Festive Cornflake Wreath Cookies
Bring the magic of the holiday season to your kitchen with these delightful Festive Cornflake Wreath Cookies. This long-loved recipe has been a cherished tradition in my family for years, especially when my kids were young. Each year, we create these sweet, crunchy wreaths adorned with vibrant red candies, bringing back memories of laughter, joy, and the spirit of Christmas. Perfect for holiday cookie trays or as a fun activity with family, these wreaths are sure to be a hit at any gathering, making them a must-have addition to your festive celebrations!
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1/3 cup (unsalted, melted)
Regular marshmallows
1 (10 ounce) package (or 4 cups miniature marshmallows)
Green food coloring
1 teaspoon (liquid)
Corn flakes
6 cups (plain or lightly sweetened)
Red cinnamon candies
as needed (for decoration)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
2
Once the butter is melted, add the marshmallows to the saucepan and continue stirring until they are completely melted and smooth.
3
Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the green food coloring until the mixture is evenly colored.
4
Add the corn flakes to the melted marshmallow mixture. Gently fold the cereal in until it's well coated, being careful not to crush the flakes.
5
Lightly coat a 1/4 cup dry measuring cup with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Scoop out portions of the warm cereal mixture and use buttered fingers to shape them into wreaths on parchment-lined baking sheets.
6
Decorate each wreath with red cinnamon candies, pressing them gently into the mixture to secure.
7
Allow the wreaths to cool completely and set before transferring them to your holiday cookie trays.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Festive Cornflake Wreath Cookies?
They are a sweet and crunchy no-bake holiday treat made with marshmallows, corn flakes, and green food coloring, shaped to look like Christmas wreaths.
Are these wreaths a no-bake recipe?
Yes, these cookies are made on the stovetop and do not require any oven baking.
What ingredients are needed for Festive Cornflake Wreath Cookies?
The ingredients include butter, marshmallows, green food coloring, corn flakes, and red cinnamon candies.
How much butter is required?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of unsalted butter.
What type of marshmallows can I use?
You can use one 10-ounce package of regular marshmallows or 4 cups of miniature marshmallows.
What provides the green color for the wreaths?
One teaspoon of liquid green food coloring is added to the melted marshmallow mixture to create the festive green color.
What kind of cereal is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 6 cups of plain or lightly sweetened corn flakes.
What are the red candies used for?
Red cinnamon candies are used as decorations to represent holly berries on the green wreaths.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 16 individual wreath cookies.
Is the butter melted over high or low heat?
The butter should be melted over low heat to prevent burning.
When should I add the green food coloring?
Stir in the green food coloring after the butter and marshmallows are completely melted and the pan has been removed from the heat.
How do I ensure the corn flakes don't get crushed?
Gently fold the corn flakes into the marshmallow mixture instead of stirring vigorously.
What tool can I use to portion the wreaths?
A 1/4 cup dry measuring cup is ideal for scooping out consistent portions.
How do I prevent the mixture from sticking to the measuring cup?
Lightly coat the measuring cup with cooking spray before scooping the cereal mixture.
How do I shape the mixture into wreaths?
Scoop portions onto parchment paper and use your fingers to form a circle with a hole in the center.
What should I put on my fingers to help with shaping?
Using buttered fingers will prevent the sticky marshmallow and cereal mixture from clinging to your hands.
What kind of baking sheet preparation is needed?
You should line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies do not stick.
How do I secure the red cinnamon candies?
Press the red cinnamon candies gently into the warm mixture while shaping the wreaths so they stay in place as they cool.
When should I move the cookies to a tray?
Wait until the wreaths have cooled completely and are fully set before transferring them to a serving tray.
Can I use sweetened corn flakes?
Yes, you can use either plain or lightly sweetened corn flakes depending on your preference.
What category of cookie is this?
These are classified as drop cookies, though they are shaped by hand.
Is this a good recipe for kids?
Yes, this is a family-friendly recipe that is a great activity for children to help with shaping and decorating.
Can I use gel food coloring?
While the recipe specifies liquid, gel food coloring can also be used; just adjust the amount to reach your desired shade of green.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe calls for unsalted, but salted butter can be used if you prefer a slightly salty-sweet flavor profile.
How long do these take to cool?
They typically take about 30 to 60 minutes to cool completely and set firm at room temperature.
What is the texture of these cookies?
They have a crunchy texture from the corn flakes and a chewy, sticky texture from the marshmallows.
Are these suitable for holiday cookie trays?
Absolutely, their vibrant green and red colors make them a perfect decorative and delicious addition to any holiday platter.
How should I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crunch.
Can I substitute the red cinnamon candies?
Yes, you can use red M&Ms or red icing if you do not like the taste of cinnamon candies.
Is it okay to double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to make 32 wreaths, but you may need a very large saucepan to hold the cereal.