Wreath Cookies Holiday

Featured in Sweet Treats Everyone Will Love.

Do you recall crunchy cornflake bites from your childhood? They're back, wrapped in festive green and dotted with candy. No baking, just some sticky fun during the holidays!

Emily Watson
Updated on Wed, 02 Apr 2025 00:39:39 GMT
A bright green wreath of cornflakes with red-and-green candies plus marshmallows on a festive plate. Pin it
A bright green wreath of cornflakes with red-and-green candies plus marshmallows on a festive plate. | thefamilycooks.com

The Simplest Holiday Ring Treats You'll Ever Make

We began crafting these cute no-bake festive ring treats decades ago with my little ones and they've turned into our most cherished December custom. They need just 15 minutes to put together and call for only six basic items. Whenever I take these jolly green rings to a seasonal gathering folks are amazed by their cuteness. The crunchy cereal gives them that fantastic texture that has everyone grabbing another one.

A Seasonal Delight That Creates Happiness

What makes these treats so wonderful is their ease and appeal. My home fills with laughter when we make them because we don't need a hot stove – just plenty of sticky fun forming and adding decorations. The vivid green shade and red sweet garnishes make them look truly gorgeous on any winter treat display.

What You'll Need

  • Butter: This creates that mouthwatering rich flavor.
  • Marshmallows: These turn into the ideal sticky binding for our rings.
  • Cornflakes: The key to that fantastic crispy bite.
  • Green Food Coloring: Just enough to make them look like actual greenery.
  • Vanilla Extract: A tiny bit makes the flavor pop.
  • Red Candies: Small candy-coated chocolates or cinnamon candies work as darling decorations.

Making Treat Wonders

Melt Butter and Marshmallows:
Begin by melting your butter in a large pot on gentle heat then throw in marshmallows and mix until totally smooth.
Add Coloring and Vanilla:
Mix in your green food coloring and vanilla and stir until you achieve that lovely holiday green.
Mix with Cornflakes:
Gently combine those cornflakes until each bit gets covered in that marshmallow mixture.
Shape Rings:
Stuff your mixture into a buttered measuring cup drop onto your tray then form into rings with greasy fingers.
Decorate:
Push those red candies in fast while the mixture stays sticky then allow them to harden.

My Top Making Tips

Butter up your hands or get them slightly damp while molding these rings and you'll find it way easier. Don't wait too long to add those red candies so they'll stick well. I enjoy turning this into a group activity where my kids handle the decorating while I form the rings. Seeing their excited faces when they look at the finished treats is truly special.

The Ultimate Family Memory Creator

These adorable little rings have grown into such an important part of our winter celebrations. They're fast, simple, and always bring joy to everyone who sees them. The greatest thing is creating them together and watching the holiday fun happen right in our kitchen. They might be basic but they carry so much seasonal happiness in every single bite.

A plate of festive green rice cereal treats shaped like wreaths, decorated with red candies and white marshmallows. Pin it
A plate of festive green rice cereal treats shaped like wreaths, decorated with red candies and white marshmallows. | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's special about gel colors?
It brings a bold color without making things messy or soggy. Regular food coloring can work but might need more for that green pop.
→ How to avoid sticky hands?
Grease your hands or the cup with spray oil. Or keep your fingers damp while shaping them.
→ Can I freeze them?
They're best kept in a sealed box. Freezing messes up the texture when thawed, so it's better to make them fresh.
→ Can I substitute the cereal?
Cornflakes nail the wreath vibe, but any crispy cereal does the job. Just skip sugary ones to avoid over-the-top sweetness.
→ How long do they last crispy?
Store airtight, and they'll stay good for about three days, that is, if they aren't gone sooner!

Wreath Cookies Holiday

Cheerful no-oven treats made with cornflakes drenched in green marshmallows, styled into wreaths with candy sprinkles.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1/2 teaspoon vanilla flavoring.
02 A stick of butter, about 1/2 cup.
03 30 big marshmallows.
04 5 cups of cornflakes cereal.
05 6 drops of green food gel.
06 Nonstick spray.
07 Small red candies like mini M&Ms or cinnamon dots.

Instructions

Step 01

Lay down parchment or use a silicone sheet to cover a baking tray.

Step 02

Warm up butter and marshmallows in a microwave. Heat for 30 seconds at a time. Mix in food coloring, then vanilla. Stir until smooth and blended.

Step 03

Stir in cereal gently, making sure it’s evenly coated. Use a greased 1/4-cup measure to scoop. Place on tray, make a hole in the middle, then decorate with red candy pieces.

Step 04

Cool them completely and wait for them to firm up before handling.

Notes

  1. Keep your hands oiled or slightly wet while shaping.
  2. Freezing isn’t recommended. It changes the texture.
  3. Store in an airtight box and enjoy within 3 days.
  4. Gel-based colors give the best results.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl.
  • Parchment or baking mat.
  • Tray for baking.
  • 1/4-cup scoop.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Butter (dairy).
  • Corn (from cornflakes).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 207
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 29 g
  • Protein: 1 g