Name: Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 stick of butter (1/2 cup); 30 large marshmallows; 6 drops green gel food coloring or 1 and 1/4 teaspoons liquid green food coloring; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 5 cups cornflakes; 1 bottle of red hot candies or 1/2 cup red candy coated chocolates such as mini M&M’s; Cooking spray

Oh, I’m so excited to share this Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe with you! These cookies are the perfect blend of crispy, sweet, and delightfully festive – they bring that classic holiday spirit right into your kitchen. I first made these wreath-shaped treats years ago at a family cookie swap, and they were an instant hit. The best part? They’re so easy to whip up, which means you can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying the holiday buzz with friends and family.

If you’ve ever wanted a show-stopping cookie that looks fabulous but doesn’t require complicated baking skills, these Christmas Wreath Cookies will quickly become your new go-to. Plus, they’re a fun way to get the kids involved – they love decorating the wreaths with those little red candies like tiny ornaments. Trust me, once you try this Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe, it’ll be a staple on your holiday dessert table for years to come!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create a crunchy, sweet cookie that holds its shape well, making those wreaths pop visually and flavor-wise. When you shop, grab the freshest butter and marshmallows for the best texture and taste – it really makes a difference!

Butter: I recommend unsalted so you can control the salt level and get that perfect richness without overpowering sweetness.
Large marshmallows: These give the cookie that gooey, sticky base that binds everything together, but if you want, mini marshmallows can work in a pinch.
Green gel or liquid food coloring: Gel tends to give a brighter, more vibrant green without altering the texture.
Vanilla extract: Just a touch to add warmth and depth to the flavor.
Cornflakes: These add that essential crunch and a nice neutral flavor that lets the green coloring and candy stand out.
Red hot candies or red candy-coated chocolates: They act as “berries” on the wreath – I love using mini M&M’s for that pop of color and contrasting texture.
Cooking spray: Helps to keep your hands and workspace sticky-free when shaping the wreaths – a little trick I picked up to make the process smoother.

Variations

I like to keep the base classic but sometimes switch up the “berries” depending on what I have on hand. You can easily tweak colors or even add a sprinkle of edible glitter to jazz up the look for different occasions.

Variation: Swap green for red food coloring and add white mini marshmallows to create a peppermint twist. One holiday season, I tried this and loved how festive and fresh the flavors tasted!
Dietary: Use gluten-free cornflakes if you’re serving someone with gluten sensitivities; the texture is just as good.
Difficulty: For younger kids, pair the wreaths with pre-made candy decorations so they can skip the assembly and jump right to decorating.

How to Make Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Melt the butter and marshmallows together

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over low heat – keep the flame gentle to avoid burning. Toss in the large marshmallows and stir continuously until they’re mostly melted and smooth. Don’t rush this part; slow melting ensures your mixture stays glossy and smooth, which helps the wreaths stick properly.

Step 2: Add color and flavor

Once your marshmallows and butter are gooey and combined, add your green food coloring and vanilla extract. Stir well so the color is uniform – you want those wreaths to look vibrantly festive. If the color looks too pale, feel free to add a drop or two more of gel coloring; just remember it will deepen slightly as it cools.

Step 3: Mix in the cornflakes

Take the pot off the heat and carefully fold in the cornflakes. Do this gently so you don’t crush them but get them evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture. This step is where the magic of texture happens – crispy flakes wrapped in sweet, green goo.

Step 4: Shape the wreaths

Spray your hands lightly with cooking spray – this simple trick stops the sticky mixture from clinging to you. Then, scoop a handful of the mixture and shape it into a small ring on wax or parchment paper. Flatten slightly if needed. I suggest doing this quickly because the marshmallows start to firm up as they cool.

Step 5: Decorate the wreaths

While the wreaths are still soft, press your red hot candies or mini M&M’s into the tops – these become the festive little berries. If you wait too long, the wreaths will harden, and the candies won’t stick well. I like to add a few candies to each wreath right away before the mixture cools.

Step 6: Let them cool

Finally, leave the wreath cookies to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes until they’re firm but still lightly chewy. If you’re short on time, popping them in the fridge for 10-15 minutes speeds things up without sacrificing flavor.

How to Serve Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe

The image shows several small green wreath-shaped treats made from clusters of green flakes that look sticky and shiny, arranged on a white marbled surface. Each wreath has three red round candies placed on top in groups, resembling holly berries. The wreaths have a rough texture from the flakes, and the green color is bright and vibrant. In the background, there is a blurry bowl filled with more red candies, enhancing the festive feel of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Personally, I love topping these wreaths with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Sometimes I even add tiny edible silver balls to mimic little baubles – it turns them into mini works of art that delight guests immediately.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled cider – the warm drinks complement the sweet, crispy bites beautifully, creating a cozy holiday vibe. I often bring these cookies along to winter parties where they pair well with coffee and other seasonal treats.

Creative Ways to Present

I once arranged these wreath cookies on a rustic wooden platter and surrounded them with pine sprigs and fairy lights. The effect was stunning for a holiday brunch! Another fun idea is to tie each cookie with a bit of red and white baker’s twine and gift them in small cellophane bags – instant homemade stocking stuffers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep my leftover Christmas Wreath Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They last about 3 to 4 days and stay just as tasty and chewy as when freshly made. Just be sure to store them in a single layer or separate stacks with parchment paper so they don’t stick or get crushed.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead of the season, freezing works surprisingly well. I freeze them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes – they come out just as tasty and fresh.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t really necessary since these cookies are best enjoyed at room temp, but if you want to soften them up a bit before serving, pop them into a warm (not hot) oven at 250°F for 3-5 minutes. It helps revive that chewy, marshmallowy goodness without melting the candies.

FAQs

Can I use different cereals instead of cornflakes for Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! While cornflakes are classic due to their neutral flavor and crisp texture, you can experiment with rice cereal or even crushed pretzel pieces for a salty-sweet twist. Just make sure the cereal can hold up well when mixed with melted marshmallows.
How do I prevent the marshmallow mixture from sticking to my hands?

Spraying your hands lightly with cooking spray before shaping the wreaths is a game-changer. It creates a non-stick surface and makes forming those perfect circles so much easier and less sticky.
Can I make these wreath cookies without green food coloring?

Yes, you certainly can! The green color is traditional for the wreath look, but the cookies will still be delicious without it. You could also try other colors for a different festive theme or leave it plain for a more neutral look.
How long do Christmas Wreath Cookies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh and chewy for about 3 to 4 days. Beyond that, they might start to harden, so try to enjoy them within that window.
Can kids help make Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe?

Definitely! Kids love stirring the marshmallows and especially decorating the wreaths with candies. Just be there for the melting step to handle the heat, and you’ll have a fun, festive activity for the family.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines the joy of holiday baking with simplicity and charm. I encourage you to try it out, especially if you want a cookie that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Believe me, once you see those green wreaths decorated with bright red candies, your guests will be asking for the recipe – just like mine did! So, roll up your sleeves, grab your marshmallows, and let’s get wreath-making!