Grandma's Festive No-Bake Holly Cookies
Bring the warmth of the holidays into your kitchen with Grandma's Festive No-Bake Holly Cookies. This delightful and simple recipe takes you back to cherished Christmas memories spent with loved ones. The combination of gooey marshmallows, crunchy corn flakes, and vibrant green coloring creates a visually appealing treat that’s perfect for any cookie platter. The finishing touch of red cinnamon candies adds a pop of color and a comforting spice, reminiscent of the festive spirit. Enjoy these cookies as a nostalgic tribute to traditional holiday gatherings, and share them with family and friends for a sweet taste of Christmas magic.
N/A
Servings
74
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
margarine
6 (tablespoons)
regular-sized marshmallows
32
green food coloring
1 (teaspoon)
vanilla extract
1 (teaspoon)
corn flakes
3 (cups)
red cinnamon candies (Brach's Cinnamon Imperials)
90
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, melt the margarine and marshmallows together over low heat. Stir gently until the marshmallows completely dissolve into a smooth mixture.
2
Remove the pan from heat and carefully stir in the green food coloring and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the color is evenly distributed and no streaks remain.
3
Add the corn flakes to the marshmallow mixture, folding them in gently. Ensure that each flake is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture without crushing them.
4
Using a teaspoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a sheet of aluminum foil or parchment paper, allowing space between each cookie.
5
Gently press 3 red cinnamon candies into the center of each cookie. Let the cookies sit at room temperature until they firm up, about 30 minutes, before serving.
Nutrition Information
2.9g
Fat
11.4g
Carbs
0.3g
Protein
6.7g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Grandma's Festive No-Bake Holly Cookies?
They are a nostalgic holiday treat made with melted marshmallows, corn flakes, and green food coloring, shaped to look like holly leaves and decorated with red cinnamon candies.
Do I need an oven to make these cookies?
No, these are no-bake cookies that are prepared on the stovetop and set at room temperature.
How many marshmallows are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 32 regular-sized marshmallows.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can substitute 6 tablespoons of butter for the margarine.
What kind of cereal is used in Holly Cookies?
This recipe uses 3 cups of corn flakes cereal.
How long does it take for the cookies to firm up?
The cookies should sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to become firm.
What gives the cookies their festive green color?
One teaspoon of green food coloring is added to the melted marshmallow mixture.
How many calories are in one Holly Cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 74 calories.
What are the red decorations on top of the cookies?
The recipe uses red cinnamon candies, specifically suggested as Brach's Cinnamon Imperials.
How many red candies should I put on each cookie?
You should gently press 3 red cinnamon candies into the center of each cookie to resemble holly berries.
Is there vanilla in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is added for flavor.
What is the best way to melt the marshmallows?
Melt the margarine and marshmallows together in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring gently until smooth.
How do I prevent the corn flakes from breaking?
Fold the corn flakes into the marshmallow mixture gently to ensure they are coated without being crushed.
What surface should I drop the cookies onto?
You can use a sheet of aluminum foil or parchment paper.
How much fat is in each cookie?
Each cookie has 2.9g of fat.
Are these cookies high in sugar?
Each cookie contains 6.7g of sugar.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 11.4g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in these treats?
These cookies contain a small amount of protein, approximately 0.3g per serving.
Can I use mini marshmallows instead of regular ones?
Yes, you can use mini marshmallows; approximately 10 mini marshmallows equal 1 regular-sized marshmallow.
Do I need to refrigerate these cookies to make them set?
No, they will firm up at room temperature in about 30 minutes.
What tools should I use to portion the cookies?
A teaspoon or a small cookie scoop works best for dropping the mixture onto the foil.
When should I add the food coloring?
Add the food coloring after removing the melted marshmallow mixture from the heat, but before adding the corn flakes.
Can I add other extracts like peppermint?
Yes, replacing the vanilla with peppermint extract can provide an extra holiday flavor profile.
How should I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.
Are these cookies suitable for a holiday cookie exchange?
Yes, their festive appearance and easy preparation make them ideal for holiday platters and exchanges.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: margarine, marshmallows, green food coloring, vanilla extract, corn flakes, and cinnamon candies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, ensure you use a brand of corn flakes that is specifically labeled gluten-free.
What if the mixture is too sticky to handle?
Lightly greasing your spoon or cookie scoop with a little extra margarine can help the mixture slide off more easily.
How do I ensure the green color is even?
Stir the food coloring into the melted marshmallow mixture thoroughly until no streaks remain before adding the cereal.
Can I double this recipe for a large party?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients; just ensure you use a large enough saucepan to melt the marshmallows.