.
  • Parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter).
  • Corn (cornflakes).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 207
  • Total Fat: 9g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 29g
  • Protein: 1g