There’s something downright magical about these chewy, buttery, marshmallow-y, and ultra-cute Christmas Wreath Cookies. They’re a holiday staple for good reason! These bright green treats shaped like festive wreaths are a hit at cookie exchanges, family gatherings, school parties, and honestly—anywhere that needs a dose of holiday cheer.

They’re fun to make (especially with kids), quick to throw together, and so delightfully eye-catching that they instantly jazz up any holiday dessert tray. That glossy green coating? That pop of red “berries”? Total Christmas vibes!

Whether you’re looking to recreate a childhood memory or introduce a new family tradition, these cookies are exactly what the holidays taste like: sweet, nostalgic, and made with love.

What Are Christmas Wreath Cookies, Exactly?

If you’ve never had one before, think of Christmas Wreath Cookies as the marshmallow treat’s festive cousin. Instead of puffed rice cereal, we use cornflakes to mimic the look of pine needles—yes, genius, right? Then we shape the mixture into little wreaths, color them with a splash of green food coloring, and decorate them with red cinnamon candies that look just like holly berries.

The final product is chewy, crunchy, and sweet with a buttery hint and a playful holiday look. They’re festive, easy, and just the right amount of nostalgic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to whip up these adorable Christmas cookies:

½ cup unsalted butter – Gives richness and keeps things smooth.
30 large marshmallows – For that gooey, sticky base.
1 ½ teaspoons green food coloring – To get that vibrant wreath color.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and flavor depth.

4 cups cornflakes cereal – The perfect “leafy” texture.
Red cinnamon candies – For that holly berry effect (or swap with red mini M&Ms if needed).

Pro tip: Want your wreaths to be super green like in the image? Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for more intense color without thinning your marshmallow mix.

Tools and Kitchen Essentials

Before you dive in, make sure you have the following:

Large saucepan or non-stick pot
Rubber spatula (preferably heat-resistant)
Measuring cups/spoons
Baking sheet or parchment paper
Butter or cooking spray (for greasing hands)
Optional: cookie cutter ring to help form wreath shapes

Step-by-Step Instructions (with Tips!)

Ready to make some cookie magic? Here’s how:

Step 1: Melt the Butter

In a large saucepan, melt ½ cup unsalted butter over medium heat. This should take around 2 minutes.

👉 Tip: Stir as it melts to prevent browning. You want it silky and golden—not browned.

Step 2: Melt the Marshmallows

Add 30 large marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir constantly until completely melted and smooth. This takes about 4–5 minutes.

👉 Pro Tip: Don’t let it boil! Keep it low and slow. If the marshmallows start to brown or bubble, turn down the heat.

Step 3: Add the Color and Vanilla

Remove your pot from the heat. Stir in 1 ½ teaspoons green food coloring and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

👉 Coloring Tip: Start with a small amount and add more if needed. If you want that bold, shiny green like in the picture, go with gel coloring.

Step 4: Fold in the Cornflakes

Gently fold in 4 cups of cornflakes using a spatula. Be gentle—you don’t want to crush the flakes too much.

👉 Pro Tip: Coat every flake thoroughly without overmixing. This keeps the “leafy” look realistic.

Step 5: Shape the Wreaths

Now for the fun part! Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray, then scoop about a quarter-cup of the mixture and form it into a wreath shape on parchment paper.

Use your fingers to make a small hole in the center.
You can use a spoon or ring mold to help shape them.

👉 Pro Tip: Work fast—the mixture sets quickly!

Step 6: Add the Berries

While the cookies are still sticky, press red cinnamon candies onto each wreath to resemble holly berries. Use 3 to 5 candies per cookie for that iconic look.

👉 Don’t have cinnamon candies? Mini red M&Ms or red licorice pieces work just as well.

Let Them Set

Let your cookies sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes. They’ll firm up but still stay chewy in the center.

Store them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days.

Holiday Baking Tips for Best Results

Use fresh marshmallows – They melt better.
Grease your hands well – This mixture is sticky!
Don’t overmix – Fold gently to keep the wreath texture.
Add food coloring off-heat – It preserves the vibrancy.

Customizing Your Wreath Cookies

Want to mix things up? Here are a few fun variations:

Mint extract instead of vanilla for a fresh twist
Add mini chocolate chips or drizzle with white chocolate
Use Rice Krispies for a fluffier version
Top with sprinkles for extra sparkle
Swap in vegan marshmallows and dairy-free butter for a plant-based version

Packaging for Gifting

These cookies are adorable to gift! Try these ideas:

Wrap in cellophane bags with ribbon
Place in holiday tins with tissue paper
Stack in mason jars with gift tags

👉 Bonus: Add a handwritten note with the recipe for a personal touch.

