Holiday Cereal Wreaths Recipe

The Sweetest Holiday Cereal Wreaths Recipe for Festive Fun

Sweet memories of childhood holidays come alive with these delightful holiday cereal wreaths that bring festive cheer to any gathering.

Marshmallow magic blends perfectly with crispy cereal treats, creating a delectable seasonal delight.

No baking required makes this recipe a stress-free dessert option.

Sticky, sweet, and beautifully decorated, these wreaths capture the joy of winter celebrations.

Green and red sprinkles add a cheerful touch to these nostalgic treats.

Kids and adults alike will adore these simple yet spectacular dessert centerpieces.

One bite transports you straight to cozy holiday moments filled with laughter and warmth.

How to Store Holiday Cereal Wreaths Easily

  • Store wreaths in an airtight container with wax paper between layers for up to 3 days, keeping them cool and fresh.
  • Wrap individual wreaths tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for storage up to 2 weeks, preserving their festive shape and texture.
  • Keep wreaths in sealed container at room temperature for 2 days, away from direct sunlight or heat sources to maintain crispness.
  • Gently warm wreaths in microwave for 5-10 seconds or let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore softness.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of cereal?

Yes, you can substitute cornflakes with Rice Krispies or similar crispy cereals that hold shape well.

  • How do I prevent the mixture from sticking to my hands?

Spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray before shaping the wreaths to prevent sticking and make forming easier.

  • What if I don't have green food coloring?

You can use red food coloring for a festive red wreath or skip the coloring for a natural look. The color doesn’t affect the taste or texture.

  • Are cinnamon candies necessary for the decoration?

While cinnamon candies add a festive touch, you can replace them with red M&Ms, red sprinkles, or small red candies to create a holiday-themed wreath.

Holiday Cereal Wreaths Sweet Reasons to Smile

  • Create adorable holiday wreaths that transform ordinary cornflakes into magical, colorful desserts perfect for seasonal celebrations.
  • Whip up these delightful wreaths with minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making them ideal for bakers of all experience levels.
  • Engage children in a fun cooking activity where they can shape wreaths and add cinnamon candy decorations, turning dessert-making into a playful family experience.
  • Serve these eye-catching green wreaths at holiday gatherings, potlucks, or Christmas parties as a charming and delicious sweet treat that sparks conversation.

Holiday Cereal Wreaths Ingredient Checklist

Main Ingredients:
  • Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that helps bind the marshmallows and cereal together.
  • Marshmallows: Soft, sweet confections that create a sticky base for holding the cereal.
  • Cornflakes: Crispy cereal that provides structure and crunch to the holiday wreath.
Coloring and Flavoring:
  • Green Food Coloring: Gives the wreaths a festive holiday appearance.
  • Cinnamon Candies: Small red candies that add a decorative and sweet touch to the wreaths.
Optional Tools and Preparation:
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents the wreaths from sticking to the baking sheets.
  • Cooking Spray: Helps prevent the mixture from sticking to hands during shaping.

Tools for Shaping Holiday Cereal Wreaths

  • Large saucepan: Perfect for melting butter and marshmallows smoothly.
  • Parchment paper: Essential for preventing wreaths from sticking to baking sheets.
  • Baking sheets: Needed to shape and cool cereal wreaths.
  • Cooking spray: Helps prevent mixture from sticking to hands while shaping.
  • Measuring cup: Used to create consistent 1/3 cup portions.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring marshmallow mixture and coating cereal.
  • Cinnamon candies: Optional decorative touch for festive look.

Making Holiday Cereal Wreaths at Home

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to create a clean workspace for your cereal wreaths.

This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Create Colorful Base

In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat.

Add marshmallows and stir continuously until they transform into a smooth, creamy mixture.

Introduce green food coloring to give your wreaths a festive holiday look.

Step 3: Incorporate Crispy Goodness

Remove the marshmallow mixture from heat.

Gently fold in cornflakes, ensuring each crispy piece gets completely coated with the sweet green mixture.

Mix thoroughly but carefully to maintain the cereal’s crunch.

Step 4: Shape Delightful Wreaths

Spray your hands with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Carefully scoop out portions of the mixture and shape them into circular wreath forms.

Place each wreath gently onto the prepared baking sheets, allowing some space between them.

Step 5: Add Festive Finishing Touches

Decorate each wreath by strategically placing cinnamon candies to create a pop of color and extra sweetness.

Allow the wreaths to set for approximately 15 minutes, giving them time to firm up and hold their shape.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once set, transfer the holiday cereal wreaths to a serving platter.

These colorful treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, classroom parties, or simply enjoying with family and friends.

Wreath Making Tips for Perfect Results

  • Stir constantly to prevent burning and ensure smooth, even consistency when melting marshmallows.
  • Add food coloring gradually to achieve the perfect shade of green without over-saturating the mixture.
  • Spray hands with cooking spray to prevent sticking and create neat, uniform wreath shapes.
  • Let wreaths cool completely at room temperature to help them hold their shape and become slightly firmer.
  • Swap cinnamon candies with red M&Ms or other small round candies for different holiday looks.

Unique Holiday Cereal Wreath Mix Ins

  • Gluten-Free Holiday Wreaths: Replace cornflakes with gluten-free rice cereal for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Festive Rings: Swap butter with coconut oil and use vegan marshmallows to create a plant-based version.
  • Chocolate Lovers' Wreath: Mix in cocoa powder with green food coloring and use chocolate candies instead of cinnamon for a rich alternative.
  • Nutty Winter Treat: Incorporate chopped almonds or pecans into the mixture for added crunch and nutty flavor.

Festive Ways to Serve Holiday Cereal Wreaths

  • Festive Party Platter: Arrange wreaths on a bright red tray surrounded by small holiday figurines for a cheerful centerpiece.
  • Sweet Gift Packaging: Wrap individual wreaths in clear cellophane with festive ribbons, perfect for homemade holiday presents.
  • Winter Dessert Display: Create a charming dessert table with wreaths alongside other seasonal treats like peppermint bark and sugar cookies.
  • Kids' Decorating Station: Let children add extra sprinkles, colored sugar, or small candies to personalize their own holiday wreaths.
Print
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Holiday Cereal Wreaths Recipe

Holiday Cereal Wreaths Recipe


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4.8 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Festive holiday cereal wreaths combine marshmallow magic with classic Christmas cheer. Sweet seasonal treats bring joy to family gatherings and delight home bakers with simple, nostalgic charm.


Ingredients

Scale

Cereal Base:

  • 5 cups cornflakes

Binding Agents:

  • 1 (10 ounces / 283 grams) package mini marshmallows
  • 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) salted butter

Decorative Elements:

  • 7 drops green gel food coloring or 1 teaspoon water-based green food coloring
  • 45 small red cinnamon candies

Preparation Aid:

  • Nonstick cooking spray (for hands)

Instructions

  1. Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare the workspace for creating festive cereal treats.
  2. In a large saucepan, gently melt butter over low heat, then incorporate marshmallows, stirring continuously until completely smooth and glossy. Introduce green food coloring to achieve a vibrant holiday hue.
  3. Remove marshmallow mixture from heat source and immediately fold in cornflakes, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the sticky green mixture.
  4. Allow the mixture to cool slightly for easier handling, then spray hands with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  5. Carefully shape approximately 1/3 cup portions of the mixture into elongated logs, then curve each log into a wreath shape, placing them carefully on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheets.
  6. While the wreaths are still slightly warm and soft, strategically place three bright red cinnamon candies on each wreath to create a festive decoration.
  7. Let the holiday cereal wreaths set at room temperature for about 15 minutes to firm up and allow the candies to adhere, then serve and enjoy the seasonal treat.

Notes

  • Customize colors by adjusting food coloring for different holiday themes or seasonal variations.
  • Work quickly while mixture is warm to ensure smooth shaping and prevent hardening of cereal mixture.
  • Spray hands generously with cooking spray to prevent sticky mixture from clinging during wreath formation.
  • Replace cinnamon candies with festive sprinkles, mini M&Ms, or colored sugar for alternative decorative options.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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