Here's a fun tutorial on how to make Holly Wreath Cookies for Christmas! But you could try this recipe for ANY Holiday! These treats are so easy and so delicious, your family and friends will eat them all up! Trust us, we know. :)
Master Elites also tint marshmallows so well, you will be blown away! Master Elite Food Colors (shop here) are INCREDIBLE food colors! They tint royal icing, buttercream, fondant and yes ... MARSHMALLOWS! You use them as you would gel food colors, but they are many times stronger than gel food colors! Scroll down for all of the education on how to use Master Elites!
Recipe For Cornflake Holly Wreath Cookies
What you'll need:
INGREDIENTS
- 1 stick of butter (unsalted)
- 7 oz marshmallows
- 3 cups of corn flakes
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- Vibrant Food (or Gel) Colors (Master Elite Violet Used Here!)
- You can use Gel or Master Elites for this tutorial!
- You can use Gel or Master Elites for this tutorial!
- Red Mini M&M's (or you could use cinnamon candies) for the "berries."
- 100% Edible Glitter (Rainbow DiamonDuse Used Here!)
SHOP PRODUCTS USED
Rainbow Edible Glitter
$9.00
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Emerald Food Color
$6.00
OUR EMERALD GREEN FOOD COLOR IS THE PERFECT GREEN FOR YOUR CAKES AND COOKIES! MASTER ELITES ARE POWDER FOOD COLORS, INTENDED TO COLOR ROYAL ICING, FONDANT, BUTTERCREAM, MACARON BATTER, CAKE BATTER AND MORE! KEEP IN MIND, MASTER ELITES ARE NOT… read more
Holly Wreath Cookies: A Festive No-Bake Treat
Nothing says holiday cheer quite like holly wreath cookies! These delightful treats are a holiday classic, loved for their vibrant color, chewy texture, and charming appearance. Made with cornflakes, marshmallows, and a splash of green color, holly wreath cookies capture the festive spirit with ease. Whether you’re baking with family or preparing treats for a holiday party, these no-bake cookies are simple, fun, and incredibly festive.
Ingredients for Perfect Holly Wreath Cookies
Making holly wreath cookies is wonderfully straightforward, requiring just a handful of ingredients:
- Cornflakes: These provide the crispy, crunchy texture that mimics the look of holly leaves.
- Marshmallows: Essential for creating the chewy, gooey base that holds the cookies together.
- Butter: A small amount of butter adds richness and helps bind the ingredients.
- Green Master Elite (or Gel) Food Color: Use a high-quality, vibrant green color to achieve that iconic holly hue.
- Red Mini M&M's or Cinnamon Candies: These act as “holly berries,” adding a pop of color and a hint of chocolate (or spice) to each wreath.
How to Make Holly Wreath Cookies: Step-by-Step
Creating these cookies is as easy as melting, mixing, and shaping. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Melt the Marshmallow Mixture
In a large pot, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they’re completely melted and smooth. This creates a sticky, gooey base that holds the cornflakes together.
Step 2: Add the Green Master Elite Food Color (Or try our VIBRANT Gel Color!)
Emerald Green Gel Food Color
$5.00
Emerald Green Gel Food Coloring For Cakes and Cookies This Emerald Green Gel Food Color is incredible for your cakes and cookies! Achieve a vast array of emerald green tones from just one bottle of these gel colors in your… read more
Once the marshmallows are melted, add green food color a few drops at a time, stirring until you reach a vibrant, festive green. It’s essential to use The Sugar Art colors (whether it's Gel or Master Elites) for strong pigmentation.
Step 3: Fold in the Cornflakes
Remove the pot from heat and gently fold in the cornflakes, coating each flake evenly with the green marshmallow mixture. Take your time with this step to avoid crushing the cornflakes, as whole flakes give the cookies their characteristic texture.
Step 4: Shape the Wreaths (if you want to)
Or you can just make large Holly Wreath Treats like we did in the video above!
To make the wreath shape - Using a spoon, drop small mounds of the mixture onto wax paper or a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly grease your fingers or the back of a spoon, and press each mound into a wreath shape by creating a hole in the center. We did not shape ours like a wreath, but you can certainly do this easily!
Working quickly is key, as the marshmallow mixture will start to set.
Step 5: Decorate with Red Berries
Press two or three red cinnamon candies onto each wreath while the mixture is still warm. These candies mimic holly berries, adding a charming holiday look and a slight cinnamon spice that complements the sweetness of the cookies.