Why Kids LOVE These Cookies

Bright and colorful
Fun to make with little hands
Safe—no baking required!
Sweet and familiar taste

Let them help with decorating, shaping, or even choosing candy toppings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Sticky hands: Always grease up first!
Overcooked marshmallows: Low and slow is key.
Flakes too crushed: Fold gently.
Setting too late: Add candies right away before it firms up.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

Serve these alongside:

Hot cocoa with whipped cream
Peppermint bark
Sugar cookies or gingerbread men
Spiced tea or holiday punch

Perfect for dessert platters or Christmas Eve snacking.

Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips

Make ahead: Prep up to 3 days early. Store in an airtight container.
Freeze? Yes! Lay them flat in a zip-top bag and freeze for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature.

Conclusion: A Little Holiday Joy in Every Bite

These Christmas Wreath Cookies aren’t just another holiday treat—they’re a tradition. They’re simple to make, charming to look at, and delicious to eat. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a party, or just craving a sweet seasonal bite, these cookies hit the spot every time.

So grab those marshmallows, crank up the Christmas tunes, and get wreathing! 🎄💚✨

FAQs About Christmas Wreath Cookies

1. Can I use mini marshmallows instead of large ones?
Yes! Use about 4 cups of mini marshmallows in place of 30 large ones.

2. What if I don’t have cornflakes?
You can substitute Frosted Flakes (a bit sweeter), Rice Krispies, or even Cheerios for a different texture.

3. How do I make these cookies less sticky to shape?
Grease your hands generously with butter or oil spray before shaping.

4. Can I make these without food coloring?
Absolutely! They won’t look like wreaths, but they’ll still be tasty. Or use natural food dyes if preferred.

5. How long will they stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they’ll last 5 days at room temp—or up to 1 month in the freezer.

🎄 Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe

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Author: Lora
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Category: Holiday Cookies • No-Bake Treats • Christmas Party Snacks • Kids’ Christmas Recipes

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Description

🎄 A festive, chewy, and buttery holiday classic! 💚 These adorable wreath cookies bring instant Christmas cheer to any table. Perfect for parties, gifting, or fun family baking! 🎅✨

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup unsalted butter
30 large marshmallows
1 ½ teaspoons green food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups cornflakes cereal
Red cinnamon candies

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until fully melted.
⏱️ 2 minutes
Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until they melt into a smooth, glossy mixture.
⏱️ 4–5 minutes

Remove from heat and mix in the green food coloring and vanilla extract.
⏱️ 1 minute
Gently fold in the cornflakes, coating them evenly without crushing.
⏱️ 2 minutes
Lightly butter your hands, scoop small portions of the mixture, and shape into wreaths on parchment paper.
⏱️ 10 minutes

Add red cinnamon candies on top to resemble holly berries, then let the cookies set at room temperature.
⏱️ 10–15 minutes

Notes

Shape the wreaths quickly—mixture firms fast as it cools.

Buttered hands or lightly oiled gloves help prevent sticking.
Swap red cinnamon candies for mini M&Ms if you prefer a milder flavor.

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 20 cookies
Calories: 120 kca

Creative Christmas Wreath Cookie Variations

Want to jazz up your wreaths even more? Here are some creative twists that can turn this classic recipe into a whole lineup of festive favorites:

1. White Chocolate Drizzle

Once your wreaths have set, melt some white chocolate and drizzle it over the top for a snowy effect. Not only does it look wintery and elegant, but the creamy sweetness pairs beautifully with the buttery marshmallow base.

2. Peppermint Wreath Cookies

Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract along with or instead of the vanilla for a refreshing minty flavor. Top with crushed candy canes for an extra festive and crunchy finish.

3. Snowflake Sprinkle Edition

Swap out the red cinnamon candies for white and blue snowflake sprinkles. This gives your cookies a “Frozen”-inspired vibe that’s especially popular with kids (and big kids alike!).

4. Chocolate Chip Wreaths

Add mini chocolate chips to your cornflake mixture just after mixing the food coloring. It’s a subtle but delicious addition that chocolate lovers will appreciate.

5. Holiday Confetti Style

Mix in holiday sprinkles or nonpareils right into the cornflake mixture for a fun, colorful surprise in every bite.

Kid-Friendly Christmas Wreath Cookie Party Idea

These cookies are a total win for a holiday baking party with kids. Set up a little cookie decorating station with:

Bowls of red candies, sprinkles, mini marshmallows
Food-safe gloves or buttered hands for shaping
Parchment sheets labeled with each child’s name

Let each child scoop, shape, and decorate their own mini wreath. You’ll have a room full of giggles, sticky fingers, and sweet memories.

