Name: Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter (1 stick); 30 large marshmallows; 6 drops green gel food coloring or 1 and 1/4 teaspoons liquid green food coloring; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 5 cups cornflakes; 1/2 cup red candy coated chocolates such as mini M&M's or 1 bottle red hot candies; Cooking spray

There’s something so festive about the sight of bright green wreaths beautifully dotted with jewels of red candy—this Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe captures that magic perfectly. These cookies are not only adorable but incredibly simple to make, bringing the spirit of the holidays straight to your kitchen with just a handful of ingredients.

The image shows several small wreath-shaped treats made of bright green textured cereal clusters. Each wreath is circular and thick, with a shiny green coating giving them a glossy look. Three shiny red round candies are placed on top of each wreath, acting like berries. The wreaths are arranged on a smooth white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. There are a few extra red candies and green sprinkles scattered around the plate for decoration. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

When I first made this Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe, I was amazed at how quickly the festive vibe filled my kitchen. It’s one of those treats that’s both nostalgic and fun to create, perfect for sharing with kids or serving at a holiday party.

Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry.
Quick and Easy: This cookie takes less than 15 minutes to prepare, so it’s a great last-minute holiday treat.
Fun to Make: Forming the wreaths and decorating with red candies turns baking into a festive activity for all ages.
Deliciously Crunchy: The marshmallow-coated cornflakes create a light yet satisfying crunch that tastes as good as it looks.

The image shows a wreath-shaped treat made of bright green clusters that look like crispy cereal coated with a shiny candy layer, forming one thick ring with a rough texture. On top of the green ring are small, smooth, shiny red candy pieces placed in groups of three at different spots. Around the wreath on the white plate are small, thin red and green sprinkles scattered randomly. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe relies on a tasty balance of buttery sweetness and crispy texture. I love how the marshmallows transform the cornflakes into a sticky but crunchy treat, while the green coloring brings that iconic Christmas wreath look you just can’t resist.

Flat lay of a stick of pale yellow butter, a small pile of large white marshmallows, a small white bowl filled with vibrant green liquid food coloring, a small white bowl containing clear vanilla extract, a simple white bowl heaped with golden cornflakes, a small white bowl filled with shiny red candy-coated chocolates, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: Adds a rich, creamy base that helps the marshmallows melt smoothly and bind everything together.
Marshmallows: These melt down to create a sticky glue for the cornflakes, providing that gooey, chewy texture that's so addictive.
Green Gel or Liquid Food Coloring: I prefer gel for its vibrant color without watering down the mix.
Vanilla Extract: A splash brings warmth and enhances the overall flavor with a hint of sweetness.
Cornflakes: They offer the crunch and lightness that mimic pine needles beautifully in this wreath.
Red Hot Candies or Red Candy Coated Chocolates: Perfect little “berries” that pop color and add a fun, festive look.
Cooking Spray: Essential for greasing your hands and measuring cups so the sticky mixture doesn’t cling while shaping.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

As much as I adore the classic version of this Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe, I often tailor it to fit different occasions or just to switch things up. The flexibility makes it a crowd-pleaser no matter what your holiday style is!

Variation: I’ve had great success swapping out cornflakes for puffed rice cereal – it gives the wreaths a lighter, airier crunch that’s just delightful.
Dietary Twist: For a gluten-free option, just make sure your cornflakes are certified gluten-free, and you’re set.
Color Fun: Feel free to mix the traditional green with hints of white or shimmer dust for an extra magical look.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Melt and Mix the Marshmallow Base

I start by placing the butter and marshmallows in a heatproof bowl. It’s easiest to microwave them in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, so you get a silky smooth blend without burning. Once melted, add the green food coloring and vanilla and give it a good stir. This is where the magic begins—the marshmallow mixture turns a festive shade of green that gets me excited for the next steps.

Step 2: Coat the Cornflakes

Next, gently fold in the cornflakes, taking care to coat each flake evenly without crushing them. The key here is a gentle hand—you want to keep that light crunch, so don’t overmix!

Step 3: Shape the Wreaths

Spray a ¼ cup measuring cup with cooking spray so the marshmallow mixture doesn’t stick, then scoop and pack it in firmly. Turn it out onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, and using damp or sprayed fingers, carefully make a small hole in the center to create the wreath shape. This is the fun part where you get to be creative and festive!

Step 4: Decorate and Set

Add those bright red candy “berries” right away while the wreath is still warm and sticky. Once all are decorated, let them cool completely until they’re firm. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes at room temperature.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned that small tweaks can make or break this Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe. Here are a few tips that totally changed my baking game:

Use Gel Food Coloring: It creates vivid green wreaths without making the marshmallow mixture too runny.
Keep Your Hands Greased: Sticky marshmallow mixture will cling to your fingers, so keep them lightly sprayed or dampened to shape wreaths smoothly.
Don’t Overmix: Fold the cornflakes gently so they keep their structure; this preserves that yummy crunch.
Quick Cooling Spot: Let the cookies set at room temperature on parchment—this prevents sticking and helps maintain their perfect wreath shape.

How to Serve Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe

Christmas Wreath Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a fan of keeping these wreaths simple but festive. The classic red candies provide just the right pop of color. Sometimes, I sprinkle a tiny bit of edible glitter on top for an added sparkle that never fails to impress guests.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of cocoa or a spiced holiday tea. They also pair wonderfully with a cheese and fruit platter if you want to balance sweet with savory at your holiday gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

I love arranging my Christmas Wreath Cookies on a wooden platter lined with fresh pine branches and tiny fairy lights. For parties, placing each cookie in a mini cupcake liner makes them easy to grab and adds an extra touch of charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover wreath cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week, making them perfect for prepping in advance or enjoying over several days.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead and freeze, I recommend shaping them on parchment first, freezing overnight, then stacking them in an airtight container with parchment layers in between. They freeze well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

These cookies are best enjoyed as is, but if you want to refresh them a bit, pop them in a warm oven (250°F) for 5 minutes to slightly soften the marshmallow—just be careful not to melt the candies.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cereal instead of cornflakes?

Absolutely! I’ve tried rice puffs and even crispy oats, which make slight variations in texture but are equally delicious. Just make sure the cereal holds up without getting soggy.

How do I keep the wreath shape from collapsing?

To preserve the wreath shape, pack the mixture firmly into the measuring cup and use damp or oiled fingers to gently form the hole. Working quickly while the mixture is warm helps it set properly.

Can I make these cookies without food coloring?

Yes! The cookies will be white instead of green, which still tastes great and lets you decorate for any occasion. But the classic green is what really captures that Christmas wreath feeling.

What’s the best way to store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep their crunch. Avoid the fridge since moisture can make them soggy. Freezing with layers of parchment is a great option too.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe is one I keep coming back to year after year because it brings out the kid in me—and the joy of sharing something handmade and colorful with friends and family. It’s that kind of simple, sweet holiday treat that makes your kitchen smell cozy and your celebrations just a little brighter. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll be your new festive favorite!