Description
These Christmas Wreath Cookies are a festive no-bake treat made with melted marshmallows, buttery cornflakes, and decorated with red cinnamon candies to resemble holly berries. Perfect for holiday celebrations, they are quick to prepare on the stovetop and shaped by hand into charming wreaths that bring holiday cheer in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 30 large marshmallows
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- green food coloring, several drops
Mix-In
- 4 cups cornflakes cereal
Decoration
- red cinnamon candies or mini red M&M’s for decoration
- nonstick spray or butter for hands
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the large marshmallows and stir continuously until they are completely melted and the mixture is smooth, ensuring it does not burn.
- Add Flavor and Color: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract along with several drops of green food coloring until the mixture achieves a vibrant green hue, perfect for festive wreaths.
- Mix Cornflakes: Gently fold in the cornflakes cereal, taking care to coat each piece evenly with the marshmallow mixture for consistent flavor and texture throughout.
- Cool the Mixture: Let the coated cornflakes mixture cool slightly so it becomes easier and safer to handle without losing stickiness, essential for shaping.
- Shape the Wreaths: Grease your hands with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking. Scoop about 1/4 cup of the mixture and shape it into a wreath directly on parchment paper. Use your fingers to gently form a hole in the center to create the wreath shape.
- Decorate: While the wreaths are still sticky, press three red cinnamon candies or mini red M&M’s onto each one to mimic holly berries, adding a festive touch.
- Set the Cookies: Repeat the shaping and decorating process with the remaining mixture. Allow the cookies to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes until firm enough to handle and serve or store.
Notes
- If the mixture becomes too firm to shape, gently warm it again on the stove to soften without overheating.
- For added festivity, pipe a red icing bow onto each wreath after they have set.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
