There’s something magical about creating edible Christmas decorations that taste as delightful as they look. This corn flakes Christmas wreath recipe brings nostalgic holiday charm to your dessert table with minimal effort and maximum impact.
These cornflake wreath cookies require no baking, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules or cooking with children. With their vibrant green color, crunchy texture, and festive red candy “berries,” these Christmas cornflake wreaths have been a beloved tradition in American households for generations.
Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re the ultimate combination of simplicity and holiday cheer.
What Does It Taste Like?
These cornflake Christmas wreaths deliver a delightful symphony of textures and flavors. The buttery marshmallow coating creates a sweet, gooey base that perfectly complements the crispy crunch of corn flakes cereal.
Each bite offers that satisfying contrast between chewy marshmallow and crunchy cereal-similar to classic Rice Krispie treats but with a heartier texture. The butter adds richness, while the candy decorations provide little bursts of chocolatey or cinnamon sweetness.
They’re not overly sweet, making them an ideal balance for both kids and adults during the holiday season.
Corn Flakes Christmas Wreath Recipe Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter – provides rich flavor and helps bind ingredients
- 1 (10-ounce) package marshmallows – creates the sweet, sticky base
- 1 1/4 teaspoons green food coloring – gives that festive wreath appearance
- 4 1/2 cups Cornflake cereal – the crunchy foundation of these cookies
- Red hots or mini red M&Ms – decorative “berries” for authentic wreath look
Kitchen Utensils
- Large pot or saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- 1/4 cup measuring cup (greased)
- Cookie sheet or baking tray
- Parchment paper or wax paper
- Airtight storage container
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
- Cooling Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12-15 wreaths
- Serving Size: 1 wreath per person
Copycat Corn Flakes Christmas Wreath Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Lightly grease your 1/4 cup measuring cup and your hands with butter or cooking spray-this prevents sticking during the shaping process.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter completely. Add the entire package of marshmallows, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon until the marshmallows are fully melted and the mixture is smooth with no lumps remaining. This typically takes 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Food Coloring
Remove the pot from heat. Quickly stir in the green food coloring, mixing thoroughly until the color is evenly distributed throughout the marshmallow mixture. The vibrant green creates that authentic Christmas wreath appearance.
Step 4: Incorporate the Cornflakes
Add all 4 1/2 cups of cornflake cereal to the pot. Gently fold the cereal into the marshmallow mixture using a folding motion rather than stirring vigorously-this helps maintain the cereal’s structure and prevents excessive crushing.
Step 5: Shape the Wreaths
Working quickly (the mixture sets fast), use your greased 1/4 cup measuring cup to scoop portions of the cornflake mixture onto your prepared cookie sheet. Use your greased fingers to shape each mound into a wreath by creating a hole in the center and forming a circular shape. Space them about 2 inches apart.
Step 6: Add Festive Decorations
Immediately press red hots or mini red M&Ms onto each wreath while the mixture is still warm and sticky, arranging them to look like holly berries on a wreath. Work quickly as the mixture begins to set within minutes.
Step 7: Cool and Set
Allow the cornflake wreath cookies to cool completely at room temperature for about 15 minutes until they’re firm to the touch. Once set, carefully transfer them to an airtight container for storage.
7 Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving
1. White Chocolate Drizzle
Elevate your Christmas cornflake wreaths by melting white chocolate and drizzling it over the cooled wreaths. This adds an elegant touch and extra sweetness that makes them look bakery-worthy for holiday parties.
2. Cinnamon Red Hots for Spiced Flavor
Use traditional cinnamon red hots instead of M&Ms for a subtle spicy-sweet flavor that complements the buttery marshmallow base. The cinnamon adds warmth perfect for cold winter evenings.
3. Mini Chocolate Chips Alternative
Substitute red candies with mini chocolate chips for a chocolate lover’s twist. You can also use green and red chips together for extra festive color variation.
4. Serve with Hot Cocoa Bar
These wreaths pair beautifully with a hot chocolate station. Arrange them on a platter alongside mugs of cocoa, creating an interactive dessert experience for holiday gatherings.
