Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe with marshmallows, butter, green food coloring, cornflakes, and cinnamon red hots—festive & fun!

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Every family’s got that holiday recipe, right? The one that shows up year after year, usually looking a little messy but always disappearing first from the cookie tray. For me, that’s this Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe.

My grandma used to make them for every single Christmas gathering, and honestly, half the time they looked less like wreaths and more like green blobs with red candy glued on. But nobody cared. We’d all sneak one before dinner—sometimes two if she wasn’t looking—and laugh when our fingers stuck together with marshmallow goo. Even now, when I make them with my kids, we end up with sticky hands, red candies rolling across the kitchen floor, and a dog circling like he’s about to get lucky. Imperfect? Totally. But that’s kind of the point.

Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:

Why You’ll Love This Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe?

If you’re anything like me, you’ve already got a dozen things to bake during the holidays, so adding one more shouldn’t feel like punishment. That’s why I love this Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe—it’s no-bake, fast, and festive enough to trick people into thinking you spent way more time on it than you did.

They’re crunchy, gooey, and ridiculously fun to look at. And here’s the kicker: kids go nuts for them. Adults too, though they’ll pretend they’re “just tasting one.” Before you know it, the whole tray’s gone. The best part? If your wreaths don’t look Pinterest-perfect, you can just call them “rustic.” Works every time.

Ingredient Notes:

Alright, let’s talk about what actually makes these cookies work:

Butter – Unsalted is ideal, but if you’ve only got salted, don’t stress. It adds character.
Marshmallows – Mini, jumbo, whatever you’ve got shoved in the pantry. They’ll all melt down into gooey holiday glue.
Green food coloring – Gel tends to give you that bold “Christmas green,” but the liquid drops from the back of your cabinet will do the trick too.
Vanilla extract – Just a splash makes everything taste warmer.
Cornflakes – This is the crunch. Without them, you’ve just got a pile of sticky green fluff.
Cinnamon red hots – Little edible “berries.” Spicy, sweet, and the part that makes the wreath look like, well, a wreath.

How To Make Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies?

Step 1: Get your tray ready
Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. You’ll thank yourself later when you don’t have to scrape hardened marshmallow off the pan.

Step 2: Melt the base
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then stir in the marshmallows until smooth. Try not to eat it straight from the pot—though I won’t judge if you “taste test.”

Step 3: Add the magic
Take the pan off the heat and stir in vanilla and green food coloring. Suddenly you’ve got Christmas in a saucepan.

Step 4: Coat the cornflakes
Pour in the cornflakes and stir gently until every flake is coated. It’ll feel like you’re trying to herd cats, but keep at it.

Step 5: Shape the wreaths
Drop spoonfuls onto your lined tray. Use greased hands (or slightly damp fingers) to poke a hole in the middle. Perfect circles? Don’t stress it—lopsided wreaths have more personality anyway.

Step 6: Add the “berries”
Press three cinnamon red hots into each wreath before the mixture cools. Boom—instant holly berries.

Step 7: Let them cool
Leave them out until they firm up, then dig in. And yes, you absolutely get to “sample” one first.

Want To Save This Recipe?

Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox.

Storage Options:

These little wreaths hold up surprisingly well. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll last about a week. If you stack them, slip parchment between layers so they don’t weld themselves together. Refrigerating isn’t necessary unless your kitchen runs hot—but fair warning, they’ll get a little harder in the fridge.

Variations and Substitutions:

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Use mini M&M’s instead of cinnamon candies for a sweeter, less spicy wreath.
Swap in Rice Krispies or Fruity Pebbles for a fun twist (your kids will love the colors).
Add a drop of peppermint extract if you want a minty vibe.
Sprinkle on edible glitter if you’re aiming for “extra festive.”

What to Serve with Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies?

These cookies are the life of the party but play well with others:

Hot cocoa – Extra marshmallows on top, obviously.
Cookie platters – Sugar cookies, gingerbread, fudge… these wreaths fit right in.
Savory snacks – A salty cheese ball or spiced nuts help balance all the sugar.
Holiday drinks – Eggnog, sparkling cider, or coffee if you need something to cut the sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yep. They’ll keep for several days, which makes them perfect for holiday prep.

They’re too sticky to shape! What now?
Grease your hands with butter or cooking spray. Trust me, it’s a game changer.

Do I really need the food coloring?
Nope. They’ll taste exactly the same without it. You can always jazz them up with sprinkles instead.

And that’s it—your messy, festive, wonderfully nostalgic Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe. They’re easy, they’re fun, and honestly, the imperfections are part of the charm. Isn’t that kind of what Christmas baking’s all about?

So, tell me—do you think you’d make these for a big holiday party, or are they more of a “cozy kitchen with family” kind of cookie in your house?

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

The Perfect Anti-Crabby Cake to Make Any Day Better!

Creamy Reuben Soup

Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler