Viral Recipe: Christmas Cornflake Wreath Cookies That Took Over TikTok

Christmas Cornflake Wreath Cookies Recipe – A Classic No-Bake Holiday Dessert

Introduction

Christmas Cornflake Wreath Cookies are a timeless holiday dessert known for their festive appearance, simple preparation, and nostalgic appeal. Shaped like miniature evergreen wreaths and traditionally decorated with red candy “berries,” these cookies have been a staple on Christmas dessert tables for generations. Their bright green color and crisp texture make them instantly recognizable and perfectly suited for seasonal celebrations.

Unlike many traditional Christmas cookies, Cornflake Wreath Cookies require no baking. The recipe relies on a gently heated butter and sugar mixture that coats crisp cornflakes, setting firmly at room temperature. This method makes the cookies ideal for busy holiday schedules, large-batch preparation, and family-friendly cooking sessions. Despite their simplicity, the finished cookies offer a satisfying balance of buttery sweetness, light vanilla aroma, and crunchy texture.

This SEO-focused, formal recipe article provides a complete and accurate guide to preparing Christmas Cornflake Wreath Cookies. It includes precise ingredient measurements, detailed step-by-step instructions, professional tips, variations, serving suggestions, storage guidance, and a full Recipe Schema in JSON-LD format. The content is written to publication standards and is suitable for food blogs, recipe collections, and holiday-focused culinary websites.

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Ingredients

This recipe yields approximately 24–30 cookies, depending on size.

Required Ingredients

• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter

• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar

• ½ cup (160 g) light corn syrup

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¾ teaspoon almond extract (optional but traditional)

• Green gel food coloring (approximately 6–8 drops)

• 4 cups (120 g) plain cornflakes cereal

• ⅓ cup red cinnamon candies or red candy pearls

Optional Decorations

• Mini red chocolate candies

• Red sugar pearls

• Finely chopped dried cranberries

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Workspace

Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper. Set aside. Lightly grease your hands with butter or prepare a small bowl of water to prevent sticking while shaping the cookies.

Step 2: Heat the Butter Mixture

In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Add the granulated sugar and light corn syrup. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Do not allow the mixture to boil, as excessive heat may cause the cookies to become overly hard once set.

Step 3: Add Flavoring

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract. The almond extract is optional but adds a subtle, traditional holiday aroma.

Step 4: Color the Mixture

Add green gel food coloring a few drops at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition, until a vibrant green color is achieved. Gel food coloring is preferred for its intensity and consistency.

Step 5: Coat the Cornflakes

Place the cornflakes in a large heatproof mixing bowl. Pour the warm butter mixture over the cereal. Using a silicone spatula, gently fold until all cornflakes are evenly coated. Take care to preserve the shape and crunch of the cereal.

Step 6: Shape the Wreath Cookies

While the mixture is still warm:

1. Scoop approximately ¼ cup of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.

2. Shape it into a circular wreath and gently create a hole in the center.

3. Press 2–3 red candies into each wreath to resemble holly berries.

If the mixture begins to firm before shaping is complete, return it to low heat for 30 seconds to soften.

Step 7: Allow to Set

Let the cookies rest at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes, or until fully set. Once firm, the cookies are ready to serve or store.

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Professional Tips for Best Results

• Maintain low heat: Avoid boiling the sugar mixture to preserve a tender texture.

• Use fresh cereal: Fresh cornflakes ensure optimal crunch and structure.

• Work efficiently: The mixture sets quickly, so shaping should be done promptly.

• Lightly grease hands: This prevents sticking without affecting flavor.

• Uniform sizing: Using a measuring cup ensures consistency, especially for presentation or gifting.

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Variations and Adaptations

Marshmallow Cornflake Wreath Cookies

Replace the sugar and corn syrup with 4 cups mini marshmallows. Melt marshmallows with butter over low heat, then proceed with coloring and shaping as directed.

Chocolate-Enhanced Wreaths

Add ½ cup melted white or milk chocolate to the butter mixture for a richer, sweeter variation.

Vegan-Friendly Version

• Substitute plant-based butter

• Replace corn syrup with maple syrup or golden syrup

• Use vegan-approved decorative candies

Gluten-Free Option

Most cornflakes are naturally gluten-free; however, always verify labeling to ensure certification.

Reduced-Sugar Variation

Use unsweetened cornflakes and limit decorative candies to reduce overall sweetness.

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Serving Suggestions

Christmas Cornflake Wreath Cookies are well suited for both casual and formal holiday settings. They may be:

• Displayed on Christmas cookie platters

• Served at holiday parties and gatherings

• Included in cookie exchanges

• Packaged as edible gifts

• Presented alongside hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced holiday beverages

Their festive appearance makes them particularly effective as decorative desserts.

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Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days

• Refrigeration: Not recommended, as moisture may soften the cereal

• Freezing: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to airtight containers for up to 6 weeks
  Thaw at room temperature before serving

Separate layers with parchment paper to preserve the wreath shape.

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Optional Recipe Overview Table

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