Christmas time is synonymous with cookie time, right? There’s no time of year when I get more excited to get in the kitchen and bake some cookies and these cornflake Christmas cornflake wreaths are one of my favorites to make.
With simple ingredients you can grab at the grocery store, this recipe couldn’t be more convenient and yet it’s such a spectacular presentation on any holiday table.
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The little green wreaths are made simply from a mixture of cornflakes, marshmallows and just a few other ingredients. You do have to shape them, but if you are familiar with the consistency of Rice Krispie treats (which is similar to these wreaths) you know it won’t be hard!
When you’re looking for a cute and unique recipe to make for your holiday spread, try making these Christmas wreath cookies — they’re guaranteed to be a hit at your holiday party.
Common Questions about Cornflake Wreaths
How can I make sure my cornflake Christmas wreaths are perfectly round?
If forming the wreaths free-form is a struggle, try forming them around a glass or the bottom of a muffin tin turned upside down, then gently lift them off. You may want to spray either of those ahead of time with cooking spray to avoid having them stick.
How do I know exactly how much food coloring to use?
While there is a recommended amount, these are customizable! Add as much as you want until they’re the desired color.
Is there a specific size of marshmallow I should use?
We call for medium-sized marshmallows in this recipe but you can choose any size you prefer from large marshmallows to mini marshmallows. Smaller is likely better for melting purposes.
Marshmallow Conversion Chart
- 1 jumbo marshmallow = 4 standard-size marshmallows = 1/2 cup mini-marshmallows
- 1 cup mini-marshmallows = 8 standard-size marshmallows = 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff
- 7 ounces of marshmallow creme = 1.5 cups marshmallow fluff
- 10 ounce bag of mini-marshmallows = 6 cups = 40 standard-size marshmallows
- 1 standard-size marshmallow = 14 mini-marshmallows
- 8 standard-size marshmallows = 1 cup
- 16-ounce bag of mini-marshmallows = 8.5 cups
- 16-ounce bag of standard-size marshmallows = 63 marshmallows
Storage
These festive wreaths are easy to store. Just pop them in an airtight container and keep at room temperature for up to 4 days. No need for refrigeration.
Freezing: Tightly wrap the wreaths in plastic wrap. Then, place in a ziploc bag for up to two months.
Tips For The Best Cornflake Wreaths
- Use fresh marshmallows from an unopened bag to ensure freshness as well as the maximum ability to melt and mix well.
- When forming the wreaths, spray your fingers with nonstick cooking spray or dampen them with an appropriate oil or water to make the process easier and to prevent ingredients from sticking to your hands.
- As with most baking recipes, be sure to use unsalted butter. There’s salt in the recipe so you want to avoid using any other products that contain salt — you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
- Make sure to heat the butter evenly on the prescribed temperature. It can be tempting to turn up the temp on the stove to expedite the process, but once butter is overheated you’ll have to start over.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter
- Marshmallows
- Green food color (gel or liquid food coloring)
- Vanilla extract
- Kosher salt
- Corn flakes cereal
- Red M&Ms
Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need
- Baking sheets
- Saucepan
- Parchment paper
How to Make Cornflake Wreaths
- Place the butter in a large saucepan. Melt butter slowly over medium-low heat.
- Once the butter is melted, add the marshmallows and stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and the marshmallows have melted completely.
- Turn off the heat on the stove.
- Add the food coloring, vanilla, and salt to the butter and melted marshmallows. Stir until all ingredients are completely incorporated.
- Pour the corn flake cereal into the marshmallow mixture.
- Gently fold the cornflake cereal into the mixture until they are evenly covered. Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Use a large spoon to scoop the coated mixture onto the prepared baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper.
- Use your fingers to create a circular wreath shape for each one.
- Create a berry cluster on the wreaths to mimic holly berries by adding three M&Ms.
- Allow the wreaths to set on the baking sheet.
What to Serve With Cornflake Wreaths
The pretty, seasonal treats are a show-stopper all by themselves. But if you want to serve them alongside another dish or drink here are some suggestions.
- Milk – Dunk your cornflake wreaths in a glass of milk or chocolate milk.
- Coffee -These are a festive treat to try with an after-dinner coffee but they have cornflakes in them so who says you can’t have them for breakfast, too?
- Garnish – Garnish a cake, pie, or bowl of ice cream with these pretty wreaths.
- Cocktail – Serve these with a seasonal cocktail that matches the colors or choose a cocktail with flavors that match, like a s’mores-style drink.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
This is such a cute holiday treat that you can make with just a handful of ingredients, knowing that everyone will love it!
- Seasonal – Everyone will adore the cute and colorful wreaths on the holiday dessert table.
- Kid-friendly – While adults will enjoy these, their portability and adorable design will have kiddos asking for seconds.
- Moderately healthy – Sure, this isn’t health food. But the base of cornflakes adds an element of healthiness that you might not find in most holiday desserts.
- Delicious – The creaminess of the marshmallow mixture matched with the crunchiness of the cornflakes makes these treats delectable.
Variations and Add-ins
As with most recipes there are tons of ways to make this your own. Here are a few ideas.
- Craisins – Instead of red M&Ms, try using craisins for the “berries” on the wreath.
- Coloring – Swap out the green food coloring for matcha or spirulina.
- Cereal – Experiment with a different cereal like granola, bran flakes, or your favorite cereal.
- Chips – Before forming the wreaths, gently fold in chocolate chips to the cornflake mixture.
- Extracts – Try using a different extract like peppermint or almond extract.
- Red cinnamon candies – Use these instead of the M&Ms.
- Candy sprinkles – Try adding some green sprinkles for extra festive flair.
DON’T MISS MY HOLIDAY E-BOOK!
If you love this easy Cornflake Wreaths recipe, you’re going to love these other no-bake treats too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
Other Holiday Desserts
Don’t miss these other easy holiday treats
- Candied Pecans
- Easy No-Cook Fudge
- Sweet and Salty Snack Mix
- Oreo Peppermint Bark
- Peppermint Bark Cookies
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Cornflake Wreaths
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter unsalted (1 stick)
- 40 regular-size marshmallows 10 ounces
- 1 ½ teaspoons green food color
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 ½ cups cornflakes cereal
- 36 mini red M&Ms
Instructions
- Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir continuously until fully melted and smooth.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the food color, vanilla, and salt until well incorporated.
- Add the cornflakes and gently mix until the cornflakes are uniformly covered with the marshmallow mixture.
- Add scoops (approximately heaped ⅓ cup) of the coated cornflake mixture to the prepared baking sheets. Lightly spray your fingers with cooking spray or dampen them with water and form the cornflakes into a wreath shape.
- Immediately add three M&Ms to create a berry cluster on the wreath.
- Allow the wreaths to set before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
- To freeze – wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a resealable bag for up to two months. Allow them to defrost at room temperature before serving.
- Use a fresh, unopened bag of marshmallows for the best results.
- If using salted butter, forego the salt in the recipe.
- Be gentle when mixing the cornflakes into the marshmallow mixture so you do not crush the cereal. I find that using a rubber spatula is the most effective method.
- You may need more or less food color depending on the intensity and pigment of your color. Use as much as needed to reach the desired color. Keep in mind that the color will intensify as it sits.
- The mini M&Ms can be replaced with regular-sized M&Ms, red hot candies, or any other similar-sized red candies.
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
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