Christmas Wreath Cornflake Cookies (No-Bake)
These no-bake Christmas Wreath Cookies are made with just 6 ingredients and ready in 20 minutes! A fun, easy recipe kids love to help make.
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 81kcal
Equipment
- 2 baking sheets with parchment paper
- silicone spatula or spoon greased with cooking spray or butter
- large non-stick pot for melting marshmallows
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cups mini marshmallows 4 cups mini or 40 regular marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- green food coloring gel works best - about 10-15 drops, adjust for desired shade
- 6 cups cornflakes cereal
- ¼ cup red cinnamon candy Red Hots candies or red mini M&Ms for "berries"
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prep: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Spray a large spoon or spatula with cooking spray (very important - this prevents sticking). Set aside.
- Melt Marshmallows: In a large pot (I recommend a non-stick pot) over low heat, melt butter. Add mini-marshmallows and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Add Color: Stir in vanilla extract and green food coloring. Start with 10 drops and add more until you reach desired shade of green. You might need as much as two teaspoons of food coloring. Go darker than you'd think- the color will dilute down when you add cornflakes. You'll want to move fast through this process so that the melted marshmallows stay warm.
- Add Cornflakes: Quickly add cornflakes to the marshmallow mixture. Gently fold together with your greased spatula until all cornflakes are evenly coated. Work quickly - the mixture sets very fast!
- Shape Wreaths: While mixture is still warm and pliable, scoop about ¼ cup portions onto prepared baking sheets. Using greased fingers (cooking spray or butter) or the back of a greased spoon, shape each portion into a wreath (ring shape) about 3 inches in diameter. Use your thumb to make a hole in the center.
- Add Berries: Immediately press 3-4 red candies onto each wreath to look like holly berries.
- Set: Let wreaths cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving or storing.
Notes
Kid-Friendly Ideas
Marshmallows: Regular-sized marshmallows melt exactly the same as mini marshmallows. The recipe calls for about 40 regular ones if that's easier for you.
Vanilla Extract: Peppermint extract adds a nice twist if you want something different. Use 1/2 teaspoon since it’s a little stronger flavor than vanilla.
Cornflakes: Rice Krispies cereal works beautifully and creates a similar texture. Some people prefer them since they're less likely to get soggy if the wreaths sit out. Frosted Flakes will also work.
Red Candies: Cut up dried cranberries, mini red jelly beans, crushed candy cane, or even small pieces of red licorice all work as "berries." Pick whatever your family likes best. Troubleshooting Mixture Is Too Sticky: You might have melted the marshmallows too long or used high heat. Next time, pull them off heat as soon as they're smooth.
Wreaths Won't Hold Their Shape: The mixture cooled too much before shaping. Reheat briefly and work faster, or make smaller batches if needed.
Cornflakes Getting Crushed: Fold more gently and use a larger pot to give yourself room to work without smashing everything. Storage These keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. They don't freeze well since the cornflakes get soggy when thawed.
- Adding food coloring (supervised)
- Folding in cornflakes (supervised, gentle hands!)
- Shaping wreaths (greased hands essential)
- Adding red candies (yum!)
- Note: Kids should NOT help with stovetop melting - adult only.
- Spray your hands, spoon, and spatula multiple times while working. This marshmallow mixture is incredibly sticky, and adequate greasing makes the whole process easier.
- Keep the heat on low and stir constantly. High heat can make marshmallows seize up or burn on the bottom. When the mixture looks smooth and glossy, it's ready.
- Gel food coloring gives you vibrant green without thinning the mixture. Liquid food coloring works but requires more drops and can make the mixture slightly looser. Add color gradually since you can always add more but can't take it away.
- Fold gently to avoid crushing all the cornflakes into powder. Some breakage is normal, but you want to keep those flakes mostly intact for texture.
- Work with portions while they're still warm but not scalding hot. If they cool too much, they won't hold their wreath shape. Press firmly but gently when creating the center hole.
Marshmallows: Regular-sized marshmallows melt exactly the same as mini marshmallows. The recipe calls for about 40 regular ones if that's easier for you.
Vanilla Extract: Peppermint extract adds a nice twist if you want something different. Use 1/2 teaspoon since it’s a little stronger flavor than vanilla.
Cornflakes: Rice Krispies cereal works beautifully and creates a similar texture. Some people prefer them since they're less likely to get soggy if the wreaths sit out. Frosted Flakes will also work.
Red Candies: Cut up dried cranberries, mini red jelly beans, crushed candy cane, or even small pieces of red licorice all work as "berries." Pick whatever your family likes best. Troubleshooting Mixture Is Too Sticky: You might have melted the marshmallows too long or used high heat. Next time, pull them off heat as soon as they're smooth.
Wreaths Won't Hold Their Shape: The mixture cooled too much before shaping. Reheat briefly and work faster, or make smaller batches if needed.
Cornflakes Getting Crushed: Fold more gently and use a larger pot to give yourself room to work without smashing everything. Storage These keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. They don't freeze well since the cornflakes get soggy when thawed.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 81kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 58mg | Potassium: 13mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 204IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 2mg