🎉 Bonus idea: Turn this into a classroom or scout troop activity. Just prep the cornflake mixture in advance, and let the kids do the fun part—decorating!

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🎄 Christmas Pinwheel Shortbread Cookies Recipe: A Magical Holiday Treat with a Festive Swirl

🍋 Lemon Swirl Frosted Sugar Cookies: A Sweet Bite of Sunshine!

Turning These Cookies into Ornaments

Want to really take it up a notch? Here’s a genius holiday craft-baking combo: edible ornaments!

Use a drinking straw to punch a hole at the top of each cookie before it sets.
After they harden, string a ribbon through the hole.
Hang them on the Christmas tree (just not too close to the lights!).

They make adorable edible decorations and are sure to wow guests.

Making a Giant Christmas Wreath Cookie

Want to make a statement centerpiece? Use the same mixture but form one giant cookie wreath on a large piece of parchment or a serving platter.

Form a ring using about 2-3 cups of the mixture.

Press it into a round wreath shape (you can trace a plate on parchment as a guide).
Decorate with lots of red candies, mini marshmallows, or drizzle with melted chocolate.

This is perfect for parties, potlucks, or even as a surprise edible gift for a neighbor.

Nutritional Information (per cookie, approx.):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	120 kcal
Fat	4g
Carbohydrates	21g
Sugar	13g
Protein	1g

Note: These numbers are approximate and may vary based on brands and portion size.

The History Behind Christmas Wreath Cookies

Though these cookies feel modern, they’ve actually been around since the 1950s and 60s—a time when home cooks got really creative with simple pantry ingredients. The idea likely evolved from the popularity of Rice Krispies treats, with cooks swapping cornflakes to create a leafier, more holiday-appropriate texture.

In many families, Christmas wreath cookies became a generational recipe, passed down from grandma to grandchild. And with such a simple, no-bake method, it’s no wonder they’ve stuck around. Sometimes the most magical traditions are the easiest ones.

Troubleshooting Christmas Wreath Cookies

If your cookies didn’t turn out quite right, don’t worry—here are common hiccups and how to fix them:

Cookies won’t hold shape: You may need to use a bit more marshmallow, or let them cool slightly before shaping.
Too sticky to shape: Grease your hands more, or let the mixture cool for 1–2 minutes before touching.

Wreaths too dry: This could be from overcooked marshmallow—next time, keep the heat low and stir constantly.
Wreaths fall apart after setting: Be sure your cornflakes are fully coated, and press the cookies firmly enough to hold.

Let’s Talk Texture: What Makes These Cookies Perfect

The best part about these cookies? That texture combo:

Chewy, gooey marshmallow base
Light, crisp crunch from cornflakes
Sweet, spicy pop from red cinnamon candies

They’re balanced just right to be festive and delicious—not too sweet, not too dry, and just enough chew to make you want another one (or two).

Holiday Hosting Tip: Create a Christmas Cookie Platter

Christmas wreath cookies pair beautifully with other holiday treats. Here’s how to build a stunning cookie platter:

What to include:

Christmas Wreath Cookies
Peppermint Bark
Gingerbread Men
Shortbread Stars
Snowball Cookies
Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels

Decorate the tray with fresh rosemary sprigs (to mimic pine), mini candy canes, and powdered sugar “snow” for the ultimate Instagram-worthy setup.

Final Thoughts: Start a New Tradition Today

Whether it’s your first time making Christmas wreath cookies or your fiftieth, these treats are more than just cookies—they’re a memory in the making.

They’re the kind of simple joy that defines the holidays. No need for fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Just butter, marshmallows, a splash of color, and a whole lot of heart.

So go ahead—roll up your sleeves, grab the kids (or a friend), and get your wreath on. This might just become your favorite new tradition.

🎄 Happy baking, and may your season be merry, bright, and filled with sweet, sticky cookies! 🎄

FAQs (More Helpful Tips!)

1. Can I double this recipe for a party?
Yes! Just double all ingredients and use a larger pot for mixing. Shape cookies quickly so the mix doesn’t set before you’re done.

2. What food coloring gives the best green look?
Gel food coloring gives the brightest, deepest green—perfect for that Christmas tree look.

3. How many cookies does this recipe make?
Around 20 small to medium cookies, depending on the size you shape them.

4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can, but the flavor won’t be as rich. For best results, stick with real unsalted butter.

5. Can I ship these as holiday gifts?
Yes! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, pack them with padding in a cookie tin or box, and choose fast shipping to preserve freshness.

Hi, I’m Lora!

I'm so glad you've found your way here. My kitchen is my happy place, and if you're just starting your own cooking journey, I want you to know you're in the right place.

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🎄 Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe: A Sweet Holiday Classic That’s Fun, Festive & Easy! 🎅