I don’t know that I can call these cookies, but since they always made an appearance at Aunt ‘Thann’s cookie parties, I’m just going to go with it. Holly Wreaths are basically a rice krispy bar made with cornflakes, shaped into a wreath and garnished with red hot candies. I love how festive these look!
And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a rice krispy bar? So really, who wouldn’t love these? The red hots give it a nice little kick to make things interesting for the adults but aren’t too spicy for the kids either. These were a big hit at both a cookie exchange I went to AND the office earlier this week. They are also a great “cookie” to make with the kids. Let them get their hands sticky and messy and help you shape the wreaths.
Here’s what you need:
The first thing you want to do is melt together some butter and marshmallows. You could do it on the stovetop but I like the convenience of the microwave. Cut the butter up into pats and add to a large bowl with the marshmallows (use a really big bowl because you’ll be mixing the cornflakes in after its all melted). Microwave for 1 minute and then 30 second intervals, stirring between each interval until it is smooth. You can see how the texture will change as it melts.
Stir in some vanilla.
Now to make the wreaths green, add some green food coloring. LOTS of green food coloring. You want a nice bright, vibrant, Christmas-y green.
Stir in the cornflakes until completely mixed together. Be sure to really fold up from the very bottom to get all the gooey goodness distributed as evenly as possible.
Bring the cornflake mixture and red hots over to the table which I’ve covered with waxed paper.
And start making the wreaths. I start by dropping a rounded tablespoon onto waxed paper (or a few spoonfuls at a time) and then shape into wreaths by working your fingers in the middle to create a gap. This is really sticky so it helps to spray your hands with cooking spray or rub on some butter.
The gloves aren’t necessary, I had a minor accident in the kitchen the week before and had stitches in my finger so I couldn’t even get it wet let alone ooey-gooey-marshmallowey.
Top the wreaths with red hot candies.
Here you can see some wreaths in various stages of completion from dropped tablespoon, to shaped wreath, to decorated.
When you’re done you’ll have a table full of festive edible wreaths!
This are best eaten within a couple days – if they last that long that is.
- 1 cup butter
- 1 t vanilla
- 7 c corn flakes
- 60 large marshmallows
- 3 t green food coloring (give or take to get the green color you want)
- Red cinnamon candies
- Melt butter and marshmallows in a large microwavable bowl. Start with 1 minute and then 30 second intervals, stirring in between until it’s smooth.
- Add vanilla and food coloring and stir until well blended.
- Fold in corn flakes until completely covered.
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto waxed paper. Shape into 2 inch wreaths. Decorate with cinnamon candies.
- Store covered with layers of waxed paper in between.
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