It’s not Christmas at my house until the kitchen counter is covered in sticky green cornflake cookies shaped like tiny wreaths. I have memories of these cheerful little treats going all the way back to my childhood, when my mom would let me sneak some extra red candies for “decorating purposes” (aka snacking).
These Irresistible No-Bake Christmas Wreath Cookies are everything a holiday treat should be: fun to make, festive to look at, and so easy you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them every year. Plus, they’re no-bake, which is a game-changer when your oven is already working overtime for pies and casseroles.
If you’ve never tried these before, buckle up, because they’re about to become your favorite holiday tradition. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Okay, I’ll admit it—this recipe is dangerously fun. I’ve made these with kids, friends, and even solo while blasting Christmas music, and every time, the holiday spirit just takes over. Here’s why I think you’ll love them:
- No oven needed: Perfect for holiday baking when the oven is already occupied or you’re short on time.
- <strongfestive and="" customizable: The bright green wreaths with red candy “berries” are adorable, and you can tweak the decoration to match your vibe.
- <strongkid-friendly: Mixing, shaping, and decorating these cookies is the perfect activity to keep little hands busy during Christmas break.</strongkid-friendly:
- <strongquick and="" easy: You can whip these up in under 30 minutes, from measuring to decorating.
- <strongmake-ahead magic: These store beautifully, so you can make them ahead of time and save yourself some last-minute holiday stress.
Honestly, it’s impossible to make these without smiling. They’re just that cute—and delicious!
What Ingredients You’ll Need
This ingredient list is short and sweet, just like the cookies themselves. You might even have most of this stuff already in your pantry!
- Unsalted butter (½ cup / 113g) — Butter is the base of the gooey mixture that holds the cornflakes together. I recommend unsalted so you can control the flavor.
- Mini marshmallows (5 cups / 250g) — These melt down into a sweet, sticky glue for the wreaths. I’ve tried this with jumbo marshmallows, but they take longer to melt.
- Green food coloring (a few drops) — This gives the wreaths their signature holiday look. Liquid or gel food coloring both work, but gel gives a more vibrant color.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) — Adds a subtle flavor boost that keeps the marshmallow mix from being too cloying. I always use pure vanilla extract.
- Cornflakes cereal (6 cups / 150g) — The star of the show! These crispy flakes create the perfect “wreath” texture.
- Red candies (about ¼ cup) — For decorating. I use red cinnamon candies or mini M&Ms, but feel free to get creative!
Quick note: If you’re making a large batch, grab extra marshmallows and cornflakes. Trust me, you’ll want more once you see how cute these turn out.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need much to make these cookies, which is part of their charm. Here’s what I use:
- Large saucepan: For melting the butter and marshmallows into a smooth, glue-like mixture.
- Mixing spoon: A sturdy wooden spoon works best for stirring the cornflakes into the marshmallow goo.
- Wax paper or parchment paper: Essential for shaping the cookies and letting them set. No wax paper? Try greasing a baking sheet instead.
- Measuring cups: Precision matters here—too many cornflakes and the cookies won’t hold together properly.
- Clean hands: You’ll be shaping these cookies by hand, so roll up your sleeves and embrace the sticky fun!
Optional: If you want to be extra precise with your wreaths, you can use a small cookie cutter to shape them, but I usually just eyeball it.
How to Make It: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get started! This process is super straightforward, but I’ll walk you through every detail to make sure your cookies turn out perfectly.
- Melt the butter and marshmallows (5 minutes): In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter completely. Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until they’re fully melted and smooth. Keep the heat low to prevent burning.
- Add the coloring and vanilla (1 minute): Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a few drops of green food coloring. Start small—you can always add more to get the shade you want. The mixture should look glossy and vibrant.
- Mix in the cornflakes (2 minutes): Pour the cornflakes into the saucepan. Gently fold them into the marshmallow mixture until every flake is coated. Work quickly before the mix starts to cool and stiffen.
- Shape the wreaths (10 minutes): Drop spoonfuls of the cornflake mixture onto wax paper. Use your hands to shape each one into a wreath, pressing gently in the center to create a hole. (Pro tip: Grease your hands lightly with butter or cooking spray to avoid sticking.)
- Add decorations (5 minutes): Press red candies onto the wreaths to look like berries. You can add as many or as few as you like!
- Let them set (15 minutes): Leave the wreaths to cool and set completely at room temperature. Once they’re firm, you’re ready to serve—or store them for later.
That’s it! You now have a batch of adorable, festive cookies that’ll make your holiday season a little brighter.
My Best Tips & Techniques
Okay, here’s the deal: I’ve made these cookies so many times, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make the process even easier (and mess-free).
