Name: Cornflake Wreath Christmas Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 cups marshmallows; 1/2 cup butter; 1 teaspoon green food coloring; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 4 cups cornflake cereal; 2.25 ounces red hot candy

Prep Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

20 mins

Servings:

6

These Christmas wreath cookies are the cutest addition to any holiday table, and they're incredibly easy to make. Perfect as an afternoon activity for the kids, they're just as festive as they are delicious.

The best part about these Christmas treats is that they're no-bake Christmas cookies, so the kids can make them on their own. All you need are mini marshmallows, butter, green food coloring, vanilla and almond extract, cornflakes, and red hot candies. Melt the marshmallows and butter in the microwave, give it all a good mix, and you're ready to start shaping and decorating.

Let the cookies cool and your wreaths are ready for display. These wreath cookies will be adorable at every school Christmas party or family gathering this season. Give them as party favors, bring some by to the neighbors, or leave them out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. There's plenty of cheer to go around with these festive Christmas wreath cookies.

Southern Living Cornflake Wreath Cookies on a platter to serve — Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Ingredients for Cornflake Wreath Christmas Cookies

To make these festive cookies, you'll need:

Marshmallows: Similar to their role in Rice Krispy squares, the marshmallow binds these cookies together.
Butter: Adds richness and a soft texture to the cookies. If using unsalted butter, consider adding a pinch of salt to the mix to balance the sweetness of the cookies.
Green food coloring: Use liquid or gel food coloring, in any shade of green you prefer.
Vanilla extract: Added for a hint of vanilla flavor.
Almond extract: Adds a subtle nuttiness. Can be left out or substituted with other extracts, if preferred.
Cornflake cereal: The base of the cookie; can be swapped with other types of cereal, but keep the look of the wreaths in mind when choosing the type.
Cinnamon candies: Such as Red Hots, or mini red M&M's, but feel free to brighten things up with any other color or candy you prefer for decorating.

Southern Living Cornflake Wreath Cookies ingredients — Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

How To Make Cornflake Christmas Wreaths

These cookies come together quickly, with the bulk of the prep time spent on the fun part—shaping and decorating. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

Step 1. Microwave the marshmallows and butter until melted.
Step 2. Add the green food coloring, vanilla, and almond extract; stir until smooth.
Step 3. Add the cornflakes; stir to coat the cereal.
Step 4. Shape wreaths and decorate with candy; cool before serving.

How Can I Make Those Perfect Wreath Shapes?

Depending on what you have on hand, there are a few ways to get cornflake wreaths with that perfectly round shape.

Cooking spray is your friend when it comes to shaping. Use a sprayed scoop or measuring cup to portion one cookie at a time for consistent sizes, pressing lightly to flatten with greased fingers. Use a small ring cutter, shot glasses, or the handle of a wooden spoon (also sprayed) to create centers. Round out the edges by rotating a sprayed round cookie cutter or drinking glass around each cookie.

Tips for Making Cornflake Wreaths With Kids

To successfully make these Christmas wreath cookies with kids:

Use mini marshmallows, which will melt faster than the jet-puffed variety.
Add small amounts of cereal to the marshmallow mixture at a time to ensure an even coating.
Your kids can do the mixing—just be sure they stir gently to avoid breaking up the cereal too much.
To keep the gooey cornflake mixture from sticking to the cookie cutter, spray the exterior of the cookie cutter with a non-stick cooking spray, such as PAM.

And remember: Sometimes it's more about the journey than the end result.

How To Store Cornflake Wreath Christmas Cookies

Store cooled wreaths in an airtight container, stacked between layers of parchment paper, in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to four days. Freeze for up to two months for longer storage.

More Festive Christmas Cookie Recipes You'll Love

Colorful cookies for your next cookie swap are right this way:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

cornflake wreath christmas cookies - southern living — Katie Sikora

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Ingredients

4 cups mini marshmallows
1/2 cup salted butter
1 tsp. green food coloring
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. almond extract
4 cups cornflake cereal
2 1/4 oz. cinnamon candies (such as Red Hots)

Directions

Melt marshmallows:

Place the marshmallows and butter in a large bowl. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Remove from microwave and stir. Microwave on high for 2 additional minutes or until completely melted.

Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Add food coloring and extracts:

Add the green food coloring, vanilla, and almond extract; stir until the marshmallow mixture is smooth.

Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Fold in cornflakes:

Add the cornflakes to the bowl, and gently stir to coat the cereal evenly with the marshmallow mixture.

Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Make the cornflake wreaths:

Shape the Christmas cookie wreaths around a round cutter on a baking sheet.

Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Remove round cutter, and place candy. Let cool.

Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless