Cornflake Christmas Wreaths Recipe

This nostalgic Cornflake Christmas Wreaths Recipe shapes the classic marshmallow treat into festive edible decor. Dyed a vibrant holiday green and studded with cinnamon candy “berries,” these crunchy, no-bake wreaths bring a touch of vintage charm and easy sweetness to your cookie platter.

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Cornflake Christmas Wreaths Ingredients

The Crunchy Base:

• 6 cups Cornflakes: The classic cereal provides the perfect “leafy” texture.
• One 16-ounce package Marshmallows: Melted down to create the sticky, sweet glue.
• 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps the marshmallows melt smoothly.
• 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract: For flavor depth.
• Green Gel Food Coloring: Gel is preferred over liquid to achieve a deep pine color without thinning the mixture.

The Decoration:

• Mini Round Cinnamon Candies: (Red Hots) act as bright holly berries.
• Red Sour Candy Roll-Ups (or Licorice Ropes): Cut into strips to form the bows.
• White Mini Nonpareils: For a snowy finish.

How To Make Cornflake Christmas Wreaths

1. Prep the Pans: Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper. Having this ready is crucial because the mixture sets quickly.
2. Melt: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the marshmallows and butter pieces. Microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals. Stir vigorously between each interval until the mixture is completely smooth and puffed. This usually takes about 90 seconds total.
3. Color and Flavor: Immediately stir in the vanilla extract and the green gel food coloring. Start with 10 drops and add more until you reach a deep, Christmas-tree green. Stir until the color is uniform with no white streaks.
4. Coat the Cereal: Pour the cornflakes into the green marshmallow mixture. Fold gently with a greased spatula. You want to coat every flake without crushing them into dust.
5. Shape the Wreaths: Pro Tip: Wet your hands with cold water or grease them with butter. Scoop a portion of the mixture and roll it into a 2-inch ball. Place it on the baking sheet. Use your finger to poke a hole in the center and gently stretch and mold the ring to look like a wreath. Repeat quickly for all 24 wreaths.
6. Decorate: While the wreaths are still sticky (work fast!), press 3 cinnamon candies into each one as holly berries. Loop a strip of sour candy or licorice into a bow shape and press it onto the wreath. Sprinkle lightly with white nonpareils to mimic fresh snow.
7. Set: Let the wreaths sit at room temperature for about 2 hours to firm up fully, or place the trays in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to speed up the process.

Recipe Tips

• Wet Hands are Key: Marshmallow mixture is incredibly sticky. Keep a bowl of water nearby to re-wet your hands between every few wreaths, or you will end up with green goop everywhere.
• Work Quickly: Once the marshmallow starts to cool, it hardens and becomes difficult to shape. Ideally, shape them all first, then go back and add the candies (using a dab of corn syrup as glue if they’ve dried too much).
• Gel vs. Liquid Dye: Liquid food coloring can make the cereal soggy. Gel coloring provides intense pigment without adding moisture, keeping the cornflakes crisp.
• Butter the Bowl: Before adding the marshmallows, grease your microwave-safe bowl with butter or cooking spray. It makes cleanup significantly easier.

What To Serve With Cornflake Wreaths

• Hot Cocoa: The cinnamon candies pair surprisingly well with chocolate.
• Eggnog: A classic holiday duo.
• Gingerbread Men: Plated together, they create a festive scene.
• Salty Snacks: Serve alongside pretzels or nuts to balance the intense sugar.

How To Store Cornflake Christmas Wreaths

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
• Refrigerate: You can store them in the fridge to keep them firm, but they are best eaten at room temp so they aren’t too hard on the teeth.
• No Freezing: Freezing makes the cornflakes soggy upon thawing.

Cornflake Christmas Wreaths Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 1g

Nutrition information is estimated per wreath.

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