There’s something undeniably festive about bite-sized treats shaped like holiday symbols, and this Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe has become a staple in my seasonal baking lineup. These colorful, crunchy wreaths are not only adorable but also delightfully simple to whip up—perfect for sharing with friends, family, or even the neighbors.

The image shows several small green wreath-shaped treats made from clusters of shiny green popcorn tightly packed together to form rounded rings. Each wreath is decorated with bright red round candies placed in groups of three to five on top, resembling holly berries. The wreaths sit on a white plate, which rests on a white marbled surface. Some sprinkles in red and green colors are scattered around the wreaths and plate, adding a festive touch. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Making these Christmas wreath cookies is one of those joyful kitchen moments where the process feels as festive as the end result. I love how quick it goes, plus it’s a fun activity to do with kids or friends while sipping holiday drinks!

Super simple ingredients: You probably already have everything on hand—no fancy pantry runs needed.
No baking required: These cookies come together in minutes with the microwave doing the heavy lifting.
Cute and customizable: Decorate with your favorite red candies to match your own holiday style.
Perfect size and texture: Crisp cornflakes mixed with gooey marshmallow create the ideal balance of crunch and chew.

This image shows a green wreath-shaped treat made of small, shiny green clusters with a textured, rough surface. The wreath has a round shape and sits on a white plate with a smooth edge. Scattered on top and around the wreath are small, bright red oval candies and short colored sprinkles in red and green, adding color contrast. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface that gives a clean and fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a key role in bringing these wreath cookies to life. From the buttery melt to the vibrant green coloring, everything combines in harmony for a festive holiday treat that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat.

Flat lay of a stick of pale yellow butter, a white ceramic bowl filled with large white marshmallows, a small white bowl holding vibrant green gel food coloring, another small white bowl with clear vanilla extract, a white ceramic bowl overflowing with golden cornflakes, and a small white bowl containing bright red candy-coated chocolates, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: Adds richness and helps melt the marshmallows smoothly, giving the cookies a satisfying base.
Large marshmallows: The glue that binds the cornflakes together while imparting that soft, chewy texture.
Green food coloring: Turns these treats into festive wreaths—gel works best if you want vibrant color without thinning the mixture.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, subtle flavor that rounds out the sweetness perfectly.
Cornflakes: Provides the all-important crunch—light enough not to overpower but sturdy enough to hold shape.
Red hot candies or red candy-coated chocolates: These serve as the beautiful “berries” decorating your wreath and add an extra pop of holiday cheer.
Cooking spray: Essential for greasing your hands or tools, making it easier to shape the wreaths without sticking.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love using this recipe as a base, but truthfully, the decorating is where I get creative. Sometimes I swap the red candies for tiny peppermint pieces or even edible glitter for holiday parties. You can easily make it your own and match your festive mood.

Variation: For a fun twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or peppermint extract to the marshmallow mixture to layer in festive flavors I adore during the holidays.
Diet-friendly tweak: Use gluten-free cornflakes if you need a gluten-free treat without compromising the crunch.
Kid-friendly swap: If you’re making these with kids, I recommend candy-coated chocolates like mini M&M’s as they’re less spicy than red hot candies.
Color variations: Experiment with different colors—red wreaths for a twist or blue and silver for a winter wonderland theme!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Melt Butter and Marshmallows

I melt the butter and marshmallows together in short 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring in between to prevent scorching. You want the mixture smooth but not too hot to handle. This part is key to get the gooey binder just right.

Step 2: Add Color and Flavor

Next, I stir in the green food coloring and vanilla extract to give it that vibrant Christmas wreath look and a hint of warmth. Using gel food coloring is my favorite because it gives a richer color without watering down the mixture.

Step 3: Mix in Cornflakes

Gently fold in the cornflakes, being careful not to crush them. This ensures every flake gets coated and your wreaths hold together but stay delightfully crunchy. If you rush this step, you might end up with soggy spots or broken flakes.

Step 4: Shape the Wreaths

I spray my hands or a ¼ cup measuring cup with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then pack the mixture firmly. After turning it out onto the sheet pan, I gently make a hole in the center with my damp fingers to get the classic wreath shape. Adding red candies as the “berries” is my favorite part—so satisfying to see them come to life.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few nuggets that help my Christmas wreath cookies come out perfect every single time. Small tweaks can make all the difference when it comes to texture, shaping, and appearance.

Use Gel Food Coloring: It provides a vibrant green without thinning your marshmallow mixture, ensuring your wreaths hold together well.
Handle with Greased or Damp Hands: Prevents sticky fingers and helps you shape the wreath holes beautifully without squashing the cornflakes.
Let Them Cool Fully: Be patient—cooling until firm is key to maintaining the wreath shape when you move or stack them.
Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Give each wreath some space so they don’t stick together while setting.

How to Serve Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe

Christmas Wreath Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love garnishing my wreaths with mini red M&M’s for a festive "berry" look because they add subtle sweetness and contrast beautifully with the green. Sometimes I sprinkle a little edible glitter over the top for a subtle sparkle that guests always comment on.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of cocoa or a fresh pot of holiday spiced tea. For holiday parties, I like to serve them alongside bowls of mixed nuts and fresh fruit for a colorful dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For extra cheer, I arrange the wreath cookies in a circular pattern on a festive platter, sometimes weaving fresh rosemary sprigs or holly branches around them to mimic evergreen wreaths. Wrapping individual cookies in clear cellophane tied with a red ribbon also makes a thoughtful homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover wreath cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain the perfect crunch and chew. I’ve found that keeping them in a cool, dry spot helps prolong their freshness for up to a week.

Freezing

When I freeze these cookies, I layer them with parchment paper between each wreath inside a freezer-safe container. Frozen, they keep well for about a month and thaw quickly at room temperature—no need for microwaving.

Reheating

These cookies are best enjoyed as is, but if you prefer them a bit softer, I gently warm them for 5-7 seconds in the microwave—just enough to make them a tad gooey without melting the candy decorations.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cereals besides cornflakes in this Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe?

Yes! While cornflakes provide the perfect crisp texture, you can substitute with Rice Krispies or another crunchy cereal. Just be aware that different cereals might change the texture and wreath shape slightly.

How do I prevent the marshmallow mixture from getting too sticky to handle?

Greasing your hands or the measuring cup with cooking spray before shaping the wreaths is essential. If it still feels sticky, dampen your fingers lightly with water. Working quickly before the mixture cools can also help manage stickiness.

Can I prepare the marshmallow mixture on the stovetop instead of the microwave?

Absolutely, melting the butter and marshmallows over low heat in a saucepan works well too. Stir constantly to prevent burning and remove from heat once smooth before adding coloring and vanilla.

What other decorations can I use on these wreath cookies?

Feel free to get creative! Sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or edible pearls can add extra holiday flair. Just choose decorations that will hold up well and complement the marshmallow sweetness.

Final Thoughts

These Christmas wreath cookies hold a special place in my heart because they're a sweet shortcut to holiday spirit that everyone loves. They’re simple enough to make any day merry and bright without the usual fuss—and trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s hard not to make them every year. So grab your marshmallows and cornflakes, and let’s spread some festive cheer, one wreath cookie at a time!