There’s something truly magical about holiday treats that sparkle with color and bring instant cheer. This Festive Green Marshmallow Wreath Cookies Recipe is one of those simple, nostalgic delights that combines sweet marshmallows, crispy cornflakes, and bright red candies to make a perfect little wreath that tastes just as joyful as it looks.

The image shows several small wreath-shaped treats made of bright green textured cereal clusters. Each wreath is circular and thick, with a shiny green coating giving them a glossy look. Three shiny red round candies are placed on top of each wreath, acting like berries. The wreaths are arranged on a smooth white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. There are a few extra red candies and green sprinkles scattered around the plate for decoration. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Green Marshmallow Wreath Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Festive Green Marshmallow Wreath Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Festive Green Marshmallow Wreath Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have fond memories making these wreath cookies with my family growing up, and they never fail to lighten the mood during busy holiday days. Plus, they’re so quick to put together—perfect for when you want something festive without hours in the kitchen.

Bright and Festive: The vibrant green marshmallow coating and red candy “berries” bring the classic holiday wreath right to your plate.
Simple Ingredients: Using everyday pantry staples makes this recipe easy for anyone, even last-minute bakers.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Shaping the wreaths is a hands-on activity that kids and adults both enjoy—and you get a tasty reward afterward.
Crunchy and Sweet: The combination of gooey marshmallows with crispy cornflakes creates an irresistible texture contrast.

The image shows a wreath-shaped treat made of bright green clusters that look like crispy cereal coated with a shiny candy layer, forming one thick ring with a rough texture. On top of the green ring are small, smooth, shiny red candy pieces placed in groups of three at different spots. Around the wreath on the white plate are small, thin red and green sprinkles scattered randomly. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is fantastic because the ingredients easily complement each other: smooth, sweet melted marshmallows coat crunchy cornflakes, while green food coloring makes the mix look festive. You’ll find the bright red candies finish it off with just the right pop of color—and a little extra sweetness.

Flat lay of a stick of pale yellow butter, a small pile of large white marshmallows, a small white bowl filled with vibrant green liquid food coloring, a small white bowl containing clear vanilla extract, a simple white bowl heaped with golden cornflakes, a small white bowl filled with shiny red candy-coated chocolates, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: Adds richness and helps melt the marshmallows smoothly without burning.
Marshmallows: The star binding agent that’s gooey, sweet, and perfect for coating the cereal.
Green Gel Food Coloring: Concentrated color that brightens the marshmallow mixture without thinning it out.
Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the sweetness of the marshmallows.
Cornflakes: Their light crunch and shape hold the wreath structure while keeping it airy.
Red Hot Candies or Red Candy-Coated Chocolates: Perfect “berries” that add texture, festive color, and a little zing or chocolatey goodness.
Cooking Spray: Keeps your hands and tools from sticking when shaping the wreaths.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

Feel free to personalize this Festive Green Marshmallow Wreath Cookies Recipe to suit your tastes or occasion. I like experimenting with different candies or adding a sprinkle of festive colored sugar before the marshmallows set.

Variation: Once, I swapped the red candies for tiny white chocolate chips shaped like snowflakes—gave the cookies a winter wonderland vibe that delighted guests.
Dietary Modification: Use gluten-free cornflakes to make this treat safe for gluten-sensitive friends, and skip the red candies for a less sugary bite.
Seasonal Switch-Up: You can swap green food coloring with red or gold for other celebrations or seasons.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Green Marshmallow Wreath Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Melt Butter and Marshmallows

First, I line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat—trust me, cleanup is so much easier! Then I pop the butter and marshmallows in a large microwave-safe bowl and heat them in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. This keeps them from overheating or burning. When the mixture is silky and smooth, it’s ready for the fun part.

Step 2: Stir in Color and Flavor

I add green food coloring one drop at a time, stirring after each drop, to get just the right festive shade. A splash of vanilla extract rounds out the flavor, making the marshmallows taste cozy and a little fancy.

Step 3: Fold in the Cornflakes

Next, gently fold the cornflakes into the marshmallow mixture, making sure each flake is coated but not smashed. This keeps your wreath cookies light and crunchy instead of mushy.

Step 4: Shape the Wreaths

I spray my hands lightly with cooking spray (this tip changed the game for me) and pack the mixture into a greased ¼ cup measuring cup, then turn it out onto the baking sheet. Using damp or sprayed fingers, I poke a hole through the center to create the wreath shape. It’s easier to shape when the mixture is still warm and pliable.

Step 5: Decorate and Cool

Finally, I press red Hot Candies or mini M&M’s around the wreath to mimic holiday berries. Let them cool fully until firm—usually about 30 minutes—and then they’re ready to enjoy or gift!

Top Tip

Making these wreath cookies feels straightforward, but I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference between “meh” and perfect:

Keep Your Hands Greased: Spraying your fingers prevents sticky marshmallows from driving you crazy while shaping wreaths.
Work Quickly: The marshmallow mixture firms up fast once off the heat, so have all your ingredients and tools ready before melting.
Use Gel Food Coloring: It gives vibrant color without making your mixture runny as liquid food coloring sometimes can.
Don’t Overpack: Pack the cups gently to keep the wreaths light and crunchy rather than dense and chewy.

How to Serve Festive Green Marshmallow Wreath Cookies Recipe

green marshmallow wreath - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love garnishing these wreaths with classic red candies like mini M&M’s or cinnamon candies for contrast. Sometimes I sprinkle a little edible glitter or festive sprinkles for holiday parties or gifting—the shimmer looks magical under twinkling lights!

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with hot cocoa topped with whipped cream or a spiced holiday latte. For a cookie platter, I like balancing their sweetness with gingerbread cookies or simple sugar cookies decorated in red and green icing.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged these wreath cookies standing upright in a festive jar filled with cranberries or green cellophane shred, creating an edible centerpiece. Wrapping a few up in clear bags tied with a red ribbon makes for adorable neighbor gifts, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover wreath cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. I find they stay fresh and crunchy for up to 5 days, perfect for nibbling over several holiday afternoons.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies successfully, wrapped individually in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. They thaw quickly and retain their shape and crunch—as long as you keep them sealed from moisture.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t usually necessary because these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature. But if they feel a little stiff, a few seconds in the microwave (about 5-8) helps soften the marshmallow slightly—just watch them carefully so they don’t melt too much.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cereal instead of cornflakes?

Absolutely! While cornflakes have that classic crunch and shape perfect for wreaths, you can use rice cereal or even Cheerios for a different texture and look. Just make sure it’s a cereal that holds up well when coated in marshmallow.

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

Spray your hands lightly with cooking spray or wet your fingers with a little water before shaping the wreaths. This simple step stops the sticky marshmallow from clinging and makes shaping quicker and less messy.

Can I make these wreath cookies vegan?

Traditional marshmallows contain gelatin, so they aren't vegan. However, you can find vegan marshmallows made from plant-based gelatin substitutes, and using those with vegan butter will make these wreath cookies vegan-friendly.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these Festive Green Marshmallow Wreath Cookies stay fresh and crunchy for up to 5 days, making them a great make-ahead holiday treat.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason I keep coming back to this Festive Green Marshmallow Wreath Cookies Recipe year after year: it blends nostalgia, ease, and holiday magic all in one sweet bite. Whether you’re baking with kids, gifting neighbors, or just craving something cheerful, these cookies deliver smiles with minimal fuss. Give them a try—you might find yourself adding them to your holiday traditions too!