There’s something extra special about Christmas cookies, and Christmas Wreath Cookies are no exception! These vibrant, festive treats are not only delicious but also fun to make with friends and family. Picture this: crispy cornflakes coated in a sweet, buttery green glaze, shaped into cute little wreaths, and finished off with bright red hot candy “berries.” They’re like little edible holiday decorations, and trust me, once you make these, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “Jingle Bells!”
Whether you’re baking for a cookie swap, holiday party, or just to treat yourself, these wreath cookies are bound to spread some festive cheer. Plus, they’re incredibly simple to make, so even the little ones can get in on the action. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Christmas Wreath Cookies
These Christmas Wreath Cookies are sure to become a favorite for so many reasons:
Perfect for the Holidays
The holiday season is all about vibrant colors, fun traditions, and delicious treats—and these cookies hit all the marks! They’re fun, festive, and guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone who bites into one.
Easy to Make
No complicated steps here! These cookies are super simple to prepare, and they require just a few ingredients. In no time at all, you’ll have a tray full of beautiful, edible wreaths.
Customizable
You can adjust the “berries” to your liking—whether you go for classic red candy or experiment with other colors. You can also swap out the cornflakes for other cereals for a different texture, though the cornflakes definitely give that perfect crunch.
No Baking Required
That’s right! These cookies are no-bake, which means you don’t have to worry about turning on the oven. Just mix, shape, chill, and you’re done!
Kid-Friendly Fun
These cookies are perfect for getting the kids involved. They can help mix the cornflakes and shape the wreaths, and the colorful “berries” are always a hit with little hands.
Ingredients
Making these cookies doesn’t require a long shopping list! Here’s what you’ll need:
Cornflakes
The base of these cookies, cornflakes add the perfect crunch and shape to these festive wreaths. They’re light and airy but sturdy enough to hold the green coating.
Butter
Butter adds richness to the sweet glaze and gives the cookies that indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s also what helps the cornflakes stick together.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
This is the secret ingredient that gives the glaze its creamy, smooth sweetness. It binds everything together and makes each bite irresistible.
Green Food Coloring
To get that signature Christmas wreath look, green food coloring is a must! It transforms the glaze into a vibrant, festive green.
Red Hot Candy or Other Candies
These tiny red candies are the perfect “berries” to decorate your wreaths with. They give a pop of color and just the right touch of sweetness.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Here’s how to make these delightful, no-bake Christmas Wreath Cookies:
Step 1: Melt the Butter
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once it’s melted, add the sweetened condensed milk and stir to combine. Let the mixture warm up for a few minutes, but be careful not to bring it to a boil.
Step 2: Add the Green Food Coloring
Once the butter and condensed milk are well mixed, add a few drops of green food coloring to the mixture. Stir until the color is fully incorporated and you have a beautiful, festive green glaze.
Step 3: Coat the Cornflakes
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the cornflakes. Carefully pour the green butter mixture over the cornflakes, gently stirring to coat them evenly. Be gentle, so the cornflakes don’t break into pieces—this is what gives them that crunchy wreath shape!
Step 4: Shape the Wreaths
Once the cornflakes are coated, it’s time to shape them! Take small handfuls of the mixture and form them into little wreaths, about 3-4 inches in diameter. You can shape them into circles using your fingers or the back of a spoon to make them look neat.
Step 5: Add the “Berries”
Place the red hot candy pieces (or your candy of choice) on top of each wreath. These act as the perfect little “berries,” adding a pop of color and sweetness to your wreaths.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Place the shaped wreaths on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray and refrigerate them for about 30 minutes, or until the green coating has set and the wreaths are firm to the touch.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once your wreaths have chilled, they’re ready to be served! Arrange them on a festive plate or tray and watch them disappear as your guests take a bite.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Chill Time: [Time to chill]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Christmas Wreath Cookies
These Christmas Wreath Cookies are perfect for any holiday gathering or special occasion. Here are a few ideas on how to serve them:
As Part of a Cookie Tray
These wreath cookies will add a festive touch to any holiday cookie tray. Pair them with other favorites like sugar cookies, gingerbread, or snickerdoodles for a fun and colorful assortment.
Gift-Worthy Treats
Package these wreath cookies in clear bags or cute tins and give them as gifts to neighbors, teachers, or friends. They make a thoughtful, homemade present that’s sure to brighten anyone’s day!
With a Glass of Milk
A classic pairing! These sweet and crunchy cookies go perfectly with a cold glass of milk. It’s a treat that’s sure to please both kids and adults.
On the Table as a Fun Decoration
If you’re hosting a holiday party, these wreath cookies also double as festive decorations. Display them on a table or tray for your guests to nibble on throughout the evening.
Additional Tips
Use Fresh Cornflakes
For the best texture, use fresh, crispy cornflakes. Old or stale cornflakes won’t hold up as well when mixed with the butter mixture.
Customize the Color
Feel free to get creative with the color! You can change up the food coloring to make these cookies match your holiday theme or create a whole array of colorful wreaths.
Make Ahead
These cookies store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They’re perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout the holiday season.
No Red Hots?
If you don’t have red hot candy on hand, you can substitute with any other small candy, like mini M&Ms, gumdrops, or even dried cranberries. Just make sure they’re small enough to fit inside the wreaths.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different cereal instead of cornflakes?
A1: You could try using rice krispies or another crunchy cereal, but cornflakes give the best texture and shape for these wreath cookies.
Q2: How long will these cookies last?
A2: These cookies will stay fresh for about 1 week when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Q3: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! You can make them a few days before your holiday gathering and keep them chilled until you’re ready to serve.
Q4: Can I freeze these cookies?
A4: While these cookies freeze well, it’s best to freeze them in a single layer, and then transfer them to an airtight container after they’ve set. When ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight.
These Christmas Wreath Cookies are everything you love about the holiday season—colorful, fun to make, and oh-so-delicious! Perfect for gifting, sharing, or just enjoying with your loved ones, they’ll quickly become a beloved part of your holiday tradition. Happy baking, and merry Christmas!
PrintChristmas Wreath Cookies
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 18–24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Wreath Cookies are a fun and festive holiday treat, perfect for decorating your dessert table! Made with cornflakes and green food coloring, these cookies are shaped like wreaths and adorned with red candy “berries.” A simple yet delicious no-bake cookie that’s great for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cornflakes cereal
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 (10 oz) package of mini marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon green food coloring (gel or liquid)
- 1/4 cup red hot candies (or red M&Ms for decoration)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Melt the butter and marshmallows:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the marshmallows and stir constantly until they are completely melted and smooth. - Add the food coloring:
Stir in the green food coloring until the mixture is evenly colored. - Combine with cornflakes:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately add the cornflakes to the marshmallow mixture. Gently fold the cornflakes into the melted marshmallow mixture until the cornflakes are completely coated with the green mixture. - Shape the cookies:
Using a spoon or your hands (lightly greased), scoop out a small portion of the cornflake mixture and gently shape it into a wreath by forming a circle. Arrange the wreaths on a sheet of wax or parchment paper. - Decorate:
Once the wreaths are shaped, place red hot candies or red M&Ms on each wreath to create the “berries.” You can place a few on each wreath to give it a festive look. - Cool and set:
Allow the cookies to cool and harden for about 30 minutes to an hour. Once set, they should be firm and ready to enjoy! - Serve:
Serve the wreath cookies as a fun holiday treat, or package them up as gifts for friends and family!
Notes
- Make-Ahead: These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Customization: Feel free to get creative with decorations. You can use other red candies like Skittles or jelly beans, or add a few sprinkles for extra festive flair!
- Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10mg