Cornflake wreaths are a yearly traditional Christmas treat that comes together in minutes. They’re an easy yummy dessert perfect for sharing with friends, family, and neighbors!
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Festive Cereal Treats
One of my favorite holiday desserts to make as a little girl was these cornflake wreaths. We added them to our Christmas dessert board, along with 7 layer bars and assorted Christmas cookies. Not only were they cute and festive but they tasted delicious.
Today, I love watching how much my kids enjoy making them with me! Knowing how quickly and easily they come together means I always plan to make lots to share. They make a great neighbor gift idea!
Rice Krispie treats and no-bake cornflake cookies are two other gooey, crispy treats that look too cute to eat but way too irresistible not to!
Simple Recipe Ingredients
You will see there are only four ingredients and green food coloring is all you need to make a quick and easy treat! Kids love these and love to help make them. Simply stir together all the ingredients and shape them into a circle for the most adorable holiday wreath!
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Butter: Salted or unsalted butter works great! This combines the marshmallows giving it that ooey gooey texture but making it all soft and buttery.
- Marshmallows: The mini marshmallows are best! They melt together easier and quicker. They also take up less space in your pan.
- Vanilla extract: Add just a teaspoon to enhance the flavors and blend together.
- Food coloring: Green is what we are going for and there are many shades of green you can make! Be traditional or see what shade of green you can come up with.
- Cornflakes: These are thicker and dense. They do add that sweet and salty taste to these wreaths. The cornflakes also help make it easier to shape.
How to Make Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies
With just 6 ingredients and 4 steps, these cornflake Christmas wreath cookies will be the hit this holiday season! We love to make these with the kids and for the kids. They are simple to melt and then shape together!
- Melt together: Melt butter over medium heat and add the marshmallows.
- Color it green: Remove the marshmallow mixture from the heat and stir in the vanilla and green food coloring. Stir until smooth, then toss in the cornflakes. Stir until cereal is well-coated.
- Shape the wreath: Scoop out 2″ spoonfuls onto a piece of parchment paper-lined baking sheet and with buttered hands, form into wreaths.
- Add Hollies! Place 2 cinnamon candies in a group to mimic the holly berries.
Can’t Find Red Hots?
If you can’t find cinnamon imperials (aka red hot candies), use hot tamales instead. Cut off 1/4″ from the top and stick them into the wreath. Red heart sprinkles or red m&m candies will also work.
Success Tips
Just a few extra tips to help you along the way! Picking the right size marshmallow and how to unstick yourself from the ooey gooey fun. You will see just how simple these cornflake wreaths really are!
- Marshmallows: Using mini marshmallows gives you the amount you need for this recipe. They will also melt faster, which moves things along quickly!
- Don’t get sticky! Coating your hands with butter or a bit of cooking spray will help to avoid everything sticking to your hands.
- Let them cool: Allow them to completely cool and set before serving or packing them up for delivery.
Recipe FAQs
Use either gel or liquid food coloring. Start with a couple of drops of food coloring and then continue adding until the desired color is reached. The gel is much more vibrant and concentrated so it won’t require as much.
You bet! Swap the cornflakes for rice Krispies instead or use whatever light flaky cereal you’ve got on hand.
Storing
Keep stored in a covered container for up to 5 days at room temperature. No need to keep them chilled. You can basically treat them exactly as you would homemade rice Krispy treats.
You can also pop them into a freezer-friendly bag and keep them frozen for up to 3 months.
5 star review
“I adore these cookies! They are so cute and I know everyone is going to love them for the cookie exchange!”
-Gina
More Festive Christmas Treats
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Cornflake Wreaths
Equipment
- Cookie Sheet
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon green food coloring , more as desired
- 5-6 cups cornflakes
- 72 cinnamon imperials (or hot tamales, cut into 3)
Instructions
- Line a baking dish or the counter with parchment paper and set aside. In a large pan melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the marshmallows and stir until melted.
- Remove from heat and add in the vanilla and green food coloring. Stir until smooth. Add more food coloring until you reach your desired color and then stir in the cornflakes. Stir until well coated.
- Add 2 inch spoonfuls onto the parchment paper. Butter your hands and then shape into wreaths.
- Place 3 cinnamon candies on one corner of the wreath. Store in a covered container for up to 5 days.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: American, Christmas, Cookies, Desserts, Holiday Cookies, Kid-Friendly, No-Bake, Nut-Free, Stovetop, Vegetarian
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.
These were the perfect, easy treat to make with my kids. So fun!
My daughter had fun helping me make these – they are so cute! And of course they taste amazing as well!
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I adore these cookies! They are so cute and I know everyone is going to love them for the cookie exchange!
Oh wow this is such a great idea. Looks festive and fun to make. I will add this to my list for Holidays. Thanks!