The holiday season isn’t complete without colorful, festive desserts that bring cheer to every table. While classic cookies and cakes always hold their charm, Christmas wreaths stand out as both edible décor and delicious snacks. Shaped like miniature wreaths, these treats combine crispy cereal, melted marshmallows, and bright green coloring to capture the spirit of the season. Add a few red candies for “berries,” and you’ve got a no-bake holiday dessert that doubles as a centerpiece.

What makes Christmas wreaths especially wonderful is their simplicity. They come together in less than 30 minutes, require no oven, and can be decorated however your imagination allows. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing for a holiday party, or simply craving something sweet, this recipe will quickly become a holiday tradition in your home.

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Ingredients (with Detailed Measurements)

To make about 18–20 wreaths, you’ll need the following:

½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter
30 large marshmallows (approx. 10 oz / 285 g) or 5 cups (250 g) mini marshmallows
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 ½ cups (120 g) cornflakes cereal (or a similar crispy flake cereal)
½ teaspoon green gel food coloring (adjust for desired shade)
Red cinnamon candies, red mini M&Ms, or red sprinkles for decorating
Nonstick cooking spray or extra butter for greasing hands and utensils

Optional:

1 tablespoon corn syrup for a shinier finish
Holiday sprinkles for variety

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Instructions (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Grease two baking sheets or line them with parchment paper. Lightly butter a spoon or spatula to prevent sticking later. This step makes shaping much easier.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the marshmallows and stir continuously until smooth. Remove the pan from the heat immediately after the marshmallows are fully melted.

Step 3: Add Flavor and Color

Stir in the vanilla extract. Next, mix in the green food coloring until you achieve a bright, even shade. If you want darker green, add a little more gel food coloring.

Step 4: Fold in the Cereal

Pour the cornflakes cereal into the pan. Gently fold with a buttered spatula until every flake is coated in the marshmallow mixture. Work quickly, as the mixture becomes sticky and stiff as it cools.

Step 5: Shape the Wreaths

With buttered hands (or disposable gloves sprayed with cooking spray), scoop small handfuls of the mixture and drop them onto the prepared baking sheets. Shape each mound into a round wreath, leaving a small hole in the center. Continue until all the mixture is used.

Step 6: Decorate the Wreaths

While the wreaths are still warm and sticky, press red candies onto them to resemble holly berries. Add sprinkles or edible glitter for extra sparkle.

Step 7: Cool and Set

Allow wreaths to cool completely at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes. Once firm, they’re ready to serve or store.

Tips for Perfecting Christmas Wreaths

Use fresh marshmallows: Stale marshmallows don’t melt smoothly and can create a lumpy texture.
Don’t overheat the mixture: Keep the heat low to prevent the marshmallows from hardening once cooled.
Work quickly: The mixture sets fast. Have everything—cereal, candies, and baking sheets—ready before you begin.
Grease your tools: Lightly coat your spoon, spatula, and hands with butter or nonstick spray to avoid a sticky mess.
Uniform size: Use a measuring cup or ice cream scoop to portion evenly sized wreaths.

Conservation and Storage

Christmas wreaths keep well when stored properly:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Refrigerator: Not recommended, as cold air can make them too hard.
Freezing: If needed, freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Pro tip: If wreaths lose softness, place a slice of fresh bread in the container. The cookies absorb moisture and stay tender.

Variations

One of the joys of Christmas wreaths is how customizable they are. Here are some creative twists:

Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over cooled wreaths for extra indulgence.
Fruity Cereal Swap: Replace cornflakes with colorful cereals like Fruity Pebbles for a playful version.
Minty Touch: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the melted marshmallow mixture for a cool holiday flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a certified gluten-free cornflake cereal.
Mini Wreaths: Shape smaller wreaths for bite-sized treats—perfect for parties or cookie platters.
Bow Decoration: Pipe a small bow with red frosting at the base of each wreath for a polished look.

Serving Suggestions

Christmas wreaths are as versatile as they are festive. Here are some ways to serve them:

On a holiday dessert tray: Pair with gingerbread men, sugar cookies, and fudge for a colorful display.
Gift giving: Wrap individual wreaths in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for an easy edible gift.
Table décor: Use wreaths as edible napkin rings or place settings at holiday dinners.
Kids’ activity: Let children help decorate with candies and sprinkles. It doubles as a fun holiday craft.
With warm drinks: Serve alongside hot cocoa, mulled wine, or coffee for a cozy treat.

Conclusion

Making Christmas wreaths is as much about creativity as it is about flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and a little imagination, you can whip up festive treats that double as decorations. Their chewy texture, sweet marshmallow base, and crunchy cereal make them irresistible to kids and adults alike. Even better, they’re quick, no-bake, and endlessly customizable.

Whether you stick to the traditional green-and-red look or experiment with new flavors and styles, Christmas wreaths will brighten your holiday table and add a touch of edible magic to the season. So gather your ingredients, butter your hands, and shape a batch of these cheerful treats—because no holiday celebration is complete without them.

How to Make Christmas Wreaths: A Festive Holiday Treat

Author: Eleanor
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 18–20 wreaths 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Christmas wreaths are no-bake holiday treats made with cornflakes, marshmallows, and butter, shaped into festive wreaths and decorated with red candies. Quick, simple, and fun for kids and adults alike, they double as both a dessert and edible décor.

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup (113 g / 1 stick) unsalted butter
30 large marshmallows (about 10 oz / 285 g) or 5 cups (250 g) mini marshmallows
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 ½ cups (120 g) cornflakes cereal
½ teaspoon green gel food coloring (adjust for color)
Red cinnamon candies, red mini M&Ms, or sprinkles (for berries)
Nonstick cooking spray or extra butter for greasing

Optional:

1 tablespoon corn syrup (for glossy finish)
Holiday sprinkles for added décor

Instructions

Prepare pans: Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease. Butter a spoon or spatula to prevent sticking.
Melt base: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir constantly until completely smooth. Remove from heat.
Color & flavor: Stir in vanilla extract, then add green food coloring until evenly tinted.
Fold cereal: Gently fold in cornflakes until fully coated with marshmallow mixture. Work quickly before it sets.
Shape wreaths: With buttered hands, scoop small portions onto prepared sheets. Form into rounds with a hole in the center, resembling wreaths.
Decorate: While still warm, press red candies or sprinkles on as berries.
Set: Allow to cool and firm for 20–30 minutes at room temperature. Serve once hardened.

Notes

Keep heat low to prevent marshmallows from stiffening.
Work quickly—the mixture sets fast.
For consistent size, use a measuring cup or scoop.
Add candies while still warm so they stick.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 wreath
Calories: 145 kcal
Sugar: 14 g
Sodium: 80 mg
Fat: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 10 mg

Keywords: Christmas wreath recipe, no bake holiday treats, cornflake wreaths, Christmas marshmallow wreath cookies