These Holiday Cornflake Cookies are not only festive but incredibly easy to make. The marshmallow-butter mixture binds the cornflakes into perfect wreath shapes, while Red Hots and sprinkles add a pop of color and flavor, making them a standout treat during the holiday season. Kids will love helping out in the kitchen with these, from stirring the marshmallow mixture to decorating the cookies. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering or as part of a cookie exchange, these sweet and crispy cornflake wreaths are sure to be a hit!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter, cubed
- 40 large marshmallows
- 4 cups frosted cornflakes
- Red Hots
- Assorted sprinkles
Directions:
- In a 6-quart stockpot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add marshmallows and cook, stirring constantly, until melted. Remove from heat.
- Fold in the frosted cornflakes quickly.
- Grease 16 muffin cups and fill them two-thirds full with the cornflake mixture.
- Use the end of a wooden spoon to create a hole in the center to resemble a wreath.
- Decorate immediately with Red Hots and sprinkles before the cookies firm up.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories: 147 kcal per cookie
Servings: 16 cookies
A Brief History of Cornflake Cookies
Cornflake cookies trace their roots back to the mid-20th century, a time when cereal companies encouraged consumers to find innovative ways to use their products beyond the breakfast bowl. Cornflakes, originally invented by the Kellogg brothers in the late 19th century as a health food, quickly became a versatile ingredient in many American kitchens. They were used in everything from breading for fried chicken to the base of popular desserts like cornflake cookies.
The simplicity of cornflake cookies, combined with their quick preparation time, made them an instant hit, especially during the holiday season. These cookies became a fun, festive treat that families could make together, with children often taking charge of decorating them with colorful toppings like sprinkles and Red Hots. The wreath shape, in particular, added a touch of holiday flair, symbolizing the festive wreaths traditionally hung on doors during Christmas.
Why Holiday Cornflake Cookies Are So Popular
There are several reasons why Holiday Cornflake Cookies have stood the test of time and remain a favorite in holiday baking:
- Ease of Preparation: With only a few ingredients—usually butter, marshmallows, and cornflakes—these cookies are incredibly easy to prepare. They don’t require any fancy equipment or complicated techniques, making them accessible for bakers of all skill levels. This simplicity makes them especially appealing during the busy holiday season when time is at a premium.
- Festive Appearance: Shaped into little wreaths and decorated with Red Hots and sprinkles, these cookies are both tasty and beautiful. Their vibrant green color (thanks to food coloring) and bright red decorations make them stand out on any holiday dessert table. Their cheerful appearance makes them an excellent choice for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply as a fun project with the kids.
- Customizable: While the basic recipe calls for just a handful of ingredients, there are countless ways to customize these cookies to suit your taste or dietary preferences. You can add in different toppings, use colored sprinkles to match your holiday theme, or swap out the Red Hots for something else. You can even experiment with different types of cereals if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Kid-Friendly: Holiday Cornflake Cookies are a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen. Since the recipe doesn’t involve any oven time (except for melting the butter and marshmallows on the stovetop), it’s relatively safe for young bakers to help out. Kids love decorating the cookies with sprinkles and candy, making this a fun holiday tradition for families.
Fun Variations of Holiday Cornflake Cookies
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few fun variations you can try to add your own twist to the classic Holiday Cornflake Cookies:
- Different Cereal Varieties: While frosted cornflakes are the traditional choice for this recipe, you can experiment with other cereals to create unique flavors and textures. For example, Rice Krispies or Cheerios can be substituted for cornflakes, resulting in a slightly different texture while maintaining the cookie’s signature marshmallow chewiness.
- Chocolate Drizzle: To add a touch of decadence, drizzle melted chocolate (white, milk, or dark) over the cookies after they’ve been shaped. This adds a new layer of flavor and a sophisticated look. You can also dip half of each wreath in chocolate for a more dramatic presentation.
- Holiday Shapes: Although wreaths are the most common shape for this cookie, you can use your creativity to mold them into different holiday shapes. Stars, trees, or snowflakes are all fun alternatives. Using cookie cutters can help you achieve these shapes with ease.
- Add-ins and Mix-ins: You can enhance the flavor and texture of your cookies by adding mix-ins like crushed candy canes, chopped nuts, or dried fruit. For a more festive touch, mix in green and red sprinkles or edible glitter directly into the cornflake mixture.
- Dietary Adaptations: If you’re catering to specific dietary needs, this recipe can be easily adapted. For a gluten-free version, simply swap out regular cornflakes for gluten-free ones. You can also use plant-based butter and marshmallows to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
Tips for Perfect Holiday Cornflake Cookies
While Holiday Cornflake Cookies are relatively simple to make, a few tips can help ensure that they turn out perfectly every time:
- Work Quickly: Once the marshmallow and butter mixture has melted, you’ll need to act fast. The cornflakes should be folded into the mixture immediately, and the wreaths should be shaped while the mixture is still warm and pliable. If you wait too long, the mixture will firm up and become difficult to mold.
- Use Greased Hands or Tools: The sticky nature of the marshmallow mixture can make it tricky to work with, so be sure to grease your hands or utensils with a bit of butter or cooking spray. This will make it easier to shape the cookies and create the wreath centers without everything sticking to your fingers.
- Proper Storage: To maintain their crisp texture, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last for about a week, making them a great make-ahead option for holiday parties.
- Perfect Decorations: The key to getting the Red Hots and sprinkles to stick to the cookies is to decorate them right away. The marshmallow mixture will firm up quickly as it cools, so have your decorations ready to go before you start shaping the wreaths.
Adding Holiday Cheer with Cornflake Cookies
Holiday Cornflake Cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a way to spread holiday cheer and create lasting memories with loved ones. The nostalgic flavor of these cookies, combined with their playful appearance, makes them a fun addition to any holiday celebration.
Whether you’re hosting a cookie exchange, looking for a quick dessert to bring to a holiday party, or simply enjoying some quality time in the kitchen with your family, these cookies are a guaranteed hit. The bright colors and festive decorations make them stand out on any dessert table, and their sweet, crunchy texture is irresistible.
Conclusion:
Holiday Cornflake Cookies are a festive, fun, and easy-to-make treat that captures the joy of the holiday season. Their versatility allows you to customize them to fit your taste, whether you want to stick to the classic recipe or try out new variations. Plus, they’re a perfect way to get kids involved in the holiday baking tradition. These cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone, from young children to adults, and they’re an excellent addition to any holiday celebration.