If you’re looking for a fun, festive treat that’s as charming to look at as it is delicious to eat, you’re going to absolutely love this Green Cornflake Wreaths for Christmas Recipe. I remember the first time I made these little beauties—my family went crazy! They’re crispy, sweet, and have that perfect pop of holiday color that instantly makes your kitchen feel merry. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to put together, making them a go-to for those last-minute cookie swaps or just a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy to Make: Even if you’re not a baker, you’ll find these wreaths straightforward and forgiving.
- Festive and Fun: The bright green color with red cinnamon candies instantly screams Christmas cheer.
- Kid-Friendly Activity: Great for involving the whole family, especially little hands in the kitchen.
- No Oven Needed: Perfect for when you want a sweet treat without heating up the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I love how simple and pantry-friendly this Green Cornflake Wreaths for Christmas Recipe is. These ingredients harmonize to create that perfect crispy, chewy texture with a festive flair. Just a heads up—using green gel food coloring makes the color really pop without watering down the marshmallow mix.
- Salted Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the marshmallows with the cornflakes.
- Mini Marshmallows: The sticky, sweet glue that holds everything together.
- Green Gel Food Coloring: Provides vibrant color—water-based works too, but gel is more vivid.
- Cornflakes: Gives wreaths their satisfying crunch and lovely texture.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: Essential for keeping your hands mess-free while shaping the wreaths.
- Small Red Cinnamon Candies: These make the perfect festive “berries” decorating the wreaths.
Variations
One of the things I love about the Green Cornflake Wreaths for Christmas Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to make them allergy-friendly or add a little twist, there’s lots of room for creativity here. Give your wreaths a personal spin—it’s part of the fun!
- Nut-Free Variation: I swap out the butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free twist, and it still holds beautifully.
- Change Up the Garnish: Sometimes I replace cinnamon candies with mini M&Ms or red chocolate chips—kids never complain!
- Seasonal Colors: If you want to switch it up after Christmas, try using different food colors for other holidays—you can make red hearts for Valentine’s Day!
How to Make Green Cornflake Wreaths for Christmas Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Space and Ingredients
Start by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper—this helps your wreaths set without sticking and makes clean-up a breeze. Measure out the cornflakes and set your candies nearby; everything should be within arm’s reach once the marshmallow mixture is ready because it cools quickly.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows with Green Tint
Gently melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat—patience is key here to avoid burning. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir slowly until everything turns smooth and gooey. Now the fun part—add seven drops of green gel food coloring and stir thoroughly until you’re left with a bright, festive green. Be sure to remove from heat promptly to prevent scorching.
Step 3: Fold in Cornflakes and Let Cool Slightly
Stir in the cornflakes until every flake is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture. This ensures each wreath gets that perfect crunch and sweetness. Let it cool for a couple of minutes just so it’s easier to handle but still pliable—this is a trick I discovered after burning my fingers more than once!
Step 4: Shape Your Wreaths with Ease
Spray your hands lightly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Grab about one-third cup of the mixture and roll it evenly into a log, then join the ends to form a wreath shape. Place each wreath onto your parchment-lined sheets. Trust me, keeping your hands sprayed makes this step way easier and less sticky.
Step 5: Decorate and Set
Press three small red cinnamon candies gently onto each wreath—these little “berries” add a festive burst of color and flavor. Let your wreaths sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to firm up. After that, they’re ready to enjoy or package as adorable holiday gifts!
Pro Tips for Making Green Cornflake Wreaths for Christmas Recipe
- Use Gel Food Coloring: I learned that gel color gives a vibrant green without affecting texture or adding liquid like water-based coloring does.
- Work Quickly but Carefully: Marshmallow mix hardens fast, so prepare everything first and keep hands sprayed with nonstick spray.
- Shape on Parchment Paper: This makes it easy to move wreaths around and stops them from sticking while they set.
- Don’t Overheat Marshmallows: Heating too high can burn them; melt gently over low heat for the best smooth consistency.
How to Serve Green Cornflake Wreaths for Christmas Recipe
Garnishes
I’m all about keeping it simple with these wreaths, but I often like to finish them with a light dusting of powdered sugar to mimic snow—looks extra festive! The red cinnamon candies on top add a spicy sweet note that perfectly balances the marshmallow sweetness.
