Name: Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 stick butter (1/2 cup); 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 bottle red hot candies or 1/2 cup red candy coated chocolates such as mini M&M's; Cooking spray

There’s something truly magical about these festive treats that instantly puts me in the holiday spirit. This Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe captures the perfect balance of crunchy cornflakes and gooey marshmallows, all dressed up with cute little red candies. It’s one of my favorite holiday traditions and I think you’ll love how easy and joyful baking it feels!

The image shows several small green wreath-shaped treats made from clusters of shiny green popcorn tightly packed together to form rounded rings. Each wreath is decorated with bright red round candies placed in groups of three to five on top, resembling holly berries. The wreaths sit on a white plate, which rests on a white marbled surface. Some sprinkles in red and green colors are scattered around the wreaths and plate, adding a festive touch. 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

Honestly, making these Christmas wreath cookies is like reliving happy holiday memories, plus it’s so simple no stress is involved. Plus, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike. It doesn’t get better than that during the busy season.

Quick and Easy: You only need a handful of ingredients and less than 15 minutes to whip these up.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Forming the wreaths and decorating them is a fun activity to enjoy with little helpers.
Festive and Colorful: The bright green marshmallow coating and red candies create the perfect holiday vibe.
No Baking Required: Using the microwave to melt marshmallows means you skip the oven, making it perfect for quick treats.

This image shows a green wreath-shaped treat made of small, shiny green clusters with a textured, rough surface. The wreath has a round shape and sits on a white plate with a smooth edge. Scattered on top and around the wreath are small, bright red oval candies and short colored sprinkles in red and green, adding color contrast. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface that gives a clean and fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a key role in nailing that perfect texture and festive appearance. Plus, these are common pantry staples or easy to find at any grocery store during the holidays.

Flat lay of a stick of pale yellow butter, a white ceramic bowl filled with large white marshmallows, a small white bowl holding vibrant green gel food coloring, another small white bowl with clear vanilla extract, a white ceramic bowl overflowing with golden cornflakes, and a small white bowl containing bright red candy-coated chocolates, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed 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 richness and helps melt the marshmallows smoothly without sticking.
Large Marshmallows: The magical glue that binds everything together with a chewy softness.
Green Gel or Liquid Food Coloring: Gives the wreath that iconic vibrant green you want for holiday cheer.
Vanilla Extract: Balances sweetness with warm, familiar aroma.
Cornflakes: Their crispness is essential for that crunch contrast with gooey marshmallows.
Red Hot Candies or Candy Coated Chocolates: These little red decorations mimic holly berries and add both color and a hint of tart or sweet flavor.
Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking when shaping the wreaths—trust me, this little trick saves so much frustration.

📝

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

I love customizing these Christmas wreath cookies depending on who I’m sharing them with — sometimes I add a little peppermint extract for an extra festive punch or swap red Hot candies for mini M&Ms, which works well for picky eaters.

Variation: I once replaced cornflakes with Rice Krispies for a slightly different texture, and it was a hit at my niece’s school party.
Dietary Modification: For a dairy-free version, use a vegan butter substitute and watch the magic happen just as well.
Color Twists: You can change the wreath color to blue or red for different festive occasions — get creative with food coloring!

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

Step 1: Prep Your Space & Ingredients

Start by lining a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat — this keeps things clean and non-stick. Measure out your marshmallows and butter so they’re ready to go. Having everything within reach really speeds up the process.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows

Pop the butter and marshmallows into a large microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until everything is melted into a smooth, gooey mixture. Don’t rush it, or the marshmallows might scorch, so take your time.

Step 3: Add Color and Flavor

Next, stir in the green food coloring and vanilla extract. This step is what turns your simple marshmallows into a festive sea of green goodness. Make sure the color is even throughout; no patchy spots here!

Step 4: Mix in the Cornflakes

Gently fold the cornflakes into the marshmallow mixture. Try to coat each flake but avoid smashing them; the contrast between soft and crisp is part of the magic. Use a spatula for this—your hands will thank you.

Step 5: Shape Your Wreaths

Lightly spray your fingers with cooking spray or dampen them with water to prevent sticking. Scoop out the mixture with a ¼ cup measuring cup and drop onto the lined pan. Press a hole in the middle with your finger to form a wreath shape. This is my favorite part—watching those little wreaths take shape is pure joy.

Step 6: Decorate and Cool

Top your wreaths with red candy “berries” while the mixture is still warm and sticky. This brings the whole Christmas look together beautifully. Then, let the cookies cool completely until firm—about 10 minutes and you’re ready to enjoy.

Top Tip

Over the years, I learned simple tricks that really make a difference for perfect Christmas wreath cookies every time. Stick with these and you’ll impress everyone at your holiday gathering.

Use Cooking Spray on Your Fingers: This keeps the sticky marshmallow from gluing your fingers to the treats when shaping the wreaths.
Microwave Gradually: Heating marshmallows and butter in short bursts prevents burning and keeps your mixture smooth.
Be Gentle With the Cereal: Stir gently to keep those cornflakes crisp and airy, which creates the perfect texture contrast.
Decorate While Warm: Adding candies immediately ensures they stick nicely without sliding off once the treats cool.

How to Serve Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe

Christmas Wreath Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually go classic with mini red candies for that traditional holly berry look, but sometimes I sprinkle edible glitter or tiny silver sugar pearls to add sparkle. It really makes the cookies pop on any dessert tray.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced hot chocolate or spicy mulled cider. I enjoy serving them alongside gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark for a festive holiday spread.

Creative Ways to Present

I love arranging the wreath cookies on a round wooden serving platter lined with evergreen sprigs and cranberries—instant holiday charm. For gifting, I place them in a clear cellophane bag tied with a red ribbon, which always delights friends and neighbors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay nice and chewy for up to a week if kept away from humidity—perfect for nibbling all through the holidays.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these cookies before by individually wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. When thawed at room temp, they’re just as tasty and fresh as the day you made them.

Reheating

Since they’re sweet treats, reheating isn’t usually necessary, but if you want to soften them up a bit, a quick 5-10 second zap in the microwave does the trick without melting the candy decorations.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cereals instead of cornflakes?

Absolutely! You can substitute cornflakes with Rice Krispies or even Cheerios for a different texture and flavor. Just make sure the cereal is sturdy enough to hold the marshmallow mixture together.

What’s the best way to prevent wreaths from sticking to my hands?

Spraying your fingers lightly with cooking spray or dampening them with water before shaping the wreaths helps tremendously. This prevents the sticky marshmallows from clinging and makes shaping much easier.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and assemble the wreath cookies a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature until ready to serve.

What’s a good alternative if I don’t have green food coloring?

If you don’t have green food coloring, you can try experimenting with natural options like matcha powder or spirulina. Keep in mind the color and flavor will vary, but it’s a fun way to keep things natural!

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings out the kid in me every time I make it. Simple ingredients, quick steps, and festive flair combine to create more than just cookies—they’re little bundles of holiday joy. I hope you find as much happiness baking and sharing them as I do. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!