Dessert

Marshmallow Christmas Wreaths

Add a festive pop of color to your holiday table with a quick and easy recipe for Marshmallow Christmas Wreaths!

Author: Kelly Senyei

4.71 from 17 votes

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings 24 treats

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Ingredients 

• ▢ 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• ▢ 30 large marshmallows (about 3 cups)
• ▢ 1 Tablespoon green food coloring
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ 4 cups cornflakes
• ▢ Cinnamon red-hot candies
• ▢ Cooking Spray

Instructions 

• Step 1: Melt the Butter. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. It’s crucial to keep the heat low and consistent to prevent the butter from browning or burning, which could impart an undesirable flavor to your finished wreaths. Stir occasionally to ensure even melting.
• Step 2: Add Marshmallows. Once the butter is completely melted and clear, add all 30 large marshmallows to the saucepan. Continue to stir constantly with a sturdy wooden spoon or a heat-resistant spatula. Keep stirring until the marshmallows have fully melted into a smooth, glossy, and gooey mixture with no lumps remaining. Constant stirring is essential to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensure an even consistency.
• Step 3: Color and Flavor. Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat to stop the cooking process. Quickly add the green food coloring and the vanilla extract to the hot marshmallow mixture. Stir vigorously and thoroughly until the color is evenly distributed throughout the mixture, creating a uniform, vibrant green hue. Ensure no streaks of white or pale green remain.
• Step 4: Incorporate Cornflakes. Pour the 4 cups of cornflakes directly into the vividly green marshmallow mixture in the saucepan. Using your wooden spoon or spatula, gently yet efficiently fold the cornflakes into the mixture until they are completely and evenly coated with the sticky marshmallow. Work quickly but carefully to avoid crushing the cereal too much, preserving its crisp texture.
• Step 5: Prep Your Work Surface. Lay a large piece of parchment paper or wax paper flat on your counter or a clean surface. Lightly spray the entire surface of the paper with cooking spray. This non-stick surface is absolutely crucial for easy handling and shaping of the sticky wreaths, ensuring they don’t adhere to your workspace.
• Step 6: Shape the Wreaths. Working quickly while the mixture is still warm and pliable (it sets fast!), scoop out small, even portions of the cornflake mixture. To prevent sticking, lightly spray your hands with cooking spray before handling each portion. Form each scooped portion into a small, compact mound. Then, use your thumb, a greased finger, or a small greased round cookie cutter to create a hole in the center, shaping it into a perfect festive wreath. Place the formed wreaths onto the greased parchment paper, leaving some space between each.
• Step 7: Decorate and Set. While the cornflake wreaths are still warm and slightly soft, quickly and carefully place the cinnamon red-hot candies on top of each wreath. Arrange them to resemble bright, festive holly berries. Gently press them into the marshmallow mixture just enough so they adhere securely. Allow the wreaths to cool completely at room temperature (this might take 30-60 minutes). Cooling helps them set and become firm, ready for serving.
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Nutrition

Calories: 80kcal, Carbohydrates: 11g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 10mg, Sodium: 42mg, Potassium: 7mg, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 200IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 1mg, Iron: 1.4mg

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Tips for Crafting the Perfect Marshmallow Wreaths Every Time

Even though this recipe is incredibly simple, a few expert tips can ensure your Marshmallow Christmas Wreaths turn out perfectly festive and delicious every single time:

• Work Quickly and Efficiently: The marshmallow mixture begins to set and stiffen quite rapidly as it cools. It’s paramount to have all your ingredients measured, equipment ready, and your workspace prepared (with greased parchment paper!) before you even start melting the butter. Speed is your friend when it comes to shaping these wreaths.
• Grease Everything Liberally: Marshmallow is notoriously sticky. To avoid a frustrating, messy experience, lightly and thoroughly coat your hands, your mixing spatula or spoon, and any cookie cutters you might use with cooking spray. This is the absolute secret to mess-free handling and beautifully shaped wreaths.
• Maintain Low Heat for Melting: When melting the butter and marshmallows, always keep your stovetop heat setting on low. High heat can easily scorch the marshmallows, leading to a burnt taste, a grainy texture, and a harder, less pleasant consistency in the final product. Gentle heat ensures a smooth, gooey base.
• Use Fresh, Crispy Cereal: For the most appealing texture, it’s vital to use fresh, uncrushed cornflakes. Stale cereal will result in dense, chewy wreaths that lack that desirable crispness. Check the expiration date and ensure your cereal box is sealed tightly.
• Avoid Overmixing the Cereal: Once you add the cornflakes to the marshmallow mixture, mix just enough to ensure all the cereal is evenly coated. Overmixing can break down the delicate cornflakes, leading to a denser, less airy wreath and compromising its texture.
• Ensure Consistent Sizing: For a uniform and attractive presentation, try to scoop out roughly equal portions of the mixture for each wreath. Using a measuring cup (like a 1/4 cup or 1/2 cup) to portion the mixture before shaping can help achieve consistent sizes.
• Allow Ample Cooling Time: While it’s tempting to dig in immediately, allowing the wreaths to cool completely at room temperature is essential. This allows the marshmallow to fully set, resulting in firm, perfectly chewy treats that hold their shape.

