Cornflake Wreaths Recipe

Course: cookie, Craft, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 0

Set Time: 2

Total Time: 2 20

Servings: wreaths

Calories: 220kcal

Author: Becky Hardin

These easy Christmas cornflake wreaths are a fun holiday treat and craft for kids! Soft marshmallows and Corn Flakes cereal are shaped into festive no bake wreath cookies and decorated with RedHot “holly berries.”

Print Recipe

US Customary - Metric

Equipment

Kitchen Scale (optional)
Baking Sheet

Ingredients

4 cups mini marshmallows *
3½ tablespoons salted butter
2 teaspoons corn syrup **
Green food coloring
4 cups Corn Flakes cereal ***
½ cup RedHot candies ****

Instructions

Place the mini marshmallows into a large, microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring each time, until completely melted. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
4 cups mini marshmallows
Add the butter and corn syrup, and stir until combined.
3½ tablespoons salted butter, 2 teaspoons corn syrup
Add a few drops of green food coloring and mix until the marshmallows are all green.
Green food coloring
Place the cornflakes into a large mixing bowl. Spoon the marshmallow mixture over the cornflakes. Mix well until the cornflakes are completely coated with the marshmallow mixture. This may take several minutes.
4 cups Corn Flakes cereal
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray your hands with baking spray for ease of shaping.
Separate the cornflakes into 8 balls. Press a finger into the center of each ball to form the middle of each wreath and shape each wreath.
Place 3 Red Hot candies onto the top of each wreath. Let set, uncovered for 2 hours to allow the marshmallow to dry before serving.
½ cup RedHot candies

Notes

*If using regular-sized marshmallows, you'll need about 40.

**You can swap for honey or maple syrup.

***I like the texture and look of Corn Flakes best, but Frosted Flakes, Special K, or any other flake-style cereal will work.

****You can swap Red Hots for mini M&Ms, holiday sprinkles, or tiny chocolate chips. You can even drizzle with white chocolate for a snowy look.

Tips:

Make sure to stir the marshmallows well when melting. They will continue to cook so stirring them will ensure that they melt and become smooth.
Too much marshmallow and butter can make these cornflake wreaths sticky. Also, using marshmallow fluff in place of the marshmallows can make the cookies stickier than usual. To combat this, simply add a bit more cereal!
Start with a few drops of green food coloring, then add more as needed. The marshmallow mixture darkens slightly as it sets, so go a bit brighter than your target shade. Gel food coloring gives the most vibrant “holiday green.”
For a more all-natural approach to coloring, I recommend stirring in 2 tablespoons of matcha green tea powder!
Add Flavor: Stir in ½-1 teaspoon of vanilla, almond, or peppermint extract, or a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice into the melted marshmallows before mixing with the cereal. Avoid adding too much liquid, or the marshmallows may become sticky.
Incorporating the green marshmallow mixture into the cornflakes may be difficult to do completely with a spoon or spatula. To make it easier, you can spray your clean hands with baking spray and mix it by hand.
If your wreaths are too sticky to shape, chill the mixture for 2-3 minutes before forming. You can also use a greased cookie cutter (like a donut or circle cutter) to help shape uniform wreaths.
Easily shape wreaths in a greased donut baking pan!
Don't pack the cereal together too tightly when forming the wreaths, or they could turn out hard.
After forming the wreaths, be sure to let them firm up on a prepared cookie sheet. This will help the cookies stay intact when you go to serve them.
If gifting, wrap each wreath individually in cellophane to keep fresh and prevent sticking.

Stovetop Instructions: Melt the mini marshmallows, butter, and corn syrup in a large saucepan set over med-low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in green food coloring. Pour over the cereal in a large bowl and mix until fully coated.

Make-Ahead: Cornflake wreaths can be made 1 day in advance and stored in a single layer in an airtight container. Separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.

Storage: Store cornflake wreaths in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Nutrition