It’s hard to believe that December is here. We’re in full holiday-swing—and at Allrecipes, that means baking up a storm. Our editors are filling up their cookie trays with Rosemary Shortbread Cookies, Ranger Cookie Bars, Eggnog Cookies, and so many more delicious treats.
But despite how fancy we get, it’s hard to beat the basics. Chocolate chip, sugar, and peanut butter cookies are the season’s MVPs. But I’m here to advocate for the addition of another simply yet classic cookie option: the Christmas Wreath.
Christmas Wreaths Are The Perfect Retro Addition To Your Cookie Plate
If you’re looking for the cutest, tastiest, and most festive addition to your holiday cookie plate—look no further. These Christmas Wreaths are not technically cookies, but are right at home with all your favorites. They’re crunchy, colorful, sweet, and texturally more interesting than many other holiday cookies.
If you can make Rice Krispie Treats, you can make these beautiful Christmas Wreaths. They are made with three main ingredients: butter, marshmallow, and corn flakes. A few drops of green food dye makes the treat look like a wreath, and cinnamon red hot candies stand in for the holly berries. And a smidge of both vanilla and almond extract add so much flavor and complexity to such a simple cookie.
Allrecipes/Victoria Jempty
My mom has been making Christmas Wreaths for as long as I can remember. Each year, she makes dozens and dozens of cookies to hand out to friends and family (and save for us to enjoy on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). But despite the variety of treats on her cookie plates—the wreaths were always the first to go.
Making (and eating) these treats is something I look forward to every year—even as an adult. It’s one of my favorite holiday traditions!
How to Make Christmas Wreaths
This is an easy no-bake recipe that’s sure to impress. Get your kids in on the fun—and make a tradition of it! It’s sure to become your family’s favorite Christmas cookie for years to come.
Allrecipes/Victoria Jempty
Start by melting butter in a small saucepan on the stove—or in a bowl in the microwave—then stir in marshmallows and cook until they’re melted. Remove from heat, add the food coloring, then stir in the cornflakes.
With lightly greased fingers, grab golfball-sized portions of the mixture. Flatten into a disc then use your fingers to make a hole in the middle to form wreath shapes. Adjust as needed, then decorate with candies while still hot.
Tips and Praise from the Allrecipes Community
- One Allrecipes member suggests making one giant wreath instead of several small individual wreaths. Slice and serve.
- “My Gram used to make these every year and I have continued to make them every year since she passed,” shared Allrecipes member Scott C. “Everyone loves these, not just kids! They taste great and obviously look great at Christmas gatherings. It’s not Christmas without these!”
- Scott C also recommended keeping a small bowl of water close by to dip fingers in while shaping the cookies so your fingers don’t get stuck in the mixture.
- “I started making these a couple of years ago because I thought it would add a nice pop of color to my holiday cookie tray,” shared an Allrecipes member. “Now people start asking when they are getting their cookies in the beginning of November! They are a big hit, and SO pretty and festive!”
- If cinnamon red hot candies are not your thing, try using mini red M&Ms
- “These cookies are really yummy, but what I like best about them is the vibrant color they lend to a cookie tray,” raved an Allrecipes user. “I make them every year!”