Cornflake Wreaths: No-Bake Christmas Wreath Cookies

Cornflake wreaths are the retro Christmas treat that shows up on cookie trays every year. Melted marshmallows and butter are tinted bright green, stirred into crunchy cornflakes, and shaped into little wreaths with red candy “berries.”

They are chewy like a Rice Krispie treat, ready in about 30 minutes, and do not need an oven. They are also a great project for little helpers.

For more no-bake holiday fun, try my no-bake coconut snowballs, Christmas puppy chow, and chocolate peanut butter Christmas trees.

JUMP TO

• Why You’ll Love This Cornflake Wreath Cookies
• What Is Cornflake Wreath Cookies?
• Ingredients
• Kitchen Equipment
• Ingredient Tips
• How to Make Cornflake Wreath Cookies
• Expert Tips for Perfect Cornflake Wreath Cookies
• Delicious Variations
• What to Serve with Cornflake Wreath Cookies
• Storage Instructions
• Can You Make It Ahead?
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Estimated Nutrition
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Why You’ll Love This Cornflake Wreath Cookies

They are nostalgic, festive, and super easy.

No Baking

Everything melts on the stove.

Only 6 Ingredients

Pantry staples plus food coloring.

Kid-Friendly

Shaping wreaths is fun for kids.

Bright and Festive

They add instant color to any cookie tray.

Ready in 30 Minutes

Perfect for last-minute parties.

What Is Cornflake Wreath Cookies?

Cornflake wreaths, sometimes called Christmas wreath cookies or holly cookies, are a no-bake treat made like marshmallow cereal bars. The mixture is tinted green with food coloring and shaped into rings.

Red cinnamon candies pressed on top look like holly berries.

These no-bake treats have been a Midwestern Christmas favorite for generations. They are similar to Rice Krispie treats, but the cornflakes give them a crunchier bite and a shape that looks just like little evergreen wreaths.

They are one of the easiest holiday treats to make with kids, because there is no oven involved and every wreath can be shaped by hand.

Ingredients

this Idea!

Wreaths

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Unsalted butter	½ cup	Richness
Mini marshmallows	1 bag (10 oz)	Binder
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon	Flavor
Green gel food coloring	1 to 1½ teaspoons	Wreath color
Cornflakes cereal	6 cups	Crunchy texture

Decoration

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Red cinnamon candies (Red Hots)	About ¼ cup	Holly berries
Nonstick cooking spray	As needed	For shaping

Kitchen Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Silicone spatula
• Wax paper or parchment
• 2 baking sheets
• Spoons or a cookie scoop
• Disposable gloves (optional)

Ingredient Tips

Gel Coloring

Gel gives a deep green without extra liquid.

Fresh Marshmallows

Stale ones do not melt smoothly.

Do Not Crush the Cornflakes

Whole flakes give the leafy look.

Butter Your Hands

Or spray them to keep the mixture from sticking.

Candy Choice

Red Hots are classic; red M&M minis are milder for kids.

How to Make Cornflake Wreath Cookies

Step 1: Prep

Line two baking sheets with wax paper and lightly spray them.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows

Melt the butter in a large pot over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.

Step 3: Add Color and Vanilla

Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and green gel coloring until evenly bright green.

Step 4: Stir in Cornflakes

Gently fold in the cornflakes until fully coated.

Step 5: Shape the Wreaths

Working quickly, drop heaping spoonfuls onto the wax paper. With greased fingers, shape each into a ring with a hole in the center.

Step 6: Add the Berries

Press 3 red candies onto each wreath while still sticky.

Step 7: Set

Let stand 30 minutes until firm.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cornflake Wreath Cookies

Work Fast

The mixture firms up as it cools.

Keep Heat Low

High heat makes marshmallows tough.

Re-Warm if Needed

Set the pot over low heat for a few seconds if the mixture stiffens.

Use a Muffin Tin

Press into greased mini muffin cups for even wreaths.

Gloves Help

Food-safe gloves protect hands from the green dye.

Delicious Variations

Mini Wreaths

Make bite-size wreaths for parties.

Chocolate Drizzle

Drizzle white chocolate snow on top.

Sprinkle Wreaths

Use holiday nonpareils instead of red candies.

Rice Krispies

Swap half the cornflakes for crisp rice cereal.

Large Wreath

Shape a big wreath on a platter as a centerpiece.

What to Serve with Cornflake Wreath Cookies

Arrange them on a Christmas cookie tray or stack them in a festive box.

They are perfect for classroom parties and cookie swaps.

Set them on a white platter for the best color contrast, or tuck them into cellophane bags tied with red ribbon for classroom parties and neighbor gifts.

They also make a fun edible decoration on a gingerbread house or a holiday dessert board.

Storage Instructions

Storage Method	How Long	Best Practice
Room Temperature	5 days	Airtight, layers separated
Refrigerator	Not recommended	They get hard
Freezer	1 month	Layers separated with wax paper

Store in a single layer or separate layers with wax paper.

Thaw at room temperature.

Can You Make It Ahead?

Make the wreaths up to 3 days ahead.

Keep them airtight so they stay chewy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Hard Wreaths

Marshmallows overheated.

Too Sticky to Shape

Hands not greased.

Pale Color

Not enough gel color.

Candies Fall Off

Added after the mixture set.

Crushed Flakes

Over-stirring.

Estimated Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	110
Carbohydrates	19g
Protein	1g
Fat	4g
Saturated Fat	2g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	10g
Sodium	95mg
Cholesterol	10mg

Estimate per wreath, based on 24 wreaths.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Cornflake wreaths are a sweet, nostalgic part of Christmas baking. They are easy, colorful, and fun to make with kids.

Whip up a batch and bring a little retro holiday cheer to your cookie tray.

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