There’s something so joyful about biting into a sweet, festive treat, and this Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe brings all those cheerful holiday vibes to your kitchen. Soft marshmallows, crunchy cornflakes, and a pop of red candy make these wreaths just so irresistible—and fun to make together!

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

I love this Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe because it’s simple, festive, and perfect for holiday baking sessions with kids or friends. The combination of marshmallow sweetness and crunchy cornflakes is a holiday staple that never gets old—plus, decorating those little wreaths is half the fun!

Effortless Festive Fun: You’ll find yourself smiling as you shape and decorate these charming wreaths in no time.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry basics with a seasonal twist—no fancy baking skills needed.
Perfect for Gifting or Parties: These cookies look so cute you can gift them straight away or serve at holiday gatherings.
Customizable Decorations: Swap candies for any red sweets you love, making it your own signature cookie.

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

This recipe is a wonderful example of simple ingredients coming together to create something magical. Each component has its job: the butter and marshmallows bind the flakes, food coloring gives the unmistakable Christmas green, and those red candies add the perfect festive finish.

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, so the cereal sticks together well.
Large marshmallows: The sweet, gooey glue that holds everything in place, giving a soft chewiness that's addictive.
Green gel or liquid food coloring: I prefer gel because it’s more vibrant, but either works to transform the marshmallow mixture into a festive wreath color.
Vanilla extract: Just a hint to bring warmth and depth to that melty marshmallow flavor.
Cornflakes: The crunch that balances the marshmallow softness, creating that wonderful texture contrast.
Red hot candies or red candy-coated chocolates: These are your wreath berries. I love using little red M&Ms for a pop of color and a chocolate surprise.
Cooking spray: Essential for greasing your hands and measuring cup to shape the wreaths neatly.

📝

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 switching things up with this Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe depending on my mood or who I’m baking with. Sometimes we add a sprinkle of peppermint bits or swap cornflakes for crispy rice cereal for a lighter crunch. Don’t be afraid to make it yours!

Variation: One year, I replaced the red candies with little edible gold stars for a classy sparkle, which was a huge hit at our holiday brunch.
Dietary swap: Using gluten-free cornflakes works perfectly if you want to keep these wreaths gluten-friendly.
Flavor twist: Add a dash of almond extract for a subtle nutty note that pairs beautifully with the vanilla.

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

Step 1: Melt the Magic

First up, gather your butter and marshmallows into a big microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in 30-second bursts, stirring gently in between. This keeps things from overheating and ensures everything melts evenly into a glossy, luscious mix. It’s ready when you see a smooth marshmallow river, free of lumps.

Step 2: Go Green (and Vanilla Dream)

Now add your green food coloring and vanilla extract directly into that warm marshmallow mixture. Stir rigorously so the green spreads evenly—you want a vibrant, holiday-perfect hue. This step really heightens the festive feel, so take a moment to enjoy that gorgeous color.

Step 3: Coat Those Flakes

Pour in the cornflakes and gently fold them into the mixture, being careful not to crush the cereal too much. Each flake should be well-coated but still hold its shape—that crunch is the secret to these wreath cookies’ irresistible texture.

Step 4: Shape Your Wreaths

Grease your fingers and a ¼ cup measuring cup with cooking spray—it keeps the sticky mixture from clinging everywhere. Press the mixture firmly into the cup and turn it out onto a parchment-lined sheet. Using your damp fingers, create a small hole in the middle, forming that perfect wreath shape. Then, press red candies onto the wreath “berries.” This is the most fun step—getting creative! Make sure your fingers stay lightly sprayed to avoid stickiness.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Let your wreath cookies sit until completely firm—this usually takes about 30 minutes at room temperature. Once set, they’re ready to be devoured or wrapped up as gifts. Trust me, you’ll want to make extras!

Top Tip

I’ve made these Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe dozens of times over the years, and the tips below always help me get them just right—soft, colorful, and delicious every single holiday season.

Use Gel Food Coloring: If you want that rich, true green color without running the risk of adding extra liquid and messing up the texture, gel coloring is your best friend.
Grease Your Hands Well: Sticky marshmallow mix can be tricky—spraying your hands liberally with cooking spray keeps the shaping neat and stress-free.
Pack Firmly: Don’t be shy about pressing the mixture firmly into the measuring cup. Loosely packed wreaths fall apart easily.
Decoration Timing: Add your red candies before the mixture cools and sets to help them stick perfectly without rolling off.

How to Serve Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe

Christmas Wreath Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually stick with classic red candies—mini M&Ms or cinnamon-hot candies are my go-to because they add a bright pop of color and little bursts of flavor. Sometimes, I toss edible gold glitter or sugar pearls on top for extra sparkle when I’m feeling fancy!

Side Dishes

Pair these wreath cookies with a cozy cup of hot cocoa or a creamy eggnog for the ultimate holiday indulgence. They also work beautifully alongside a plate of spiced nuts or cranberry relish at holiday parties.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I arranged these wreath cookies in a circle on a festive platter with a real pine sprig in the center—everyone loved the look. Wrapping individual cookies in clear cellophane tied with red ribbon also makes an adorable gift or party favor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Christmas Wreath Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and fresh for about 3 to 4 days—perfect if you want to make a batch ahead and still have them taste homemade!

Freezing

I’ve frozen these cookies successfully by packing them in a single layer inside a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temp for about 30 minutes, and they’re good as new.

Reheating

Since these cookies are marshmallow-based, I recommend skipping the microwave reheating. Instead, let them come to room temperature, which brings out that delightful chewy texture without melting your decorations.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cereal instead of cornflakes?

Absolutely! Crispy rice cereal or even Cheerios can work, but cornflakes give the best texture contrast with their thin, crunchy flakes.

How do I make sure my wreaths hold their shape?

Make sure to pack the cornflake mixture firmly into the measuring cup before turning it out, and keep your fingers greased when forming the hole to prevent sticking and breaking.

Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute vegan butter and use vegan marshmallows to make this recipe dairy-free and vegan-friendly. Just choose cornflakes without added vitamin D if you're strictly vegan.

How long do these cookies last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these wreath cookies last up to four days, staying soft and chewy.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe has become a little holiday tradition in my home. It’s quick, joyful, and just so satisfying to see those green, candy-adorned wreaths come to life on the cookie sheet. Whether you’re baking solo or with loved ones, I promise these cookies bring that extra festive sparkle. Give them a try—you'll be hooked!