Christmas Wreath Cookies are as fun to make as they are festive to eat! With swirls of bright green, pops of crimson from “holly berries,” and a buttery crunch that everyone loves, these charming no-bake treats bring the spirit of the season right to your holiday table. It’s a project perfect for all ages, a little sticky and a lot cheerful—just the way holiday baking should be. Whether you’re hosting a cookie swap, need something adorable for a dessert platter, or want a cozy kitchen activity with the kids, these cookies never fail to delight.

Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Christmas Wreath Cookies come together with just a handful of simple ingredients, but each one serves an essential role in creating their signature look and craveable taste. Don’t skip or skimp—the magic is in the combination!

Unsalted Butter: Lends richness and helps the marshmallows melt smooth for a glossy, flavorful base.
Large Marshmallows (30): The key to that chewy, sticky texture that holds everything in place—using fresh marshmallows ensures ultimate softness.
Almond or Vanilla Extract: Just half a teaspoon boosts both aroma and festive flavor; pick your favorite for a personal touch.
Green Food Coloring: A must for that unmistakable wreath look—gel or liquid works, just a little gives bold holiday color.
Cornflakes Cereal: These stay crispy and add the perfect “foliage” texture for realistic, crunchy wreaths.
Red Cinnamon Candies or Mini Red M&M’s: They become holly berries—totally adorable and a burst of sweet or spicy crunch.
Nonstick Spray or Butter: Essential for grease-proof hands and smooth shaping—trust us, you’ll thank yourself!

How to Make Christmas Wreath Cookies

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

Grab your trusty saucepan and set it over low heat. Add the butter and let it slowly melt—no rushing. Once pooled and golden, toss in all 30 marshmallows, stirring constantly as they soften and transform into a glossy, pillowy cloud. Gentle, steady heat is your friend here, ensuring everything melts evenly without browning.

Step 2: Add Flavor and Festive Color

Turn off the heat and stir in your almond or vanilla extract right away, letting that wonderful aroma bloom through the warm marshmallow mixture. Next, squeeze or drop in your green food coloring, stirring until you achieve a vibrant, Grinch-green hue. This is the color that’ll make your Christmas Wreath Cookies so irresistibly eye-catching.

Step 3: Coat the Cornflakes Evenly

Now for the magic moment—add all the cornflakes to your pan. Gently fold with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon until every flake glistens. Be patient and go slow so the cereal stays intact and the marshmallow goo finds every nook and cranny. When all the flakes are evenly cloaked in green, you’re ready to shape.

Step 4: Shape Into Wreaths

Coat your hands well with nonstick spray or butter—don’t skip this step! Scoop out about two tablespoons of the mixture for each cookie (a cookie scoop helps if you’ve got one), then quickly flatten and poke a hole in the center to create a wreath. Working fast keeps things from sticking and helps the cookies hold together as they cool. Teaming up makes it even more fun and efficient!

Step 5: Decorate and Let Set

Place each shaped wreath on wax paper or a parchment-lined baking sheet. While the cookies are still soft and warm, press 2–3 red cinnamon candies or mini red M&M’s onto each one for that classic holly berry effect. Let your Christmas Wreath Cookies cool completely at room temperature until they’re set and ready to be nibbled (or displayed proudly!).

How to Serve Christmas Wreath Cookies

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of edible glitter, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of white chocolate for extra winter wonderland vibes. Tiny bows of red licorice make a whimsical accent, and an extra cinnamon candy on top is always welcome for a bit more pop (and a little spicy surprise).

Side Dishes

Pair your Christmas Wreath Cookies with mugs of steaming hot cocoa, creamy eggnog, or chai tea for ultimate cozy factor. For party platters, nestle them alongside classic sugar cookies, peppermint bark, or chocolate-dipped pretzels to let every festive flavor shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your cookies on a decorative cake stand, scatter with faux snow or pine needles, and arrange the wreaths in a circle as the edible centerpiece for your holiday table. Wrap individual cookies in cellophane with a ribbon to create adorable homemade gifts, or tuck them among sprigs of holly for a photo-worthy spread at your snack table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Christmas Wreath Cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer the cookies with parchment paper or wax paper in between to keep them from sticking to each other—a tip you’ll thank yourself for when it’s time to serve seconds!

Freezing

Need to make ahead? Absolutely! Place completely cooled cookies in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving, and you’ll have festive treats ready for last-minute gatherings or cookie emergencies.

Reheating

While there’s really no need to reheat no-bake cookies, if your kitchen runs especially chilly and the cookies feel a bit firm, you can let them sit on the counter for a few minutes. They’ll quickly regain their light, chewy texture—good as new, no oven required.

FAQs

Can I use a different cereal if I don’t have cornflakes?

Cornflakes are classic for Christmas Wreath Cookies because they mimic the look of evergreen leaves, but you can swap in crispy rice cereal or crunchy bran flakes if needed. The texture and wreath shape may change a bit, but you’ll still end up with a festive, tasty treat!

What’s the best kind of food coloring for bright green cookies?

Gel food coloring gives a more vibrant, true-green color with less liquid, but liquid coloring works in a pinch. Start small and add more as needed—the color should be bold, as it’ll fade slightly when mixed with the marshmallows and cereal.

How can I make these cookies allergy-friendly?

For nut allergies, stick with vanilla extract instead of almond. Gluten-free cornflakes (check the label) make the cookies safe for gluten-sensitive guests, and vegan marshmallows and plant-based butter easily adapt this recipe for dairy-free or vegan friends.

Can I make smaller or larger cookies?

Absolutely! Scoop less for mini wreaths or more for extra-large ones; just keep them roughly the same size so they set up evenly. Smaller cookies are great for little snackers, while bigger ones make a statement on holiday platters.

How do I prevent the mixture from sticking to my hands?

Generously grease your hands with butter or nonstick spray every few cookies, and work quickly while the mixture is warm. If things get too sticky, wash up and start fresh with more grease—teamwork makes shaping faster and more fun!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something joyful about creating (and sharing) Christmas Wreath Cookies—they’re the edible embodiment of holiday happiness. Give them a try this season; you’ll find yourself making memories right alongside delicious cookies. Happy holiday baking!

Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Christmas Wreath Cookies are a festive and fun treat to make during the holiday season. With a base of green marshmallow and cornflakes, these no-bake cookies are shaped like wreaths and adorned with red candy berries for a cheerful touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
30 large marshmallows
1/2 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon green food coloring (gel or liquid)
4 cups cornflakes cereal
Red cinnamon candies or mini red M&M’s (for decoration)
Nonstick spray or butter (for shaping)

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Instructions

Melt Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add marshmallows and stir until smooth.
Add Flavor and Color: Remove from heat, add extract and green food coloring, mix well.
Mix with Cornflakes: Fold in cornflakes until coated.
Shape Wreaths: Grease hands, shape portions into wreaths, make a hole in the center.
Add Decorations: Press red candies onto wreaths while still soft.
Cool: Let cookies cool until set.