Ingredients
This recipe makes approximately 16 Christmas wreath cookies.
- 4 cups crispy cornflakes cereal
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows (about 5½ cups)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon green gel food coloring, or as needed
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup small red cinnamon candies or red candy-coated chocolates
- Nonstick cooking spray or butter, for greasing your hands and work surface
Optional decorations:
- Small white sugar pearls
- Edible Christmas sprinkles
- A light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy presentation
Instructions
Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Lightly grease a large mixing bowl, a heatproof spatula, and your hands with nonstick cooking spray or a little butter.
Have the cornflakes and red decorations ready before melting the marshmallows. The mixture becomes harder to shape as it cools, so working efficiently is important.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
Place the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Allow it to melt completely, then add the mini marshmallows.
Stir continuously with a heatproof spatula until the marshmallows are melted and the mixture is smooth. Keep the heat low to prevent scorching or making the marshmallow mixture too firm.
Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Green Coloring
Stir the vanilla extract and salt into the melted marshmallow mixture.
Add the green gel food coloring a little at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Continue until the mixture reaches a bright, festive green color.
Remember that the cornflakes will lighten the overall appearance slightly, so a fairly vibrant marshmallow mixture works well.
Step 4: Fold in the Cornflakes
Add the cornflakes to the saucepan gradually, folding gently with a greased spatula.
Continue mixing until the cereal is evenly coated with the green marshmallow mixture. Try not to crush the cornflakes because their crisp shape gives the cookies their beautiful wreath texture.
Work carefully while the mixture is still warm and pliable.
Step 5: Shape the Christmas Wreaths
Scoop approximately ¼ cup of the mixture for each cookie and place it on the prepared baking sheets.
With lightly greased fingers, gently shape each mound into a small circle. Press a hole into the center using your finger or the rounded end of a greased wooden spoon.
Adjust the edges gently to create a wreath shape. Don’t worry if every wreath looks slightly different; their homemade appearance is part of their charm.
Step 6: Add the Christmas Decorations
While the marshmallow mixture is still soft, gently press three small red candies onto each wreath to resemble holly berries.
You can also add a few white sugar pearls or festive sprinkles for extra decoration.
Make sure the candies are lightly pressed into the surface so they stay in place once the cookies set.
Step 7: Let the Cookies Set
Allow the wreath cookies to cool at room temperature for approximately 30–45 minutes, or until they are firm enough to handle.
Once set, carefully lift them from the parchment paper and transfer them to a serving platter or an airtight storage container.
Your beautiful No-Bake Christmas Wreath Cookies are ready to enjoy!
Notes
Work quickly: Melted marshmallow becomes firmer as it cools. Prepare your baking sheets and decorations before starting so you can shape the cookies while the mixture is warm.
Keep the heat low: High heat can cause the marshmallow mixture to become overly stiff or develop a toasted flavor. Low, gentle heat gives you a smoother consistency.
Grease your hands: The mixture is naturally sticky. Lightly buttered or greased fingers make shaping the wreaths much easier.
Don’t crush the cereal: Fold the cornflakes gently into the marshmallow mixture to preserve their texture.
Adjust the green color gradually: Gel food coloring is concentrated, so a small amount usually goes a long way.
Avoid making the holes too small: The center opening may shrink slightly as the cookies settle. Make the holes a little larger than you want the finished openings to be.