Cornflake Wreaths Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun, festive treat that’s super quick to whip up and guaranteed to wow your family (and guests), then you’re in the right place! This Cornflake Wreaths Recipe is one of my absolute favorites during the holiday season — it’s crunchy, sweet, and just a little bit nostalgic. Plus, it’s as cute as it is delicious, making it perfect for gifting or bringing to a party. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my best tips for making these charming little wreaths come out perfect every single time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here lies in super simple ingredients that you might already have on hand. The mini marshmallows act as the glue that brings everything together, and the cornflakes add just the right crunch. Plus, the green food coloring is what makes these so visually festive — don’t skip it if you want the full holiday effect!

• Salted Butter: Using salted butter adds a nice balance to all that sweetness.
• Mini Marshmallows: These melt perfectly and evenly coat the cornflakes.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a splash enhances all the flavors.
• Green Food Coloring: Go easy and add a little at a time until you get the festive shade you want.
• Cornflakes: Use classic cornflakes for the best crunch and shape.
• Cinnamon Imperials (Red Hots): These little red candies are the perfect pop of color on your wreaths — mini M&Ms also work if you prefer.

Variations

One thing I love about this Cornflake Wreaths Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. You can tweak colors, candies, or even the cereal for a delightful twist every time you make it. I often customize depending on my mood or what we have in the pantry.

• Different Food Coloring: I’ve tried using blue or red coloring for other holidays, and they turn out just as fun and festive.
• Alternative Candies: Sometimes I swap cinnamon imperials with tiny chocolate chips or colorful mini M&Ms for a sweeter, less spicy finish.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap cornflakes for a gluten-free cereal, and this treat remains just as crispy and yummy.
• Spiced Wreaths: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the marshmallow mixture for a warm flavor twist.

How to Make Cornflake Wreaths Recipe

Step 1: Melt Butter and Marshmallows

Start by gently melting the butter in a large pan over medium heat — you want it completely melted but not browned. Then, add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they fully melt into a smooth, glossy mixture. This is the sticky base that holds your wreaths together, so don’t rush it! If you let the heat get too high, the marshmallows can burn, so keep a close eye and stir steadily.

Step 2: Add Flavor and Color

Once your marshmallow mixture is melted, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract with green food coloring. I usually add about half a teaspoon of the food coloring at first and then add more to reach that perfect Christmas green. Stir continuously — the more you stir, the more the color blends beautifully into the marshmallow mixture.

Step 3: Fold in Cornflakes

Now the fun part! Pour in the cornflakes little by little and gently fold them into the sticky marshmallow mixture. You want to coat every flake evenly, but be careful not to crush the cereal. When the flakes are well coated, your base mixture is ready for shaping. I always add a bit more cornflakes if the mixture feels too wet — the right texture is easy to mold but not crumbly.

Step 4: Shape and Decorate Your Wreaths

Butter your hands lightly to keep the mixture from sticking, then scoop out roughly 2-inch spoonfuls onto parchment paper laid on the counter. Shape each mound into a small wreath shape by pressing a hole in the center with your finger. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect wreaths — they’ll still look festive! Finally, embellish each wreath by pressing three cinnamon imperials (or your chosen candy) onto one side to mimic holly berries.

Step 5: Let Them Set and Store

Allow the wreaths to cool and set at room temperature — about 20 minutes should do. Once firm, you can transfer them to a covered container where they’ll keep fresh for up to five days, though I swear mine rarely last that long because they’re so addictive!

How to Serve Cornflake Wreaths Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these wreaths with cinnamon imperials because their spicy kick contrasts so nicely with the sweet marshmallow base. If you don’t have those, mini M&Ms or red candy-coated chocolate pieces make for equally adorable garnishes—and kids love choosing their own colors!

Side Dishes

These wreaths work beautifully alongside a cup of hot cocoa or spiced apple cider—perfect for chilly winter evenings. I also like serving them with other nostalgic treats like sugar cookies or peppermint bark for a festive dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests, try arranging the wreaths on a large platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly for that festive greenery touch. Wrapping each wreath individually in cellophane tied with a ribbon makes an adorable edible gift—my family always asks me to bring these to our holiday parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover wreaths in an airtight container at room temperature. That way, they stay crisp and chewy without getting too hard or sticky. Just make sure they’re fully set before sealing to prevent condensation inside the container.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these wreaths a couple of times (wrapped tightly in plastic wrap then foil) and they freeze surprisingly well. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature, and they’ll be just as tasty as fresh.

Reheating

Generally, these wreaths are best served at room temperature, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. If you want to soften them slightly, a few seconds in the microwave (around 5-7 seconds) does the trick—just don’t melt the candies!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cornflake Wreaths Recipe is a holiday classic in my house, and it always brings such a smile to everyone’s face. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy enough to make on a weekday afternoon but special enough to serve at Christmas parties or gift to neighbors. The combination of the buttery, sweet marshmallow coating paired with crunchy cornflakes is pure joy. I hope you enjoy making (and munching on) them as much as my family and I do—trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a holiday tradition for you too!

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