Take your holiday baking to the next level with these Christmas wreath cookies made in just 15 minutes. These festive wreath shaped cookies not only look the part, but have a delicious blend of marshmallow sweetness and crispy cornflakes.
Perfect for the Christmas dessert table or holiday cookie boxes, these cookies an ideal addition to your holiday baking.
The best part of these cookies are their simplicity and aesthetic appearance. Whether you're an expert baker or just starting out, these cookies are easy to make, making them a perfect choice for the busy holidays.
Pair the combination of gooey marshmallows and crunchy cornflakes with a cup of festive hot cocoa or a cranberry mocktail on those cozy winter nights. If you're having a holiday movie night, serve this Christmas reindeer chex mix or a large bowl of easy Christmas popcorn.
Why you'll love this recipe
- It's an easy recipe that the whole family will love
- These Christmas cookies are made with minimal ingredients but have maximal flavor just like our 30-minute York peppermint patties copycat recipe.
- The crispy texture with a sweet marshmallow kick is unique but delicious
- It's a versatile recipe for various holiday occasions like family dinners, holiday parties, and everything in between.
- You can wrap these easy cookies in festive packaging and give them away as gifts.
The ingredients
- Butter - You can use salted or unsalted butter for this cookie recipe.
- Marshmallows - These provide the sweet taste and gooey texture that holds the wreaths together.
- Vanilla - Vanilla extract is a staple in baking that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Food coloring - Green food coloring brings the festive element to this recipe.
- Cornflakes - Cornflakes bring a crispy, crunchy texture that we all know and love. Feel free to use store brand cornflakes.
- Red hots - These act as decoration on the wreaths and bring a touch of spice. If you don't like red hot candies, you can swap for red sprinkles or red m&ms.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this cookie recipe is naturally gluten-free IF you use gluten free cornflakes. However, it is important to double check the ingredients label for your red hots, marshmallows, and cornflakes as some brands may contain gluten.
How to make Christmas wreath cookies
Step 1: Melt
In a large, microwave safe bowl, heat the marshmallows and butter in the microwave in 2 minute intervals. Stirring in between until the everything is melted and combined.
Step 2: Go green
Mix in the vanilla extract and green food coloring.
Save this post for later!
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Step 3: The cereal
Add the cornflakes to the bowl and stir until they are completely covered.
Step 4: Shape
Shape 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture into wreath shapes. Set on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 5: Final touches
Add the red hots in the design you want.
Pro tip: To keep the marshmallows from hardening, you can melt them and the butter on the stovetop. The pan will stay warm and prevent the mixture from hardening while you shape the cookies.
Variations
- Mixing in chopped nuts like pecans, almonds, or peanuts not only adds a fun crunch, but brings a delightful nutty flavor.
- If you'd like to avoid food coloring, you can use natural food coloring, spinach powder, chlorophyll, or another natural option.
- A different cereal like fruit loops, Cherrios, or rice krispies is an easy way to switch up the taste and texture of these wreaths.
- If you're a chocolate lover, feel free to drizzle some melted chocolate over the wreaths for an extra aesthetic look and chocolaty flavor.
Storage
Storing - Store cookies in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for 3-4 days. Make sure they're completely cooled before storing.
Freezing - I do not recommend freezing this cookie recipe as the taste and texture will change.
More recipes you'll love
- If you're looking for something savory, try this Christmas charcuterie board for an easy appetizer.
- Another dessert recipe that leaves everyone reaching for seconds is this white chocolate christmas crack.
- These frosted ginger cookies look great paired with this wreath cookies on the dessert table.
- I'm not kidding when I say these are the best red velvet cake mix cookies perfect for Valentine's day or Christmas.
Christmas Wreath Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 cups marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5-6 drops green food coloring
- 4 cups cornflakes cereal
- red hot candies
Instructions
- Heat marshmallows and butter to a microwave safe dish and cook for 2 minutes and 30 seconds
- Stir and heat for 30 more seconds then remove from microwave and stir again
- Add vanilla and green food coloring and stir to combine
- Add the cornflakes and stir to completely coat the cereal
- Using a small cookie scoop add ONE spoonful of the mixture onto a parchment lined or silicone lined baking sheet
- Quickly, grease your fingers with non stick cooking spray and use your index finger into the center to form a hole and make small circles with your finger to create the wreath shape
- Add red hot candies to the cookie wreath in the design you want
Wynne says
We made this for our grinch night! I loved that they were easy enough to the kids could join in. They loved them!