5. Ice Cream Sandwich Creation
Place a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream between two cornflake wreath cookies for a unique frozen dessert that combines crunchy and creamy textures.
6. Cookie Exchange Packaging
Wrap individual wreaths in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons. They’re perfect for cookie exchanges, teacher gifts, or neighbor treats during the Christmas season.
7. Dessert Charcuterie Board Feature
Include these wreaths as a centerpiece on a holiday dessert board alongside fudge, peppermint bark, gingerbread cookies, and chocolate truffles for a stunning presentation that offers variety.
7 Expert Tips for Perfect Cornflake Christmas Wreaths
1. Work Quickly But Carefully
The marshmallow mixture sets rapidly once removed from heat. Have all your supplies ready before you start-greased hands, lined baking sheet, and candies within reach. If the mixture becomes too stiff, briefly return it to low heat for 10-15 seconds.
2. Don’t Overcook the Marshmallows
Overheating marshmallows makes them tough and difficult to work with. Melt them just until smooth over medium-low heat. Once they’re melted and combined with butter, immediately remove from heat to prevent the mixture from becoming too sticky or hard.
3. Gentle Folding Preserves Texture
When incorporating cornflakes, use a gentle folding motion instead of aggressive stirring. This technique keeps the cereal pieces larger and maintains that desirable crunchy texture rather than creating a mushy consistency.
4. Grease Generously
Don’t skimp on greasing your hands and measuring cup. The marshmallow mixture is incredibly sticky, and adequate greasing makes shaping wreaths significantly easier. Butter works better than cooking spray for authentic flavor.
5. Gel Food Coloring for Vibrant Color
While liquid food coloring works, gel food coloring produces more vibrant, true-to-life green without adding extra liquid that could affect texture. Start with less-you can always add more to achieve your desired shade.
6. Size Consistency Matters
Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup ensures uniform wreath sizes, which means even cooling and professional presentation. Consistent sizing also helps if you’re packaging these as gifts or serving at parties.
7. Avoid Humid Days
Like most marshmallow-based treats, these cornflake Christmas wreaths can become sticky in humid conditions. Make them on dry days, or store them in an air-conditioned space to maintain their crisp texture and shape.
Storage and Reheating Guidance
Store your corn flakes Christmas wreath treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. These treats don’t require refrigeration and taste best at room temperature-no reheating needed!
Corn Flakes Christmas Wreath Recipe: Festive No-Bake Holiday Treats
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup 1 stick butter – provides rich flavor and helps bind ingredients
- 1 10-ounce package marshmallows – creates the sweet, sticky base
- 1 1/4 teaspoons green food coloring – gives that festive wreath appearance
- 4 1/2 cups Cornflake cereal – the crunchy foundation of these cookies
- Red hots or mini red M&Ms – decorative “berries” for authentic wreath look
Instructions
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Lightly grease your 1/4 cup measuring cup and your hands with butter or cooking spray-this prevents sticking during the shaping process.
- In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter completely. Add the entire package of marshmallows, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon until the marshmallows are fully melted and the mixture is smooth with no lumps remaining. This typically takes 3-5 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat. Quickly stir in the green food coloring, mixing thoroughly until the color is evenly distributed throughout the marshmallow mixture. The vibrant green creates that authentic Christmas wreath appearance.
- Add all 4 1/2 cups of cornflake cereal to the pot. Gently fold the cereal into the marshmallow mixture using a folding motion rather than stirring vigorously-this helps maintain the cereal’s structure and prevents excessive crushing.
- Working quickly (the mixture sets fast), use your greased 1/4 cup measuring cup to scoop portions of the cornflake mixture onto your prepared cookie sheet. Use your greased fingers to shape each mound into a wreath by creating a hole in the center and forming a circular shape. Space them about 2 inches apart.
- Immediately press red hots or mini red M&Ms onto each wreath while the mixture is still warm and sticky, arranging them to look like holly berries on a wreath. Work quickly as the mixture begins to set within minutes.
