Christmas Wreath Cookie Recipe

If you’re looking to add a fun, festive twist to your holiday baking, I’ve got just the thing for you—a **Christmas Wreath Cookie Recipe** that’s as charming as it is delicious. These treats bring all the joy of the season with their bright green color and pops of red that remind me of fresh holiday wreaths. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to Christmas classics to share with family and friends.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Christmas Wreath Cookie Recipe lies in the simple yet effective combination of marshmallows, butter, and cornflakes, all tinted a festive green. When picking your ingredients, a few thoughtful choices can make a big difference in flavor and ease.

• Butter: Choose unsalted for better control over the flavor balance.
• Marshmallows: Go for regular large marshmallows for that perfect melt and stickiness.
• Green Gel Food Coloring: Gel works best for vivid color without changing the texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, comforting note to the mix.
• Cornflakes: The classic crunch that holds up well in the wreath shape.
• Red Hot Candies or Mini Candy-Coated Chocolates: These are your “berries”—bright and festive decorations.
• Cooking Spray: Helps keep your hands and measuring cup from sticking during shaping.

Variations

I love tweaking this Christmas Wreath Cookie Recipe depending on my mood, the occasion, or what’s in my pantry. You can easily personalize it to suit your taste or dietary needs without losing that festive charm.

• Nut-Free Version: I once made these for a school party, so I skipped any nut toppings and kept it simple with cornflakes and candy decorations—works perfectly!
• Chocolate Flavor: Stir in a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the melted marshmallow mixture for a chocolaty twist.
• Festive Sprinkles: Swap the red candies for colored sprinkles or small edible pearls if you want a different decoration style.
• Use Rice Krispies Instead: If you want a lighter crunch, Rice Krispies are a great substitute in a pinch.

How to Make Christmas Wreath Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

Start by lining a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone mat—trust me, this cleanup hack will save you time later. Toss the butter and marshmallows in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth. This usually takes about 1.5 to 2 minutes total. Pro tip: don’t overheat or you risk burning the marshmallows. I learned this the hard way!

Step 2: Add Color and Flavor

Quickly stir in your green gel food coloring and vanilla extract into the gooey marshmallow mixture. I love using gel food coloring because it creates this beautiful, vibrant green without watering down the marshmallows. Mixing thoroughly ensures every bite gets that festive hue.

Step 3: Coat the Cornflakes

Pour in the cornflakes and gently fold them into the marshmallow mix. The goal here is to coat each flake evenly but without smashing them too much. I like to use a big spoon or spatula for this to keep the texture light and crunchy.

Step 4: Shape the Wreaths

Grease a 1/4 cup measuring cup with cooking spray—this is your secret weapon for shaping. Pack the sticky cereal mixture into the cup firmly, then carefully invert onto your prepared pan. Before the mixture cools, use your fingers (lightly sprayed with cooking spray or damp) to make a hole in the center to create that classic wreath shape.

Step 5: Decorate and Cool

The finishing touch is decorating your wreaths with red hot candies or mini candy-coated chocolates. These act as festive “berries” that really make the cookies pop. Once decorated, let them cool completely so they firm up nicely—usually about 15 minutes at room temperature.

How to Serve Christmas Wreath Cookie Recipe

Garnishes

I actually stick with classic red candies as “berries” because they add a beautiful pop of color that looks just like a real wreath. Some nights I sprinkle a tiny bit of edible glitter for a magical snow-kissed effect. It’s such a simple touch but instantly makes them sparkle on the cookie platter.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cozy cup of hot cocoa or spiced cider, especially in front of the fireplace. For a holiday brunch, I love serving them alongside cinnamon rolls or cranberry scones for a sweet festive spread.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I arranged these wreath cookies on a large round tray covered with fresh pine branches and twinkling fairy lights—it was a showstopper at our family gathering! Wrapping a few in clear cellophane tied with red ribbon also makes adorable edible gifts or place settings at your holiday table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover wreath cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and crunchy for about 3 to 4 days—any longer, and the cereal starts to soften. If you want to keep them crisp, avoid humid spots in your kitchen.

Freezing

Freezing these cookies works well if you want to prep for the holidays ahead of time. I stack them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour—they retain their shape and flavor surprisingly well.

Reheating

Since these are no-bake treats, reheating isn’t necessary. But if they’ve gotten a little soft, popping them in a warm oven for a couple of minutes can help crisp them back up nicely—just watch closely so they don’t melt further!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Wreath Cookie Recipe holds a special place in my holiday heart, mainly because it’s easy, festive, and brings everyone together—including the kids—in the kitchen. I hope you find it as joyful and successful as I have. These wreaths are a simple way to infuse some handmade holiday cheer into your celebrations. So, put on your favorite Christmas playlist, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some merry magic!

Print