Tips for Perfect Holly Wreath Cookies
Creating holly wreath cookies may be easy, but these tips will help ensure they turn out perfectly every time:
- Work Quickly: Once the marshmallows are melted and cornflakes are added, the mixture will start to set as it cools. Be prepared to shape the cookies right away for the best results.
- Use Gel Food Coloring or Dry Food Coloring: Gel food colors, like those from The Sugar Art, offer vibrant colors without altering the texture of the mixture. Avoid really liquid colors like at the grocery store, as they can thin out the marshmallow base.
- Prevent Stickiness: Lightly grease your fingers with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the marshmallow mixture from sticking as you shape the cookies.
- Customize the Shape: While the classic wreath shape is traditional, you can also shape the mixture into holly leaves or small clusters for variety.
Creative Variations for Holly Wreath Cookies
While classic holly wreath cookies are always a hit, there are ways to get creative with the recipe:
Add Shimmer with Edible Glitter: Sprinkle edible glitter or luster dust over the cookies for a sparkling, frosted effect. This adds a touch of elegance to your holly wreath cookies and makes them stand out on a holiday dessert table.
White Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies once they’ve set. The sweetness of white chocolate complements the cinnamon candies and adds a beautiful contrast to the green wreath.
Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, to the cornflake mixture for added texture. This variation gives a slightly nutty flavor and adds a bit of crunch.
Use Different Cereal: Try substituting rice cereal for a different texture and appearance. While it won’t have the exact look of holly leaves, it offers a crispy, chewy bite that’s equally enjoyable.
Presentation Ideas for Holly Wreath Cookies
Holly wreath cookies are visually stunning and make a perfect addition to any holiday celebration. Here’s how to present them beautifully:
Festive Platter Display: Arrange the cookies on a festive holiday platter, layering them in a circular pattern to mimic a large wreath. Place a few sprigs of real holly or evergreen branches around the platter for added holiday spirit.
Gift-Wrapped Goodies: Place a few in cellophane bags, tie them with a red or green ribbon, and add a small holiday tag. These make wonderful gifts for neighbors, teachers, or coworkers.
Holiday Cookie Exchange: These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie swaps. Their bright color and unique shape will stand out among other treats, and they’re easy to transport without damaging the shape.
Add to a Dessert Board: Include on a dessert charcuterie board with other holiday treats, like peppermint bark, gingerbread men, and sugar cookies. The colorful cookies add a pop of green and red, making the board festive and inviting.
Storing and Serving Holly Wreath Cookies
Holly wreath cookies are easy to store, and they taste great for days after making. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
Room Temperature Storage: Place the cookies in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to one week. Be sure to separate layers with wax paper to prevent them from sticking.
Freezing for Longer Storage: If you’d like to make holly wreath cookies ahead of time, you can freeze them. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with wax paper, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving Tips: Serve holly wreath cookies with a warm cup of cocoa, tea, or coffee for a cozy treat. These cookies also pair well with a holiday dessert wine or spiced cider, making them a versatile addition to any holiday gathering.
Making Holly Wreath Cookies a Family Tradition
This no-bake recipe is simple enough for kids to help with, whether they’re stirring in the cornflakes, shaping the wreaths, or adding the cinnamon candy “berries.” The process of making and decorating these cookies creates lasting memories and can become an annual tradition that everyone looks forward to.
As you gather to make holly wreath cookies, don’t forget to turn on some holiday music and enjoy the moment. Baking these treats can be as joyful as the season itself, and the memories you create will make them taste even sweeter.
For more holiday baking ideas and to find high-quality gel colors and edible glitter that make these treats even more magical, visit The Sugar Art. Happy holidays, and enjoy creating these festive, delicious holly wreath cookies!
New to Master Elite Food Colors? Here's loads of information on this collection:
There's definitely a learning curve to using Master Elites in all the various sugar art ingredients, and we have LOADS of tutorials for you right here on TheSugarArt.Com :) For all other Master Elite Food Colors, you will need very little product. Follow the link below for all demonstrations / tutorials where we teach you how to activate your Master Elites in various ingredients!
Master Elites in Macaron Batter
Master Elites in Swiss Meringue Buttercream
Master Elites in American Buttercream (scroll down on this page)
Master Elites to Achieve Vibrant Red Royal Icing
Master Elites in Ganache (only chocolate medium it can work with, due to the heavy cream) Master Elites CANNOT color straight white chocolate.
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