Every holiday season, certain treats capture the spirit of celebration better than any decoration or carol. One such festive delight is the Christmas wreath cookie. Shaped like the holiday’s most iconic symbol, these no-bake cookies are colorful, crunchy, and delightfully chewy. They resemble miniature wreaths, sparkling with red candies and green cereal flakes, making them both fun to create and irresistible to eat. Beyond their whimsical appearance, Christmas wreaths are quick to prepare, making them perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings or fun family baking activities with children.

Whether you place them on a holiday dessert tray, wrap them in festive bags as gifts, or simply enjoy them with a cup of cocoa, these cookies bring cheer in every bite.

Ingredients

To make about 24 Christmas wreath cookies, gather the following ingredients:

½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
30 large marshmallows (approximately 10 oz / 285 g)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon green food coloring (gel preferred for vibrancy)
4 cups (120 g) cornflakes cereal
½ cup (80 g) red cinnamon candies (like Red Hots) or red mini M&Ms
Cooking spray or extra butter (for greasing hands)

Optional garnish:

Shredded coconut (for a snowy effect)
Colored sugar sprinkles for extra sparkle

Instructions

Step 1: Melt the Base

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the marshmallows and stir constantly until smooth and creamy. The low heat prevents burning and keeps the mixture glossy. When the marshmallows have completely melted, remove the pan from the heat.

Step 2: Add Flavor and Color

Stir in the vanilla extract and green food coloring. Mix until the color is evenly distributed. Adjust the intensity by adding more coloring if necessary, remembering that the cereal will lighten the shade slightly.

Step 3: Coat the Cereal

Quickly add the cornflakes to the marshmallow mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly, making sure every flake gets coated without crushing them. This step creates the leafy texture of the wreaths.

Step 4: Shape the Wreaths

Grease your hands lightly with butter or cooking spray. Drop heaping spoonfuls of the coated cereal onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use your fingers to form each mound into a small wreath shape with a hole in the center. Work swiftly, as the mixture sets quickly.

Step 5: Decorate

While the wreaths are still sticky, press 3–4 red candies onto each cookie to resemble holly berries. For added flair, sprinkle shredded coconut or colored sugar over the top. Allow cookies to cool and set completely at room temperature, about 30 minutes.

Conservation and Storage

Christmas wreath cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored to extend their festive appeal. Once cooled and firm, transfer the wreaths to an airtight container. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. At room temperature, they will remain chewy and delicious for up to 5 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze them. Place the cooled wreaths on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to freezer bags. They will keep well for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Keep in mind that freezing may slightly alter the cereal’s crunch.

Variations

One of the joys of Christmas wreath cookies lies in their adaptability. Here are some fun ways to personalize your wreaths:

Cereal Alternatives: Instead of cornflakes, use rice cereal or crispy oat flakes for a different texture.
Flavor Boost: Stir in ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract along with the vanilla for a cool, minty twist.
Chocolate Coating: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the wreaths once set for extra richness.
Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or almonds to the cereal mixture for added depth and crunch.
Mini Wreaths: Make bite-sized versions by shaping smaller mounds—perfect for party platters.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based marshmallows and vegan butter for a dairy-free alternative.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

Work Quickly: The marshmallow mixture sets fast, so shape and decorate immediately after mixing.
Grease Hands: Buttered or sprayed hands prevent the sticky cereal from clinging to your fingers.
Consistent Sizes: Use a cookie scoop for even portions, ensuring uniform wreaths.
Decoration Timing: Press the candies onto the wreaths before the marshmallow coating hardens, or they won’t stick.
Child-Friendly Step: Let kids decorate the wreaths with candies or sprinkles while you handle the hot marshmallow mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Christmas wreath cookies make a stunning addition to any holiday dessert spread. Place them on a platter with other seasonal favorites like gingerbread men, sugar cookies, and fudge for a colorful display. Pair them with warm drinks—think spiced cider, peppermint hot chocolate, or mulled wine—for cozy indulgence.

They also make delightful edible gifts. Package wreaths in cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons or arrange them in decorative tins lined with parchment paper. These charming treats also double as edible place settings at holiday dinners; simply add a small tag with each guest’s name.

For family fun, set up a wreath-decorating station. Provide bowls of candies, sprinkles, and mini marshmallows, and let everyone customize their cookies. It’s an activity that blends creativity with tradition, leaving you with both sweet treats and cherished memories.

Conclusion

Christmas wreath cookies embody the magic of holiday baking: simple, festive, and full of flavor. With their vibrant green color, chewy marshmallow base, and bright red “berries,” they add charm and sweetness to any celebration. The recipe is straightforward, requires no oven time, and can be customized to suit every taste and dietary need. From family decorating sessions to holiday gift baskets, these cookies prove as versatile as they are delightful.

When you share these wreath-shaped cookies, you’re not just offering a snack—you’re sharing holiday cheer, creativity, and tradition. Once they become part of your festive spread, they’ll quickly secure a spot as one of your most beloved seasonal recipes.

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Christmas Wreaths Recipe

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Festive no-bake Christmas wreath cookies made with cornflakes, marshmallows, and candies. Colorful, chewy, and perfect for parties, gifting, or fun holiday baking with kids.

Ingredients

Scale

- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
- 30 large marshmallows (approx. 10 oz / 285 g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon green food coloring (gel preferred)
- 4 cups (120 g) cornflakes cereal
- ½ cup (80 g) red cinnamon candies or red mini M&Ms
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing hands)
Optional Garnish:
- Shredded coconut (snowy look)
- Colored sugar sprinkles

Instructions

Melt Base: In a saucepan, melt butter on low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until smooth. Remove from heat.
Add Flavor & Color: Stir in vanilla and green food coloring until evenly mixed.
Coat Cereal: Add cornflakes. Gently fold until all flakes are coated.
Shape Wreaths: Drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper. Grease hands, then form into wreath shapes with a hole in the center.