Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun, festive, and downright adorable treat to make this holiday season, you’re in the right place! This Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe is one of my absolute favorites because it’s quick, easy, and the end result is just so charming and tasty. Whether you’re baking with kids or want a no-fuss dessert to bring to your holiday party, these wreath-shaped cookies are sure to make everyone smile—and they’re just as fun to make as they are to eat!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that magically chewy yet crunchy texture you want in Christmas wreath cookies. The cornflakes add great structure while the marshmallow glue keeps everything together, and the candies bring that classic holiday pop of color.

• Butter: Use real butter for that rich flavor; it also helps the marshmallows melt smoothly.
• Large marshmallows: These act as the binding agent and give a nice chewiness—avoid mini ones for best results.
• Green gel or liquid food coloring: Gel is more vibrant and concentrated, but liquid works fine too.
• Vanilla extract: Just a dash to deepen the flavor and warm up the sweetness.
• Cornflakes: Plain cornflakes are best—you want that light, crispy crunch without extra sweetness.
• Red hot candies or red candy-coated chocolates: For that classic wreath “berry” look, mini M&M’s or red cinnamon candies work beautifully.
• Cooking spray: This helps shape the wreaths without sticky fingers—trust me, it’s a game-changer.

Variations

I like to keep things classic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make this recipe your own. Experimenting with different decorations or even mixing up the cereal can create some really unique takes on this Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe.

• Use Different Cereals: I tried swapping cornflakes with Rice Krispies once, and it gave a slightly lighter texture that my kids loved.
• Decorate with Sprinkles: Instead of red candies, colorful holiday sprinkles make the wreaths extra festive and kid-friendly.
• Make Mini Wreaths: For parties, I like to make bite-sized wreaths that are perfect for snacking and easier to handle.
• Allergy-Friendly: To make these nut-free and allergy-sensitive, just be sure the candies and cereal are safe—and try coconut oil instead of butter if dairy is an issue.

How to Make Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Melt Your Butter and Marshmallows

This first step sets the foundation. I pop the butter and marshmallows into a large microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until everything’s melted and silky smooth. If you try to rush it, the marshmallows can burn or clump up, so patience here really pays off.

Step 2: Add Color and Flavor

Once melted, stir in your green food coloring and vanilla extract. I’ve found gel coloring gives a more vibrant, festive wreath color, but liquid works in a pinch. Mix until the entire mixture is evenly green—that’s when you know it’s ready for the cereal.

Step 3: Coat the Cornflakes

Gently fold in the cornflakes so each flake is coated with the marshmallow mixture but still retains some crunch. Be careful not to crush the cereal—take your time here for the best texture.

Step 4: Shape the Wreaths

This is where the magic happens! Spray your fingers or a measuring cup with cooking spray—that keeps the sticky marshmallow mixture from clinging to your hands. Pack the cereal mix into a greased 1/4 cup measuring cup, then turn it out onto your lined baking sheet. Quickly create a hole in the center with your finger (sprayed, of course) to form the wreath shape. The marshmallow sets fast, so you need to work a bit quickly.

Step 5: Decorate and Cool

Scatter the red “berries” — red hots or candy-coated chocolates — onto each wreath while they’re still soft so they stick perfectly. Let the cookies cool completely until they firm up. Once set, they’re ready to serve or package up as holiday gifts!

How to Serve Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love sticking with classic red hot candies or mini red M&M’s as “berries” because they add just the right pop of color and a bit of crunch. Sometimes, I’ll sprinkle a touch of edible glitter or coarse sugar for extra sparkle when serving at a party—it’s an easy way to elevate the look without extra effort.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair perfectly with a cozy cup of hot cocoa or a spiced holiday tea. At family gatherings, I like to serve them alongside some warm cinnamon-spiced apple cider—it just brings everything together into a cozy Christmas vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting, I arrange these Christmas wreath cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive red or green ribbons. Another fun idea is creating a wreath-shaped cookie platter layered with these treats, fresh greenery, and tiny ornaments for a stunning holiday centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover wreath cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually stay fresh and crunchy for up to three days, though mine rarely last that long because my family goes crazy for them!

Freezing

If you want to make them ahead for a party, I wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to a month. When thawing, just leave them at room temperature—I’ve never noticed any change in texture.

Reheating

Since these cookies don’t need heating, reheating isn’t necessary. But if you want that fresh-made gooeyness back, a quick 5-7 second zap in the microwave can soften them slightly—you just have to be careful not to melt the candy decorations.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe turns out every single year. It’s one of those easy, joyful projects that fills the house with holiday cheer and tasty smells. Plus, you don’t need to be a baking pro to nail it—the instructions are super forgiving, and the results are always a hit. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a Christmas tradition in your family too. So go ahead, grab those marshmallows and cornflakes, and make some festive wreaths to brighten the season!

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