If you’re looking to brighten your holiday dessert table with a treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, you can’t go wrong with Christmas Cornflake Wreaths. These charming little no-bake cookies come together in mere minutes, but they look like you spent hours crafting holiday magic. Crunchy, sweet, and just the right amount of festive, Christmas Cornflake Wreaths are a whimsical blend of crispy cereal, gooey marshmallows, buttery goodness, and merry pops of “berries” that invite smiles from both kids and adults. They’re a tradition in so many homes, and are sure to bring the spirit of the season to your kitchen as well.

Christmas Cornflake Wreaths Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Christmas Cornflake Wreaths is in their simplicity — just a handful of pantry staples transformed into something joyful. Each ingredient plays a special role, from creating that iconic chewy texture to providing the wreath’s signature green color and delightful red accents.

Unsalted butter: This adds rich flavor and helps everything melt together smoothly.
Marshmallows: The heart of the recipe, melted marshmallows bind the cornflakes and give that irresistible, chewy bite.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash brings in a lovely warmth and depth, balancing out the sweetness.
Green food coloring: This is what transforms your mixture into vibrant, distinctly Christmas-colored wreaths.
Cornflakes cereal: The cereal brings the perfect crunch and mimics the classic pine needle look of wreaths.
Red hot candies or mini M&Ms: These are your “holly berries,” turning each wreath into a festive showpiece and adding a fun sweet or spicy pop.

How to Make Christmas Cornflake Wreaths

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

To make cleanup a breeze and ensure your wreaths don’t stick, start by greasing a large baking sheet or lining it with parchment paper. This simple step saves you effort later and makes transferring your wreaths a cinch.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Set a large saucepan over medium heat, and melt the butter until it’s completely liquid. The warmth of the butter is crucial for melting your marshmallows smoothly and gives your wreaths a rich, buttery finish that coats every cornflake.

Step 3: Add Marshmallows

Toss in the marshmallows and stir constantly. You want everything to melt evenly, leaving you with a silky, lump-free mixture. This step is when your kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing — the vanilla-marshmallow aroma is just the start of the holiday magic!

Step 4: Add Vanilla and Green Food Coloring

Once your marshmallows are totally melted, stir in the vanilla extract and green food coloring. Mix until the color is uniform and as bright or deep as you like. The vibrant green really brings your Christmas Cornflake Wreaths to life and sets the stage for the red “berries.”

Step 5: Fold in Cornflakes

Remove the pan from heat and gently add the cornflakes. Fold the cereal into the marshmallow mixture, being careful not to crush the flakes. You want each piece to be evenly coated but still keep its crunch and playful texture.

Step 6: Shape the Wreaths

With your mixture still warm, use your hands or a spoon to scoop out portions and mold them into small rings, pressing gently to form a wreath shape with a hole in the middle. If you find things a bit sticky, lightly butter your hands. Arrange your wreaths on the prepared baking sheet as you go.

Step 7: Let Set and Decorate

Allow the shaped wreaths to cool for 15 to 20 minutes so they firm up. Once they’re set, get creative by pressing red hot candies or mini M&Ms into each wreath. Each one turns into a jolly, edible Christmas decoration right before your eyes!

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the Christmas Cornflake Wreaths finish cooling completely, so they hold together and are easy to pick up and enjoy. Now you’re ready for the most rewarding part — tasting (and sharing) your merry creations!

How to Serve Christmas Cornflake Wreaths

Garnishes

While the red candies are classic, there’s plenty of room for creativity. A sprinkle of colored sugar, festive sprinkles, or even a dusting of powdered sugar can add a snowy, whimsical touch to your Christmas Cornflake Wreaths. If you want something extra special, try using tiny edible gold stars for that magical, storybook finish.

Side Dishes

These wreaths are right at home on any holiday cookie platter, but they pair especially well with mugs of hot cocoa or peppermint lattes. If you’re hosting a cookie exchange, set them alongside gingerbread men, chocolate crinkle cookies, or buttery shortbread for a dazzling—and delicious—spread.

Creative Ways to Present

A festive way to share Christmas Cornflake Wreaths is to nestle them in pretty holiday cupcake liners or arrange them on a platter lined with faux pine branches. For gifts, tuck them into clear cellophane bags tied with a colorful ribbon. Or, create a “cookie wreath” centerpiece by laying them in a ring around a candle—almost too pretty to eat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep Christmas Cornflake Wreaths in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer parchment paper or wax paper between them to keep the decorations from sticking, and they’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days—if they last that long!

Freezing

If you’d like to make these ahead (or save a few for after the holidays), the wreaths freeze beautifully. Freeze them in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving—no need to re-bake or fuss.

Reheating

While these treats are best enjoyed at room temperature, if you want to soften them slightly, a very short zap in the microwave (about 5-10 seconds) brings them back to chewy, gooey perfection. Just be careful not to overdo it, or the candies on top can melt.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Dessert

Absolutely! While cornflakes are classic for Christmas Cornflake Wreaths, you can experiment with crispy rice cereal or even bran flakes for a twist. Just keep in mind the shape and texture will be slightly different.

Is there a way to make these dairy free?

Yes, simply swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and ensure your marshmallows are dairy free. The taste will still be delicious, and everyone can join in the fun!

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

Lightly buttering your hands before shaping the wreaths works wonders. Alternatively, you can use wax paper to help mold each wreath while keeping things less messy.

Can I make these with kids?

Definitely! Christmas Cornflake Wreaths are a wonderful kid-friendly project. Young helpers will love shaping the wreaths and decorating them with candies—just be sure to help with the hot marshmallow mixture.

How long do Christmas Cornflake Wreaths stay fresh?

If stored in an airtight container, these wreaths stay fresh and flavorful for up to five days. For longer storage, freezing works well and keeps them as tasty as day one.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about whipping up a batch of Christmas Cornflake Wreaths and watching them spread cheer at every gathering. Whether you’re serving them at a festive party or tucking them into holiday gift boxes, these playful wreaths promise to put a twinkle in everyone’s eye. Give them a try and make your holidays a little sweeter!

Christmas Cornflake Wreaths Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 20-25 minutes
Yield: 12 wreaths 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Christmas Cornflake Wreaths are a festive and fun holiday treat that are quick and easy to make. The combination of sweet marshmallows, crunchy cornflakes, and colorful decorations make these wreaths a delightful addition to any Christmas celebration.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 package (10 oz) marshmallows
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon green food coloring
6 cups cornflakes cereal

Decoration:

1/4 cup red hot candies or mini M&Ms

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Instructions

Prepare Baking Sheet: Grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add marshmallows and stir until smooth.
Add Flavor and Color: Stir in vanilla extract and green food coloring until uniform.
Mix in Cornflakes: Remove from heat and fold in cornflakes until coated.
Shape Wreaths: Form mixture into wreaths on baking sheet.
Set and Decorate: Let wreaths cool, then decorate with candies.
Finalize and Serve: Allow wreaths to fully harden before serving or storing.

Notes

If the cornflake mixture is too sticky, lightly butter your hands when forming the wreaths.
You can adjust the amount of food coloring for desired green hue.
For a festive touch, try using colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-bake
Cuisine: American