Welcome to the Christmas Guide 2024! If you’re in Canton, Michigan, and looking for a fun, festive treat with your family this holiday season, Cornflake Christmas Wreaths might be your new favorite tradition. These no-bake goodies are as easy to make as they are delightful to eat. Plus, they’re perfect for adding a touch of holiday cheer to your dessert table or gifting to friends and neighbors.
What Are Cornflake Christmas Wreaths?
Cornflake Christmas Wreaths are a playful twist on classic marshmallow treats. Think of them as Rice Krispies' festive cousin, but instead of rice cereal, you use cornflakes. The result? It's a crunchy, buttery, and sweet wreath-shaped cookie that looks straight out of Santa’s workshop.
Decorated with red candies to mimic holly berries and optional candy bows for extra flair, these wreaths are a hit with kids and adults alike. Best of all? They require no baking—just a little bit of melting, mixing, and shaping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these festive treats:
- 6 cups cornflakes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows (about 5 cups)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring (10–15 drops for a deep green)
- Mini red cinnamon candies (like Red Hots) for holly berries
- Optional: Red licorice ropes or candy roll-ups for bows
- Optional: White nonpareils for a snowy effect
Tools You’ll Need
- Large saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Parchment paper or wax paper
- Wooden spoon
- Butter or nonstick spray (to grease your hands)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Cornflake Christmas Wreaths is almost as fun as eating them! Here’s how to do it:
1. Prep Your Workspace
Line two baking sheets with parchment or wax paper. This will prevent the wreaths from sticking while they set.
2. Melt the Marshmallows
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they’re completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to burn the mixture—low and slow is the way to go.
3. Add Color and Flavor
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Then, add the green food coloring until you achieve your desired shade of festive green (about 10–15 drops). Stir well to ensure even coloring.
4. Mix in the Cornflakes
Pour the cornflakes into the marshmallow mixture and gently fold until all the flakes are evenly coated. Work quickly here—the mixture will start to cool and harden.
5. Shape the Wreaths
Drop 2-inch mounds of cornflake mixture onto your prepared baking sheets using a spoon or cookie scoop. Grease your hands with butter or cooking spray, then shape each mound into a wreath by flattening it slightly and poking a hole in the center with your finger or the end of a wooden spoon.
6. Decorate!
Before the wreaths harden completely:
- Press three red cinnamon candies onto each wreath to resemble holly berries.
- If you feel extra crafty, form small bows using red licorice ropes or candy roll-ups and press them onto the wreaths.
- Sprinkle white nonpareils on top for a snowy touch.
7. Let Them Set
Allow the wreaths to set at room temperature for about two hours, or refrigerate them for 30 minutes to speed things up.
Tips for Success
- Work Quickly: The marshmallow mixture hardens fast, so shape and decorate each wreath immediately after scooping.
- Keep It Warm: If you’re making a large batch, place your saucepan in a sink filled with an inch of hot water to keep the mixture pliable.
- Get Creative: Swap out cinnamon candies for red M&Ms or green holiday sprinkles for added allure.
Why Canton Folks Will Love These
Canton families know that holiday traditions are all about togetherness—and what better way to bond than over sticky fingers and sweet treats? These Cornflake Wreaths are simple enough for kids to help with but impressive enough to wow at any holiday party. Plus, they’re perfect for Michigan’s chilly December days when turning on the oven feels like too much effort.
Whether you’re hosting a cookie exchange or just looking for an easy activity to keep little ones entertained during winter break, these wreaths check all the boxes: fun, festive, and delicious! So grab your marshmallows, don your apron, and make some holiday magic in Canton this year! Don’t forget—this recipe is part of our Christmas Guide 2024. Happy holidays!
Source: foodnetwork.com
Header Image Source: foodnetwork.com
