Festive No-Bake Christmas Wreath Cookies: An Easy 6-Ingredient Holiday Treat

Get ready to sprinkle some holiday magic with these incredibly charming and effortlessly simple Christmas Wreath Cookies. This delightful no-bake recipe requires just 6 ingredients, making it the perfect stress-free addition to your festive cookie tray. These vibrant green wreaths, adorned with cheerful red candies, are not only a feast for the eyes but also a joy for the taste buds, blending sweet marshmallows with the satisfying crunch of cornflakes.

The holiday season is synonymous with delicious treats, and these no-bake Christmas Wreath Cookies are sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. The entire family, from little ones to adults, will adore these tasty and visually appealing cookies. Their adorable appearance makes them a standout on any dessert table, while their heavenly taste keeps everyone coming back for more. The unique combination of crispy cornflakes enveloped in a sweet, gooey marshmallow mixture creates an irresistible texture that’s both fun and satisfying.

These festive Christmas treats are truly irresistible and stand out as one of the easiest Christmas desserts you can whip up. Beyond their simplicity, they offer a wonderful opportunity for family bonding. Kids especially love getting involved in shaping the wreaths and adding the bright red candy decorations. Alongside other family favorites like Shortbread Cookies and Christmas No Bake Cookies, these wreath cookies contribute to a vibrant and delicious holiday spread.

Why You Will Love These No-Bake Christmas Wreath Cookies:

These festive treats aren’t just pretty; they’re incredibly practical and enjoyable for a multitude of reasons:

• Minimum Ingredients: With only 6 simple ingredients, this recipe minimizes grocery shopping and kitchen fuss. You likely already have most of what you need in your pantry, making it a spontaneous sweet solution for unexpected holiday guests or a quick festive craving. Fewer ingredients also mean less measuring and less cleanup, which is a huge bonus during the busy holiday season.
• Perfect for Cookie Exchanges: Their unique wreath shape and bright green and red colors make them an instant showstopper at any cookie exchange. They’re visually striking, delicious, and distinctly festive, ensuring your contribution will be remembered and enjoyed by everyone. Plus, their no-bake nature means they travel well without the risk of crumbling like more delicate baked goods.
• Sweet and Salty Balance: The satisfying crunch of the cornflakes perfectly complements the sweetness of the marshmallows and the slight spice of the cinnamon candies. This harmonious blend of flavors and textures creates a truly addictive cookie that appeals to a wide range of palates. The subtle saltiness of the cereal cuts through the sweetness, preventing the cookies from being overly sugary.
• No Oven Required: Free up your oven for other holiday baking or dinner preparations! These cookies require absolutely no baking, making them ideal for small kitchens, hot climates, or when your oven is simply booked solid. This also makes them a fantastic project for younger aspiring chefs who can safely participate without hot appliances.
• Quick to Prepare: From start to finish, these cookies come together in a flash. The active prep time is minimal, and they just need a little chilling to set. This makes them a perfect last-minute treat for holiday parties or when you need a festive dessert in a hurry.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: This recipe is a fantastic activity for kids! They can help melt the marshmallows (with adult supervision), stir in the food coloring, and most importantly, shape the wreaths and add the red hot candies. It’s a hands-on experience that fosters creativity and creates lasting holiday memories.

Ingredients for Your Wreath Cookies

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful holiday treats. You’ll be amazed at how few items are needed to produce such a festive result.

Here’s what you’ll need for your adorable Christmas Wreath Cookies:

• Cornflakes Cereal: The backbone of these cookies, providing that signature crispy texture. Classic cornflakes work best for their neutral flavor, allowing the other festive flavors to shine.
• Butter: Essential for the rich flavor and smooth consistency of the marshmallow mixture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness, but salted butter can also work if that’s what you have on hand, simply adjust other salty elements if any.
• Mini Marshmallows: These melt down beautifully to create the sticky, sweet binder for your cereal. Mini marshmallows are preferred as they melt more quickly and evenly than larger ones.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla elevates the flavor profile, adding warmth and depth to the sweet marshmallow base. Don’t skip this for a truly delicious cookie!
• Green Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring is key for achieving that vibrant, deep green color that makes these cookies look like actual wreaths. Unlike liquid food coloring, gel provides intense color without adding excess moisture, which can alter the cookie’s texture.
• Cinnamon Candies (Red Hots): These small, fiery red candies are the perfect “berries” for your wreaths, adding a festive pop of color and a delightful hint of cinnamon spice.

