Cornflake Wreath Cookies
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There’s nothing prettier for your Christmas cookie plate than these no bake Cornflake Wreath Cookies with mini M&Ms. Let the kids join in on the fun!
This Christmas is shaping up to be slightly different than past Christmases. I’ve found myself wondering what new traditions we can come up with since many celebrations and performances aren’t happening. I’m looking for little fill-in activities that we may love enough to do again some other Christmas, ya know?
Since we often cook together, my mind often goes to crafting with food (hello candy cane cookies). I hadn’t thought about cornflake Christmas wreaths in years but I knew this year this old fashioned recipe had to happen!
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- bright and festive
- not overly rich or sweet
- uses up leftover cereal or marshmallows
- fun edible craft for the kids to help with
- makes cookie platters more festive
Ingredients for Cornflake Wreath Cookies
You’ll need just 5 ingredients for this recipe:
- Large marshmallows. 40 marshmallows is about 5 cups. So if all you have is mini marshmallows, use about 5 cups.
- Butter. We use salted butter. The salted butter cuts down on the sweet just slightly. The amount of butter you add can increase slightly. The mixture will be sticky with only ¼ cup of butter, but the wreaths will be a little firmer when they set.
- Green food color. If you have gel color, it will give a deeper color to the marshmallows without adding as much. Liquid food coloring works well too though.
- Cornflakes. Any brand works!
- Mini red M&Ms. Buy the baking M&Ms that are teeny tiny if you can find them.
How to Make Cornflake Wreath Cookies
Just a warning…this recipe can be messy! Be prepared for that before you begin so you don’t get frustrated.
- In a large microwave safe bowl, melt together the marshmallows and softened butter. Melt for 1 minute, then stir and continue to melt in short intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is totally melted and combined.
- Add the green food coloring a few drops at a time until you reach the color you’d like.
- Add the cornflake cereal and mix until the cereal is totally covered in marshmallow mixture.
- Grease your fingers with butter (or spray with cooking spray). Just a warning that this is a little messy. 😊 It’s really sticky!
- Scoop up about ¼ to ⅓ cup of cornflake mix and pack into a ball. Place on a wax paper lined baking sheet. Use your finger to poke a hole in the center of the ball and spread it out, shaping it into a wreath.
- While the mix is still sticky, place 3 mini M&Ms together in one spot so that it looks like a bow. If for some reason the mix is no longer sticky, use a touch of frosting to stick the M&Ms on.
- Allow the mixture to set completely before serving or packing away later.
Alternative method for making: Pack a measuring cup (¼ cup or ⅓ cup) with the cornflake mixture, pressing the mix in, then release that onto wax paper and shape.
Recipe Variations
- Use flavored marshmallows.
- Add a touch of vanilla or peppermint extract for an extra kick.
- Use cinnamon red hots for the red bow.
- Pipe red frosting through a small tip to make a frosting bow.
- Use red food coloring in the winter and shape into Valentine’s Day hearts!
Cornflake Wreath Cookies
There's nothing prettier for your Christmas cookie plate than these no bake Cornflake Wreath Cookies with mini M&Ms. Let the kids join in on the fun!
Servings 12
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Ingredients
- 40 large marshmallows
- 1/4 cup salted butter* (softened)
- 5 cups cornflakes
- green food coloring
- mini red M&M candies for decorating
Instructions
- In a large microwave safe bowl, melt together the marshmallows and softened butter. Melt for 1 minute, then stir and continue to melt in short intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is totally melted and combined.
- Add the green food coloring a few drops at a time until you reach the color you'd like.
- Add the cornflake cereal and mix until the cereal is totally covered in marshmallow mixture.
- Grease your fingers with butter (or spray with cooking spray). Just a warning that this is a little messy. 😊
- Scoop up about ¼ to ⅓ cup of cornflake mix and pack into a ball. Place on a wax paper lined baking sheet. Use your finger to poke a hole in the center of the ball and spread it out, shaping it into a wreath.
- While the mix is still sticky, place 3 mini M&Ms together in one spot so that it looks like a bow. If for some reason the mix is no longer sticky, use a touch of frosting to stick the M&Ms on.
- Allow the mixture to set completely before serving or packing away later.
- Store in an airtight container for 2 days at room temperature or freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Notes
*You can add up to ¼ cup more butter if you’d like. This will make the wreaths easier to form, but they will also be a little softer (not as firm).
The calories shown are based on the recipe making 12 wreaths, with 1 serving being 1 wreath. Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the calories shown are just an estimate. **We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information.**
Nutrition
Calories: 165kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 159mg | Potassium: 18mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 424IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 3mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do cornflake wreaths stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Can you freeze cornflake wreaths?
You can freeze the wreaths for up to 6 weeks. If you freeze them, be sure to keep the container airtight. Do not open the container until they are fully defrosted.
Can you use vegan butter?
Yes! You can use vegan butter if you’d like.
Can you use rice krispies?
Yes! The christmas wreaths won’t have the same look, but you can use rice krispies if you’d like.
Like you I haven’t thought about these cookies in years. My aunt used to make them and it took all my will power not to just sit and eat them all. I will be adding these to my holiday treat list this year.
These are Perfect! She hit us nostalgia home run…❤️❤️❤️