Christmas Wreath Marshmallow Treats

Red and green should always be seen, especially in dessert form which is why these Christmas Wreath Marshmallow Treats look almost too cute to eat. Using cornflake cereal as sweet edible holly and a green glaze from melted marshmallows, these no-bake treats will be a guaranteed festive family favorite.

WHY WE LOVE THESE CHRISTMAS WREATH MARSHMALLOW TREATS

The holidays are no doubt the busiest time of year, so when there’s an option to make a no-bake dessert that’s simple, quick but delicious you don’t need to think twice. That’s where these irresistible, festive treats come in.

These Christmas wreath marshmallow treats are the cornflake cousin of our equally cute chocolate Rice Krispie gingerbread men. By mixing melted mallows and green food coloring, cornflakes are quickly transformed into candied holly leaves that are then shaped into miniature wreaths. 

The mini red M&M “berries” add the finishing touch and a pop of color that will brighten any holiday dessert table. Not only are these delectable desserts super quick to make, but thanks to this simple recipe, all ages can get involved in the crafting (and crunching!) If you're a fan of the no-bake approach, why not serve your marshmallow treats alongside these fudge stripe Christmas wreath cookies for extra festive fun. 

RECOMMENDED TOOLS TO MAKE CHRISTMAS WREATH MARSHMALLOW TREATS

• 2 large cookie sheets
• Parchment paper
• Large pot
• Measuring spoons
• Rubber Spatula

INGREDIENTS/SHOPPING LIST

• Non-stick cooking spray
• Unsalted butter
• Mini marshmallows
• Green food coloring
• Cornflakes cereal
• Mini red m&ms

HOW TO MAKE CHRISTMAS WREATH MARSHMALLOW TREATS FROM SCRATCH

1. Prep - Generously grease 2 large cooking sheets with non-stick cooking spray. 
2. Melt - In a large pot set over medium heat, melt butter.
3. Marshmallows -  Once melted, add marshmallows and green food coloring. Stir continuously until marshmallows are melted.
    
   
4. Cornflakes -  Remove the pan from heat and stir in corn flakes until fully coated.
    
   
5. Shape - Place quarter cup (or smaller if desired) sized dollops of mixture onto the cookie sheet. Spray clean hands with the non-stick cooking spray and form dollops into wreaths by making a hole in the center and flattening out the edges slightly.
6. Decorate - Place red M&M’s around the wreaths while still warm so they will stick.
    
   
7. Storage -  Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If storing, separate layers of wreaths with parchment paper or wax paper. 

TIPS AND VARIATIONS

• Finding individual wreaths too fiddly? Or if you prefer a more communal dessert, avoid shaping the cornflake mix into individual wreaths and make one large one instead. That way friends and family can cut off just a nibble or more if they wish.
• Fragile wreathes - Be careful not to make the hole in the center too big as this will make the wreathes thin and fragile. Chunky wreaths are best!
• Substitute - If you don’t have cornflakes to hand, Rice Krispies also work perfectly well in this recipe.
• Reshape - Instead of shaping into wreaths, you can also shape into triangles and turn these treats into trees.
• Coloring - Make sure to use a full teaspoon of food coloring otherwise your wreaths will turn out more grinch green than holly green.
• Work quick - You (and your little helpers) will need to work quickly when shaping the wreaths as the marshmallow mixture hardens quickly. Also, don’t delay in adding the M&M’s, you want to add them while the wreaths are still a little warm and sticky.
• Replace M&M’s - For some seasonal spice, replace M&M’s with Red Hots cinnamon candies

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT CHRISTMAS WREATH MARSHMALLOW TREATS

CAN I USE REGULAR MARSHMALLOWS INSTEAD OF MINI?

If you have a little more time on your hands, regular marshmallows are totally fine to use. The reason mini marshmallows are best for melting is that they melt more evenly and quicker than regular marshmallows.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO STORE THESE CHRISTMAS WREATH MARSHMALLOW TREATS?

Wait until they are cooled completely before transferring to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 week, any longer and they go too hard to enjoy. To avoid your wreaths merging in storage, use parchment paper or wax paper between each layer.

CAN I USE COOKIE CUTTERS TO SHAPE THE WREATHS INSTEAD OF MY HANDS?

If you prefer more uniform wreaths, you could use a cookie cutter for the round shape then a wooden spoon to form the hole. Note, however, that a cookie-cutter will crush some of the cornflakes which ruins the rustic, realistic look of the holly. For best results, apply non-stick cooking spray to clean hands and the marshmallow mix will shape easily without additional tools.

HOW DO I AVOID THE “BERRIES” FALLING OFF?

If you add the candy berries when the marshmallow mix is still warm they should stick on and stay. However, for extra security, you could melt a little chocolate or use frosting as “glue” to ensure they stay put.

Did you enjoy making (and eating!) these Christmas wreath marshmallow treats? Let me know in the comments below or on social media!

More Festive Recipes You'll Love

• No-bake fudge stripe Christmas wreath cookies
• Ombre gingerbread Christmas trees
• Grinch fudge
• Starbucks copycat cranberry bliss bars
• Christmas pinwheel Cookies

Print

Christmas Wreath Marshmallow Treats

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

5 mins

Total Time

20 mins

 

These Christmas Wreath Marshmallow Treats look almost too cute to eat. Using cornflake cereal as sweet edible holly and a green glaze from melted marshmallows, these no-bake treats will be a guaranteed festive family favorite.

Author: Jackie

Ingredients

• Non-stick cooking spray
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 5 cups mini marshmallows (heaped)
• 1 teaspoon green food coloring
• 6 cups cornflakes cereal
• ¼ cup mini red M&M's

Instructions

1. Generously grease 2 large cooking sheets with non-stick cooking spray.

2. In a large pot set over medium heat, melt butter.

3. Once melted, add marshmallows and green food coloring. Stir continuously until marshmallows are melted.

4. Remove the pan from heat and stir in corn flakes until fully coated.

5. Place quarter cup (or smaller if desired) sized dollops of mixture onto the cookie sheet.

6. Spray clean hands with the non-stick cooking spray. Form dollops into wreaths by making a hole in the center and flattening out the edges slightly.

7. Place red m&ms around the wreaths while still warm so they will stick.

8. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If storing, separate layers of wreaths with parchment paper or wax paper.