For the complete, detailed list of ingredients with precise measurements and full instructions, please scroll down to the bottom of the post where you’ll find our printable recipe card.

Creative Variations for Your Holiday Wreaths

While the classic Christmas Wreath Cookie is perfect as is, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences or to add an extra special touch to your holiday spread. These variations allow for creativity and ensure these cookies never get boring!

• Cereal Substitutions: If you’re looking to change up the texture or flavor, consider other cereals. You can substitute frosted flakes for the corn flakes, but be aware that this will make the cookies considerably sweeter. Another popular and equally delicious option is to use Rice Krispies, which will result in a slightly lighter, more traditional “treat” texture. Ensure the cereal isn’t too crushed before mixing to maintain a good crunch.
• Alternative Candy Decorations: If the spicy kick of red hot candy isn’t to your liking, there are plenty of other festive options! Red mini M&M’s are a fantastic substitute, offering a chocolatey crunch and vibrant color. You could also use small red or green gumdrops, candied cherries (halved or quartered), or even small chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
• Sparkling Sprinkles: To make your cookies truly sparkle, top them with festive sprinkles! Christmas-themed sprinkles, edible glitter, or a simple mix of red and green jimmies can add an extra layer of holiday cheer. Apply them immediately after shaping, while the mixture is still warm and sticky, to ensure they adhere well.
• Elegant Candy Bows: For an extra special and sophisticated touch, craft tiny bows for each wreath using peel-and-pull Twizzlers (or similar red licorice strands). Simply cut the licorice into short pieces, shape them into small bows, and press them gently onto the top of your still-soft wreaths. This adds a beautiful, personalized detail to your Christmas treats.
• Flavor Boosters: Enhance the flavor by adding other extracts. A few drops of peppermint extract can give them a refreshing minty twist, perfect for the holidays. Almond extract or even a touch of rum extract could also add a unique depth of flavor.
• Added Texture: For those who enjoy more texture, consider folding in a handful of chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts are great for Christmas), mini chocolate chips, or even shredded coconut along with the cornflakes. This will make the cookies even more substantial and flavorful.

How to Make Christmas Wreath Cookies Step-by-Step

Creating these festive Christmas Wreath Cookies is a breeze! Follow these simple steps for a successful and delicious batch:

• Step 1: Prepare Your Work Surface. Begin by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. This crucial step prevents sticking and makes cleanup incredibly easy. Set this aside, as you’ll want it ready when your mixture is warm and pliable.

Step 2: Melt Marshmallows and Butter. In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the mini marshmallows and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval. This prevents scorching and ensures a smooth, evenly melted mixture. Continue until the mixture is completely melted and well combined. Once smooth, stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a lovely depth of flavor.

Step 3: Achieve Vibrant Green Color. Now it’s time to add the festive color! Stir the green gel food coloring into the marshmallow mixture. Mix vigorously until you achieve a bright, vibrant green hue reminiscent of real Christmas foliage. Don’t be shy; add more green food coloring if necessary to reach your desired rich shade. Remember, the color will be slightly lighter when mixed with cornflakes.

Step 4: Combine with Cornflakes. Gently fold the cornflakes cereal into the green marshmallow mixture. Use a spatula or spoon to combine until the cereal is thoroughly and evenly coated. Work quickly but carefully to ensure all cornflakes are covered before the mixture cools too much and becomes difficult to work with. The goal is a consistent green throughout.

Step 5: Form Wreath Shapes. Scoop spoonfuls of the warm cornflake mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. The mixture will be sticky, so spray your fingers generously with non-stick cooking spray (or rub them with butter) before you begin. Use your hands to gently shape each scoop into a small ring or “wreath” and create a hole in the center. Aim for consistent sizes for a uniform look. You can also use a greased cookie cutter for perfect circles.

Step 6: Decorate with Red Hots. Once you’ve formed each wreath, immediately add the cinnamon red hot candies to decorate. Press them gently into the still-soft mixture to ensure they stick. This is where your cookies truly come to life with their festive “berries.” Act quickly before the cookies set to prevent the candies from falling off.

Step 7: Cool and Set. Allow the Christmas wreath cookies to cool completely at room temperature until they are firm and hold their shape. This typically takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on the room temperature. If you’re in a hurry and need them to set faster, you can place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. Once firm, they are ready to be served and enjoyed!

Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Wreath Cookies

Achieving perfectly shaped and delicious Christmas Wreath Cookies is easy with a few insider tips:

• Always Prepare the Baking Sheet: These cookies are inherently sticky due to the marshmallow base, so proper preparation is paramount. Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking, makes them easy to remove, and simplifies cleanup, saving you time and effort.
• Opt for Gel Food Coloring: For the most vivid and beautiful green color, gel food coloring is highly recommended. Unlike liquid food coloring, gel is much more concentrated and will deliver a rich, deep hue without diluting your marshmallow mixture. A bright green makes these wreaths truly pop on your holiday table.
• Keep Hands Coated: To prevent the sticky marshmallow and cornflake mixture from adhering to your hands while shaping, generously coat your fingers with non-stick cooking spray. As an alternative, you can rub a small amount of butter all over your hands before you begin. This creates a barrier, allowing you to easily mold the wreaths without frustration.
• Adjust Food Coloring to Your Liking: Don’t hesitate to add more food coloring until you reach your desired shade of green. You want a rich, dark green that truly evokes a festive wreath, rather than a pale, washed-out color. Start with a few drops, mix, and then add more incrementally until you achieve perfection.
• Add Decorations Immediately: The marshmallow mixture sets relatively quickly as it cools. To ensure your red hot candies (or other chosen decorations like sprinkles) stick firmly to the wreaths, place them on immediately after you finish shaping each cookie. If you wait too long, the surface might harden, and the candies won’t adhere properly.
• Utilize Cookie Cutters for Uniform Shapes: If you find it challenging to form perfectly round wreaths with a consistent hole by hand, a cookie cutter or biscuit cutter can be your best friend. Simply spray the inside of your chosen cutter with cooking spray, place it on the prepared baking sheet, fill it with the cornflake mixture, and then use your finger or the end of a wooden spoon (also greased) to create the center hole. Carefully lift the cutter, and you’ll have a perfectly shaped wreath. This is especially helpful for creating uniform cookies for gifting or display.
• Work Efficiently: The marshmallow mixture will start to cool and harden as you work. It’s best to have all your ingredients and tools ready, and to work relatively quickly when shaping the cookies. If the mixture becomes too firm, you can microwave it for a few seconds (10-15 seconds at a time) to soften it slightly, but be careful not to overheat it.
• Patience is Key for Setting: Allow ample time for the cookies to set completely before stacking or serving. If they are still soft, they might lose their shape or stick together. Proper setting ensures they are firm, easy to handle, and look their best.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

More Easy Christmas Cookie Ideas:

If you’re looking to expand your holiday baking repertoire, here are more fantastic and easy Christmas cookie recipes that are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying with your loved ones:

• Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe
• Eggnog Cookies
• Christmas Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods
• Christmas Cowboy Cookies
• M&M Christmas Cookies
• Candy Cane Cookies

We are so excited for you to try making these adorable Christmas Wreath Cookies, especially with the kids! They are truly a highlight of the holiday season. Please come back and leave a comment once you’ve made them and let us know how much you enjoyed them!