Cornflake Wreaths
If you’re looking for a nostalgic treat that brings the magic of the holidays to life, these old-fashioned Cornflake Wreaths are a must-try. Passed down through generations, this festive recipe is a delightful blend of buttery marshmallow goodness and crispy cornflakes, shaped into charming wreaths adorned with red “berries.” Perfect for sharing, these wreaths add a pop of color and sweetness to any holiday dessert table.
Cornflake Wreaths
Making Cornflake Wreaths is a family-friendly activity that’s as fun as it is rewarding. The recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients like butter, marshmallows, and cornflakes, making it easy to whip up a batch without a trip to the store. The green food coloring gives the wreaths their signature holiday hue, while mini red M&Ms make the perfect finishing touch as “berries.” It’s a playful nod to classic holiday traditions that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
What makes this recipe so special is its old-fashioned charm. These treats have been a holiday favorite for decades, evoking memories of simpler times when festive sweets were made from scratch and shared with love. Whether you’re continuing a cherished tradition or starting a new one, Cornflake Wreaths are guaranteed to bring joy to your holiday celebrations.
What You Will Love About This Recipe
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Easy and Quick to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, these Cornflake Wreaths are ideal for busy holiday schedules. No baking is required, so even novice cooks can feel confident making them.
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Kid-Friendly and Fun: This recipe doubles as a holiday craft! Kids (and adults) will love shaping the wreaths and adding the red M&M “berries.” It’s a sweet way to spend quality time together.
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Timeless Appeal: The recipe’s old-fashioned charm will resonate with anyone who enjoys holiday traditions. These treats aren’t just delicious—they evoke heartwarming memories of simpler holiday celebrations.
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Festive Presentation: The bright green color and red accents make these wreaths a standout on any dessert table. They’re as much a decoration as they are a treat!
The History Of Cornflake Wreaths
The history of Cornflake Wreaths is rooted in mid-20th-century American holiday traditions. These treats likely emerged during the post-World War II era when processed foods like cereal and marshmallows became household staples. Recipes that transformed simple pantry items into creative, festive treats gained popularity as convenience foods flourished.
The idea for Cornflake Wreaths appears to have evolved from the classic Rice Krispies Treats, which were first introduced by Kellogg’s in 1939. Home cooks began experimenting with other cereals, like cornflakes, to create new variations. Adding green food coloring and shaping the mixture into wreaths was a whimsical way to celebrate the holidays. The red candies as “berries” added just the right festive touch.
Cornflake Wreaths quickly became a nostalgic favorite, passed down through generations as a fun, kid-friendly recipe that families could make together. Their enduring appeal lies in their simplicity, versatility, and ability to bring a little extra holiday cheer to dessert tables everywhere.
How to Make Cornflake Wreaths
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 40 regular size marshmallows (10 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1-1 ½ teaspoons green food color
- 4 ½ cups cornflakes cereal
- 36 mini red M&Ms
Directions
- Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir continuously until fully melted and smooth.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the vanilla, salt, and food color until well incorporated. Add the cornflakes and gently mix until the cornflakes are uniformly covered with the marshmallow mixture.
- Add scoops (approximately heaped ⅓ cup) of the covered cornflake mixture to the parchment lined baking sheets. Lightly spray your fingers with cooking spray and shape the cornflakes into a wreath shape.
- Immediately add three M&Ms to create a berry cluster on the wreath.
- Allow the wreaths to set before serving.
Tips Tricks and FAQs
1. Prevent Sticky Fingers
Shaping the wreaths can get sticky! Lightly spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray or rub them with a bit of butter before handling the mixture. This makes shaping much easier and less messy.
2. Work Quickly
The marshmallow mixture sets fast, so shape the wreaths and add the M&Ms while it’s still warm. If the mixture starts to harden, pop the saucepan back on low heat for a few seconds to soften it.
3. Achieve the Perfect Green
Start with a small amount of food coloring and gradually add more until you reach your desired shade of green. Gel food coloring works well for vibrant colors without watering down the mixture.
4. Use Parchment Paper
Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze and ensures the wreaths won’t stick.
5. Make Mini Wreaths
For bite-sized treats, use a smaller scoop to shape mini wreaths. These are perfect for party trays or gifting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cornflake Wreaths
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Cornflake Wreaths can be made a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can make the marshmallow mixture too firm.
2. Can I use a different cereal?
While cornflakes are traditional, you can experiment with other cereals like Frosted Flakes or Special K for a slightly sweeter or crunchier texture. Just be mindful that the shape and size of the cereal may affect the final look.
3. What if I don’t have mini M&Ms?
No problem! You can use red hots, small gumdrops, or even dried cranberries as substitutes for the “berries.”
4. How do I store leftovers?
Place the wreaths in a single layer in an airtight container, or separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature.
5. Can I make these without food coloring?
Absolutely! The food coloring is just for visual appeal. Without it, you’ll have golden wreaths that are still delicious and festive in their own way.
Cornflake Wreaths
These Christmas cornflake wreaths are the perfect cookie to add to any holiday treat tray. They are festive, full of color, and taste delicious. These are a vintage treat your Grandmother probably made and may invoke some really sweet memories for you. Bring a little old-fashioned to your holiday treats this year and enlist the help of your kids to make these.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 40 regular size marshmallows (10 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1-1 ½ teaspoons green food color
- 4 ½ cups cornflakes cereal
- 36 mini red M&Ms
Instructions
- Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir continuously until fully melted and smooth.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the vanilla, salt, and food color until well incorporated. Add the cornflakes and gently mix until the cornflakes are uniformly covered with the marshmallow mixture.
- Add scoops (approximately heaped ⅓ cup) of the covered cornflake mixture to the parchment-lined baking sheets. Lightly spray your fingers with cooking spray and shape the cornflakes into a wreath shape.
- Immediately add three M&Ms to create a berry cluster on the wreath.
- Allow the wreaths to set before serving.
Notes
Recipe and inspiration credit given fully to tastesbetterfromscratch.com
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
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