Side Dishes
These wreaths pair wonderfully with a hot cup of cocoa or mulled cider—both warm drinks complement the crunch and sweetness. For a holiday party, a cheese platter with some salty nuts helps balance out the sugary treat.
Creative Ways to Present
When I’ve gifted these, I like to wrap each wreath individually in clear cellophane tied with a red or green ribbon—so cute and so doable last minute. For dinner parties, arrange them on festive platters with sprigs of fresh rosemary to mimic real wreath greenery. It makes such a charming centerpiece snack!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them crisp without getting stale. Avoid refrigeration—it tends to make them chewy and lets moisture sneak in.
Freezing
Freezing the wreaths works well if you want to prep in advance—wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. They retain their texture nicely.
Reheating
Since these are no-bake treats, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer a softer texture, a few seconds in the microwave (about 5–7 seconds) can slightly warm the marshmallow binding—but be careful not to melt the candies!
FAQs
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Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel for this recipe?
You can! Just keep in mind that liquid food coloring can add moisture, which might make the marshmallow mixture a bit softer and stickier. Gel food coloring is concentrated and won’t affect the texture, so it’s usually preferred for this kind of treat.
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What if I don’t have cinnamon candies for decorating?
No worries! Small red candies like mini M&Ms, red hots, or even red chocolate chips make fantastic substitutes. I’ve even used dried cranberries for a natural twist—just press them gently into the wreaths before they set.
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How can I prevent the marshmallow mixture from sticking to my hands?
Spraying your hands lightly with nonstick cooking spray before shaping is a game-changer, trust me. You can also work quickly and keep a damp towel nearby to wipe your hands if needed.
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Can I make these wreaths ahead of time?
Absolutely! They’re great made a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to make them weeks ahead, freeze as mentioned above and thaw before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Green Cornflake Wreaths for Christmas Recipe has become one of my holiday staples—it’s quick, cheerful, and makes for an unforgettable treat your whole family will love. I honestly can’t recommend it enough, especially if you want a simple activity to share with kids or a festive dessert that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to add a little homemade magic to your Christmas celebrations. You won’t regret it!
Print
Green Cornflake Wreaths for Christmas Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 15 wreaths
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These festive Cornflake Wreaths are a fun and easy Christmas treat, perfect for holiday parties or gifting. Made with melted marshmallows, cornflakes, and bright green food coloring, they are shaped into wreaths and decorated with red cinnamon candies to resemble traditional Christmas wreaths. No baking required, making them a quick and delightful holiday snack.
Ingredients
Wreath Mixture
- 4 Tbsp. salted butter
- 1 (10-oz.) package mini marshmallows
- 7 drops green gel food coloring or 1 tsp. water-based green food coloring
- 5 cups cornflakes
Decoration
- Nonstick cooking spray, for your hands
- 45 small red cinnamon candies
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the wreaths do not stick and have a clean surface to cool on.
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the mini marshmallows and cook, stirring continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth.
- Color and Mix: Add the green gel or water-based food coloring to the melted marshmallows, stirring until the color is evenly distributed throughout. Remove the pan from heat and immediately add the cornflakes, stirring until all are well coated with the green marshmallow mixture. Let the mixture cool slightly to make it easier to handle.
- Shape the Wreaths: Spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Take about 1/3 cup of the cornflake mixture and form it into an even log. Join the ends of the log to form a wreath shape. Place the shaped wreath on one of the prepared baking sheets. Repeat with the remaining mixture until you have about 15 wreaths.
- Decorate: Place 3 small red cinnamon candies evenly spaced around each wreath to mimic holiday berries.
- Set and Serve: Allow the wreaths to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, or until firm enough to hold their shape, before serving or packaging.
Notes
- Using nonstick cooking spray on your hands helps prevent the sticky mixture from clinging while shaping the wreaths.
- You can substitute red cinnamon candies with small red M&Ms or red sugar pearls if preferred.
- For a more intense green color, use gel food coloring rather than liquid.
- Store the wreaths in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for best freshness.
- This recipe is great for kids to help with shaping and decorating, making it a fun holiday activity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wreath
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
