Can I make Christmas Wreath Cookies ahead of time?

Yes. Christmas Wreath Cookies are a convenient make-ahead Christmas dessert because they do not require last-minute baking. Allow the wreaths to set completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Place parchment or wax paper between layers to keep the cookies from sticking together and to protect the red candy decorations. For the freshest flavor and crunchiest cornflake texture, prepare them relatively close to when you plan to serve them. Keep the container at cool room temperature and away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight.

How do I keep Christmas Wreath Cookies from sticking to my hands?

The warm marshmallow and cornflake mixture is naturally sticky. Lightly coating your fingers with nonstick cooking spray makes shaping the Christmas Wreath Cookies much easier. You can also grease the spoon you use to portion the cereal mixture. Work while the mixture is still warm and flexible, but make sure it is cool enough to handle safely. Avoid using too much cooking spray, as excessive oil can leave the finished holiday cookies greasy.

What can I use instead of red cinnamon candies?

Red cinnamon candies give these festive wreath cookies their traditional holly-berry appearance, but they are not essential. Small red candy-coated chocolates, red sugar pearls, holiday sprinkles, or similar small candies are good alternatives. Whatever decoration you choose, add it while the marshmallow coating is still sticky. Once the Christmas Wreath Cookies have fully set, decorations will have a harder time adhering to the surface.

Easy Christmas Wreath Cookies for the Holidays

Name: Christmas Wreath Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 package (10 ounces) miniature marshmallows; 1 teaspoon green food coloring, or as needed; 4 1/2 cups cornflake cereal; 1/2 cup red cinnamon candies; Nonstick cooking spray, as needed for shaping

Description

Christmas Wreath Cookies are easy no-bake holiday treats made with crunchy cornflakes coated in a buttery green marshmallow mixture and decorated with red cinnamon candies to resemble festive Christmas wreaths.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 package (10 ounces) miniature marshmallows
1 teaspoon green food coloring, or as needed
4 1/2 cups cornflake cereal
1/2 cup red cinnamon candies
Nonstick cooking spray, as needed for shaping

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Instructions

Line a baking sheet or clean work surface with parchment paper or wax paper and place the red cinnamon candies nearby.
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low to medium-low heat.
Add the miniature marshmallows and stir frequently until completely melted and smooth. Avoid overheating the mixture.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the green food coloring until the marshmallow mixture reaches an even Christmas-green color.
Add the cornflake cereal and gently fold until all the flakes are evenly coated with the green marshmallow mixture.
Lightly coat your fingers or a spoon with nonstick cooking spray. Portion mounds of the warm cornflake mixture onto the prepared surface.
Gently shape each mound into a circular wreath, creating an opening in the center while avoiding excessive compression of the cereal.
While the wreaths are still warm and sticky, press red cinnamon candies onto each cookie to resemble holly berries.
Allow the Christmas Wreath Cookies to cool and set completely at room temperature before serving or storing.

Notes

Use low heat when melting the marshmallows to help keep the finished wreath cookies soft and chewy.
Work quickly after mixing in the cornflakes because the marshmallow coating becomes more difficult to shape as it cools.
Lightly spray your fingers with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the mixture from sticking while shaping.
Do not tightly compress the cornflakes; gentle shaping produces a lighter, crispier texture and more natural wreath appearance.
Red candy-coated chocolates or red sugar pearls can be substituted for cinnamon candies.
Store completely set cookies in an airtight container at cool room temperature with parchment or wax paper between layers.
Nutrition values are approximate and can vary depending on the brands of cereal, marshmallows, butter, candies, and portion size used.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 220
Sugar: 23g
Sodium: 135mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg