Festive Green Wreath Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking to bring some festive cheer into your kitchen this holiday season, you’ve gotta try this Festive Green Wreath Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these little wreath-shaped treats turn out—soft, colorful, and just begging to be shared with friends and family. When I first made them, I was blown away by how simple they are, yet how impressive they look on a holiday cookie tray. Plus, they’re perfect for kids to join in on the fun, making memories just as sweet as the cookies themselves. Keep reading to discover all my favorite tips for snagging the best results with this charming recipe.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for these Festive Green Wreath Cookies Recipe come together to create that perfect chewy yet crunchy texture with plenty of holiday spirit. I like to pick bright green gel food coloring because it packs stronger color without watering down the marshmallow mixture.

• Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control of overall sweetness and flavor in your cookies.
• Large marshmallows: They melt smoothly and give you the sticky base needed to bind the cereal.
• Green gel or liquid food coloring: Gel coloring tends to give a richer shade without altering texture much.
• Vanilla extract: Adding vanilla adds warmth and depth to the sweetness, making the cookies irresistibly cozy.
• Cornflakes: Choose plain cornflakes for a neutral crunchy base that lets the marshmallow shine.
• Red hot candies or red candy coated chocolates: These bright red decorations are perfect mimics of holly berries—a festive finishing touch.
• Cooking spray: Makes shaping the wreaths a breeze without the mixture sticking to your hands.

Variations

I love making this Festive Green Wreath Cookies Recipe my own depending on the occasion and who’s enjoying them. Whether it’s swapping candy decorations or adding flavors, it’s a recipe that’s easy to personalize.

• Chocolate Drizzle: I once drizzled some melted dark chocolate over the finished wreaths, and my family went crazy for that extra touch of indulgence!
• Holiday Flavors: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or peppermint extract into the melted marshmallow mix gives a festive and cozy twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: If you want to keep it gluten-free, just swap the cornflakes for gluten-free crispy rice cereal instead.
• Vegan Version: I discovered using vegan butter and vegan marshmallows works well, though the texture is slightly less chewy but still delicious.

How to Make Festive Green Wreath Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

Start by placing the butter and marshmallows in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until everything is completely melted and smooth. This is the base of your sticky mixture. Be patient here—overheating can burn the marshmallows, so stir often to keep things even.

Step 2: Add Green Food Coloring and Vanilla

Once melted, stir in your green gel or liquid food coloring along with the vanilla extract. You’ll notice the marshmallow mixture turns a gorgeous, bright green instantly. If you want a darker shade, add a few more drops, but be careful not to thin the mixture too much with extra liquid color.

Step 3: Mix in the Cornflakes

Gently fold in the cornflakes with a spatula, careful not to crush them. You want every flake coated in that sticky green marshmallow mixture for that sweet-crunchy texture that’s just irresistible. Once everything is evenly mixed, it’s time to shape the wreaths.

Step 4: Shape the Wreaths and Add Candy Decorations

Lightly spray a 1/4 cup measuring cup with cooking spray and pack it tightly with your mixture. Turn it out onto a parchment-lined sheet pan and use your fingers—dampened or coated lightly with cooking spray—to create a hole in the center, forming the wreath shape. Then, press red candies around the wreath to mimic holly berries. At first, I found my fingers kept sticking, but this little trick solved it instantly!

Step 5: Let Cool and Set

Allow your festive green wreath cookies to cool completely on the pan until they’re firm and hold their shape. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Once set, they’re ready to serve, package for gifting, or save for later snacking.

How to Serve Festive Green Wreath Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to add a little sparkle by dusting these wreath cookies lightly with edible glitter or powdered sugar for a snow-dusted effect. The red candies are classic, but sometimes I swap in little silver dragees for a frosted look. These garnishes make the cookies look extra special on any holiday dessert table.

Side Dishes

These cookies are sweet guests at my holiday parties, paired wonderfully with cups of hot cocoa, eggnog, or warm spiced cider. They also go well alongside a cheese and fruit board for a festive spread that mixes sweet and savory flavors nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving, I like to arrange these Festive Green Wreath Cookies Recipe in a circular tin with red and green tissue paper for a beautiful presentation. Another fun idea is stringing them onto a holiday ribbon as edible ornaments—just loop a small ribbon around each cookie hole! Kids love this craft-meets-snack activity, and guests always comment on how pretty they look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover wreath cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered between parchment paper. They stay fresh and chewy for about 3-4 days—if they last that long! Keeping them sealed keeps any clumping from moisture at bay.

Freezing

If I want to make a batch ahead of time, I freeze the cookies individually on a cookie sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. When frozen, they keep well for up to a month. Just thaw at room temperature before serving, and they taste just as good as fresh.

Reheating

I usually skip reheating for these cookies since they’re best enjoyed as is, but if you want to revive some warmth and softness, a quick 5-second zap in the microwave does the trick. Just watch closely so they don’t melt or get rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Festive Green Wreath Cookies Recipe is one I keep coming back to every holiday season—not just because of how adorable they look, but because they taste just darn good and bring smiles to everyone who tastes them. Whether you’re a beginner baker or just need a simple, crowd-pleasing treat that doubles as a holiday craft, you’ll enjoy this recipe. Give it a try—you might just start a new holiday tradition in your home, just like I did!

Print