Creative Variations and Customizations for Your Holiday Wreaths

While the classic vibrant green and red wreath is undeniably charming and a holiday staple, there’s no need to limit your creativity! These Marshmallow Christmas Wreaths are incredibly versatile, inviting you to experiment with different flavors, colors, and toppings to match any holiday theme or personal preference. Here are some fun ideas to inspire your next batch:

• Experiment with Different Cereals: Don’t feel confined to cornflakes! While they offer a unique crunch, you can certainly try other cereals. Classic Rice Krispies would return to a more traditional base, but Cheerios could offer a softer texture, or even frosted flakes for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Play with Color Swaps: The green is iconic, but consider other festive hues! Try red wreaths with white “berries” (perhaps mini marshmallows or white chocolate chips) for a candy cane theme. Or, create snowy white wreaths (skip the food coloring) and adorn them with a medley of colorful sprinkles for a playful winter wonderland effect.
• Toppings Galore: The cinnamon red-hots are perfect, but the decorating possibilities are endless! Beyond cinnamon red-hots, consider enhancing your wreaths with:
  • Mini chocolate chips or festive-colored M&M’s for a different flavor profile.
  • An assortment of Christmas-themed sprinkles for extra sparkle and fun.
  • A delicate drizzle of melted white, dark, or even colored chocolate for an elegant touch.
  • Small dried cranberries, chopped candied cherries, or festive gummy candies for varied textures and flavors.
  • Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes sprinkled on top for a refreshing minty twist and holiday aroma.
  • Finely chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for an earthy crunch.
• Create One Giant Communal Wreath: If you’re short on time, need a larger centerpiece, or prefer a more communal approach to dessert, skip shaping individual wreaths. Instead, press the entire marshmallow-cereal mixture into one large circle on a greased baking sheet or serving platter. Once set, friends and family can simply pull off pieces as they please. It makes for a fun, interactive, and less time-consuming centerpiece!
• Other Holiday Shapes: Get even more creative by using greased holiday-themed cookie cutters (stars, trees, gingerbread men, bells) to cut out different festive shapes instead of just wreaths. This is especially fun if you’re making them with children.

Storage Instructions for Optimal Freshness

To ensure your delightful Marshmallow Christmas Wreaths remain fresh, perfectly chewy, and delicious for as long as possible, proper storage is key. Follow these simple guidelines:

• Use an Airtight Container: Once your wreaths have completely cooled and set at room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container. This is crucial for preventing them from drying out and becoming stale.
• Store at Room Temperature: It’s important to store these treats at room temperature. Do not refrigerate them, as the cold air can cause the marshmallows to harden and become unpleasantly stiff, significantly impacting their wonderful chewy texture.
• Optimal Shelf Life: When stored correctly in an airtight container at room temperature, these Marshmallow Christmas Wreaths will remain fresh and delightfully chewy for up to 3-4 days. For the absolute best texture and flavor, we recommend enjoying them within the first 2 days of preparation.
• Layer with Parchment Paper: If you need to stack multiple layers of wreaths in your container, place a sheet of parchment paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marshmallow Christmas Wreaths

Got a few questions bubbling up about making these wonderfully festive treats? We’ve gathered some common queries and provided clear, helpful answers to ensure your baking (or rather, no-baking) experience is a success!

Can I use mini marshmallows instead of large ones?

Yes, absolutely! Mini marshmallows work just as well and are often preferred for their faster melting time. A standard 10-ounce bag of mini marshmallows is generally equivalent to about 30 large marshmallows (or approximately 3 cups), so you can use them interchangeably with the quantity specified in the recipe. Just keep a closer eye on them as they melt more quickly.

How do I prevent the marshmallow mixture from sticking to my hands while shaping?

This is a very common challenge with marshmallow treats! The best and most effective trick is to lightly and thoroughly spray your hands with cooking spray before you begin shaping each wreath. You can also dampen your hands with a little water, but cooking spray typically works better and provides a longer-lasting non-stick barrier. Reapply as needed.

Can I make these Marshmallow Christmas Wreaths ahead of time for a party?

Yes, absolutely! These are excellent make-ahead treats, which makes them perfect for busy holiday planning, parties, and gifting. They can be prepared 1-2 days in advance of when you plan to serve them. Just ensure they are stored correctly in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness and texture.

Why are my finished wreaths hard instead of wonderfully chewy?

If your wreaths turn out hard rather than chewy, it’s usually due to one of a few common issues. The most frequent culprits are cooking the marshmallows at too high a heat or for too long, which can cause them to become brittle. Ensure you melt the marshmallows over low heat and remove them from the stove as soon as they are smooth and fully melted. Using fresh, crispy cereal also plays a role in achieving the desired soft-chewy texture.

Can I use natural food coloring to make them green?

You can certainly try using natural food colorings! Keep in mind that natural options, such as those derived from spinach or spirulina, might not achieve the same vibrant, intense green hue as artificial food colorings. You may need to use a larger quantity to get a noticeable color, and some natural colorings might impart a subtle flavor to the treats. Always test a small amount first if you’re concerned about color or taste.

What if I don’t have cinnamon red-hot candies? What can I use instead?

No problem at all! You can easily substitute the cinnamon red-hot candies with other festive red toppings. Small red M&M’s, red sprinkles, tiny dried cranberries (chopped if large), or even small pieces of red candied cherries would make excellent alternatives for the “holly berries” decoration.

The Perfect Festive Treat for Your Holiday Season

These Marshmallow Christmas Wreaths are more than just a dessert; they are a delightful invitation to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with ease, joy, and a touch of homemade magic. Their vibrant color, irresistible crispy-chewy texture, and charming festive decorations make them an instant classic for any holiday gathering. Whether you’re whipping them up for a school party, a cherished family celebration, a festive bake sale, or simply to enjoy a sweet, nostalgic moment with loved ones, this recipe promises smiles, satisfied cravings, and a dash of holiday cheer.

So, gather your simple ingredients, embrace the joyous spirit of the season, and create these charming, easy-to-make Christmas treats. They’re an effortless way to add a festive pop to your table and create lasting holiday memories that your family and friends will treasure. For even more delicious inspiration to complete your holiday menu, don’t forget to explore my favorite holiday cookie recipes!