- Grease everything: Your hands, your spoon, even the wax paper if you’re worried about sticking. It’ll make cleanup a breeze.
- Work quickly: Once the cornflakes are mixed into the marshmallow, they’ll start to harden. If you wait too long, shaping the wreaths gets tricky.
- Don’t overdo the food coloring: A little goes a long way. Too much, and you’ll end up with neon green cookies that look radioactive.
- Prep your decorations in advance: Measure out your candies and have them ready to go. This keeps the process smooth.
- Make cleanup easier: Soak your saucepan in hot water right after you’re done—it’ll dissolve the marshmallow residue faster.
Real talk: These cookies aren’t about perfection. If your wreaths look more like blobs, embrace the holiday chaos. They’ll still taste amazing!
Ways to Mix It Up
Once you’ve mastered the classic version, it’s time to get creative! Here are some fun variations I’ve tried:
- Chocolate wreaths: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the marshmallow mix for a chocolate twist. Use white candies for “snowberries.”
- Minty fresh: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract along with the vanilla for a cool, refreshing flavor. Perfect with crushed candy canes on top!
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free cornflakes (check the label to make sure). No one will know the difference!
- Holiday sparkle: Sprinkle edible glitter or colored sugar on the wreaths for extra pizzazz.
There are so many ways to make these your own. You could even try different shapes—trees, stars, snowflakes… whatever your heart desires!
Serving Ideas & Storage
These cookies are as versatile as they are adorable. Here’s how I like to serve and store them:
Serving Suggestions
- Giftable goodies: Stack a few in clear cellophane bags, tie with a festive ribbon, and voila—instant holiday cheer!
- Party platter: Arrange them on a tray with other Christmas treats for a show-stopping dessert display.
- Santa’s snack: Leave a couple on a plate with a glass of milk for the big guy himself.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They stay chewy and delicious!
- Refrigerator: These will last up to a week in the fridge. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze in layers with parchment paper between them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Pro tip: If they start to get stale, crumble them up and mix into vanilla ice cream. Instant holiday dessert magic!
Nutritional Info & Health Benefits
Let’s be honest—these cookies aren’t exactly a health food. But hey, it’s Christmas! Here’s the breakdown:
| Nutritional Info (per cookie) | |
|---|---|
| Calories: | 120 |
| Sugar: | 12g |
| Fat: | 4g |
| Protein: | 1g |
These are meant to be a festive treat, not an everyday snack. But for a holiday indulgence, they’re worth every bite!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—Irresistible No-Bake Christmas Wreath Cookies that are as fun to make as they are to eat. They’re perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or just indulging yourself while watching Christmas movies.
I hope this recipe becomes part of your holiday traditions. It’s a staple in my family, and I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you.
If you make these, please let me know! Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @[your handle]—seeing your creations seriously makes my day.
Happy holidays and happy baking!
FAQs
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These cookies store well at room temperature or in the fridge. I often make them a day or two before a party.
Q: What if I don’t have green food coloring?
A: No problem! You can skip the coloring altogether, or use another festive color like red or blue. They’ll still taste amazing.
Q: Can I use Frosted Flakes instead of regular cornflakes?
A: Yes, but keep in mind they’ll be sweeter! If you’re using Frosted Flakes, you might want to reduce the marshmallows slightly.
Q: How do I keep them from sticking to my hands?
A: Grease your hands lightly with butter or cooking spray. This makes shaping the cookies so much easier.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Definitely! Just make sure you have a big enough saucepan to melt the marshmallows and butter. Doubling is perfect for large holiday gatherings.
Pin This Recipe!
Irresistible No-Bake Christmas Wreath Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These festive no-bake cookies are fun to make, adorable to look at, and perfect for the holiday season. They’re quick, easy, and require no oven!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g)
- 5 cups mini marshmallows (250g)
- A few drops green food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 cups cornflakes cereal (150g)
- 1/4 cup red candies (e.g., cinnamon candies or mini M&Ms)
Instructions
- Melt the butter and marshmallows in a large saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth (5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and green food coloring (1 minute).
- Fold in the cornflakes gently until fully coated (2 minutes).
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto wax paper and shape into wreaths using your hands (10 minutes).
- Decorate with red candies to resemble berries (5 minutes).
- Let the wreaths set at room temperature until firm (15 minutes).
Notes
[‘Grease your hands and utensils to prevent sticking.’, ‘Work quickly to shape the wreaths before the mixture hardens.’, ‘Prep decorations in advance for smoother assembly.’, ‘Soak the saucepan in hot water immediately after use for easier cleanup.’]
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12
- Fat: 4
- Protein: 1
Keywords: Christmas cookies, no-bake cookies, holiday treats, festive desserts, easy recipes
