Description of this recipe
These Christmas Wreath Cookies are a delightful and festive treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. They are a no-bake recipe that combines the crunch of cornflakes with the sweetness of melted marshmallows, all shaped into adorable wreaths and adorned with red cinnamon candies. These cookies are not only easy to make but also a fun activity to involve the whole family in, especially during the busy holiday period. They’re visually appealing, taste amazing, and offer a perfect blend of textures and flavors that will surely be a hit at any Christmas gathering.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll absolutely adore these Christmas Wreath Cookies for several reasons. First and foremost, they are incredibly simple to make, requiring no baking at all. This makes them an ideal choice for those who are new to cooking or who want to whip up a quick and impressive dessert without the fuss of traditional baking. The recipe uses minimal ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. The combination of crunchy cornflakes and gooey marshmallows is a classic pairing that’s hard to resist, and the addition of cinnamon candies gives these wreaths a pop of color and a festive touch. These cookies are also highly customizable; you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Plus, their charming wreath shape makes them a beautiful addition to any holiday dessert platter, adding a touch of whimsy and cheer to your celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 50 large marshmallows (almost an entire 16-ounce package)
- 1 teaspoon green gel food coloring
- 4 ½ cups cornflake cereal
- ¼ cup red cinnamon candies
Preparation:
Step 1: PREP BAKING SHEET:
Begin by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Ensure the sheet is large enough to accommodate all the wreaths without overcrowding them.
Step 2: MAKE MELTED MARSHMALLOW MIXTURE:
In a medium or large heavy saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once the butter is fully melted, add the marshmallows to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step requires patience; keep the heat low to prevent the marshmallows from burning.
Step 3: ADD FOOD COLORING:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the green gel food coloring. Mix well to combine, ensuring the color is evenly distributed throughout the marshmallow mixture. The green food coloring gives the wreaths their distinctive Christmas hue. Adjust the amount of food coloring to achieve your desired shade of green.
Step 4: MIX IN CORNFLAKES:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cornflake cereal. Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the cornflakes. Gently stir until the cornflakes are well coated with the marshmallow mixture. Be careful not to crush the cornflakes while mixing; you want them to retain their shape and crunch.
Step 5: SHAPE WREATHS:
Drop a heaping teaspoon of the cornflake mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using your fingers or the back of a spoon, form the mixture into wreath shapes. Create a small hole in the center of each wreath to give it that classic wreath appearance. While the mixture is still warm and pliable, add the red cinnamon candies to the wreaths, pressing them gently into the surface. Arrange the candies to resemble berries or ornaments on the wreath.
Step 6: HARDEN AND SERVE:
Let the wreaths sit at room temperature for about an hour to harden. This allows the marshmallow mixture to set and the cookies to become firm. Once the wreaths are hardened, they are ready to serve. Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness and texture.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Very Easy
- Taste: Delicious
- Festiveness: High
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these Christmas Wreath Cookies as part of a holiday dessert platter.
- Package them in festive bags or boxes for gifting.
- Offer them as a sweet treat at Christmas parties or gatherings.
- Enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of milk.
- Use them as edible decorations on a Christmas-themed dessert table.
Tips:
- Use fresh marshmallows for the best results.
- Melt the butter and marshmallows over low heat to prevent burning.
- Gently mix the cornflakes to avoid crushing them.
- Work quickly when shaping the wreaths, as the marshmallow mixture can harden quickly.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
5 minutes (for melting marshmallows)
Total Time:
1 hour 20 minutes (including hardening time)
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 per cookie
- Protein: Approximately 1-2 grams per cookie
- Sodium: Approximately 50-75 milligrams per cookie
Conclusion
These Christmas Wreath Cookies are a simple yet delightful treat that perfectly embodies the spirit of the holiday season. Their ease of preparation, combined with their festive appearance and delicious taste, makes them a winner for any Christmas celebration. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity to do with your kids or a quick and impressive dessert to bring to a party, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, put on some holiday music, and get ready to create these charming and tasty Christmas Wreath Cookies. They are a perfect way to spread joy and sweetness during this special time of year. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers about this recipe
Q1: Can I use a different type of cereal instead of cornflakes?
A: Absolutely! While cornflakes provide a classic crunch and texture, you can certainly experiment with other cereals. Rice Krispies would be a great alternative for a similar texture, or you could try using puffed wheat or even a gluten-free cereal if you have dietary restrictions. Just be sure to choose a cereal that holds its shape well when mixed with the melted marshmallow mixture.
Q2: What can I use if I don’t have red cinnamon candies?
A: If you don’t have red cinnamon candies on hand, don’t worry! There are plenty of other options you can use to decorate your Christmas Wreath Cookies. Red M&Ms, dried cranberries, red sprinkles, or even small pieces of maraschino cherries would all work well. Get creative and use whatever you have in your pantry to add a festive touch to your wreaths.
Q3: How do I prevent the marshmallow mixture from hardening too quickly?
A: The marshmallow mixture can indeed harden quickly, especially if you’re working in a cool environment. To prevent this, keep the saucepan on low heat while you’re mixing the cornflakes and shaping the wreaths. This will help keep the marshmallow mixture pliable and easy to work with. If it does start to harden, you can briefly reheat it over low heat, stirring constantly, until it becomes smooth again.
Q4: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make these cookies ahead of time! They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. In fact, making them a day or two in advance can actually be beneficial, as it allows the flavors to meld together and the cookies to fully set. Just be sure to store them properly to maintain their freshness and texture.
Q5: Is there a way to make these cookies vegan?
A: Making these cookies vegan requires a few substitutions, but it’s definitely possible! First, you’ll need to find vegan marshmallows, which are available at many health food stores or online. Next, use a vegan butter substitute instead of regular butter. Finally, make sure your red cinnamon candies or other decorations are also vegan-friendly. With these simple swaps, you can enjoy a delicious and festive vegan version of these Christmas Wreath Cookies.