- Allow the cornflake wreath cookies to cool completely at room temperature for about 15 minutes until they’re firm to the touch. Once set, carefully transfer them to an airtight container for storage.
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Notes
Common Queries and FAQs
We’ve gathered some of the most common questions people ask about this recipe – and we’ve got all the answers right here.
Can I make cornflake wreath cookies without food coloring?
Absolutely! While the green color gives these treats their signature Christmas wreath appearance, you can skip the food coloring entirely for natural-colored treats. They’ll still taste delicious and can be decorated with red and green candies for festive appeal. Some bakers prefer leaving them uncolored and calling them “snowball cookies” or simply “cornflake marshmallow treats.”
Why are my Christmas cornflake wreaths falling apart?
This typically happens when there’s not enough marshmallow mixture coating the cereal. Ensure you’re measuring your cornflakes correctly-don’t pack them down. If you accidentally add too much cereal, the wreaths won’t hold together. Another common cause is not working quickly enough while the mixture is still warm and pliable. Shape them immediately after mixing for best results.
Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?
Yes, margarine can substitute for butter, though it will slightly affect the flavor. Real butter provides a richer taste and better binding properties. If using margarine, choose stick margarine rather than spreads, as spreads contain more water and less fat, which can make your wreaths less crispy.
How do I prevent the marshmallow mixture from sticking to my hands?
Generously grease your hands with butter, shortening, or cooking spray before handling the mixture. Keep a small bowl of additional butter nearby and re-grease your hands as needed between shaping wreaths. Some bakers also find that slightly damp (not wet) hands help, though greased hands work better for most people.
Can I make these cornflake Christmas wreaths ahead of time?
Yes! These treats are excellent make-ahead desserts. Prepare them up to 5 days before your event and store in an airtight container at room temperature. They actually set better after a day, developing a perfect texture. For longer storage, freeze them in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, then thaw at room temperature before serving.
What can I use instead of red hots or M&Ms for decoration?
Get creative with decorations! Try dried cranberries, red cinnamon candies, holiday sprinkles, small gumdrops cut in half, red jelly beans, candy-coated sunflower seeds, or even small pieces of red licorice. Edible pearls or dragées add elegance for adult gatherings. The key is adding decorations while wreaths are still warm so they adhere properly.
My wreaths turned out too hard-what went wrong?
Hard wreaths result from overcooking the marshmallow mixture or using too much heat. The marshmallows should melt just until smooth, not bubble or brown. Also, if you let the mixture sit too long before shaping, it becomes difficult to work with. Always work over low to medium-low heat and shape immediately after mixing in the cereal.
Are cornflake wreath cookies gluten-free?
Traditional cornflakes contain malt flavoring derived from barley, which contains gluten. However, many brands now offer certified gluten-free cornflake cereals. Simply substitute gluten-free cornflakes using the same measurements, and verify that your marshmallows are also gluten-free (most are, but always check labels).
Can I double this corn flakes Christmas wreath recipe?
You can double the recipe, but it’s easier to make two separate batches rather than one large batch. The mixture sets quickly, and working with too much at once means the later portions will harden before you can shape them. If you do double it, use a very large pot and have a helper ready to assist with shaping.
How do I make mini cornflake wreaths?
Use a greased tablespoon instead of a 1/4 cup measure to create bite-sized versions perfect for party platters. You’ll get approximately 30-36 mini wreaths from this recipe. They’re adorable for dessert tables and easier for children to handle. Adjust decorations to smaller candies like mini M&M minis or small pearl sprinkles.
These delightful corn flakes Christmas wreath treats bring festive joy to any holiday celebration with minimal effort and maximum charm.
Their no-bake convenience, combined with that perfect balance of chewy marshmallow and crispy cereal, makes them a timeless favorite. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing for a cookie exchange, or simply spreading holiday cheer, these cornflake wreath cookies deliver nostalgia and deliciousness in every bite.
Give them a try this season-your family will thank you!
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