Cornflake Wreaths: A Festive Treat for the Holidays

As the holiday season approaches, many families begin to prepare for festive gatherings, parties, and celebrations. One delightful treat that has become a holiday favorite is the Cornflake Wreath. These colorful, crunchy, and sweet treats are not only fun to make but also add a festive touch to any holiday spread. With their vibrant green color and charming wreath shape, Cornflake Wreaths are perfect for decorating your table or giving as gifts. In this article, we’ll explore the Cornflake Wreaths, provide a detailed recipe, and share tips for making this delightful holiday treat.

Ingredients for Cornflake Wreaths

For the Wreaths:

• 6 cups cornflakes
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon green food coloring (adjust to desired color)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Decoration:

• Red candies (such as M&M’s or red hots) for holly berries
• Edible glitter or sprinkles (optional, for extra sparkle)

Making Cornflake Wreaths

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

1. Gather Supplies: Before you start, gather all your ingredients and supplies. You will need a large mixing bowl, a saucepan, a spatula, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Grease Your Hands: Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray to prevent the mixture from sticking when you shape the wreaths.

Step 2: Melt the Mixture

1. Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they are completely melted and smooth.
2. Add Flavor and Color: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, green food coloring, and salt. Mix until the color is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Combine with Cornflakes

1. Add Cornflakes: In a large mixing bowl, pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the cornflakes. Gently fold the cornflakes into the mixture, being careful not to crush them. You want to ensure that all the cornflakes are coated with the marshmallow mixture.

Step 4: Shape the Wreaths

1. Form the Wreaths: Once the cornflakes are well coated, take a handful of the mixture and shape it into a circle, pressing it together to form a wreath shape. You can make them as large or small as you like, but a good size is about 3-4 inches in diameter.
2. Add Decorations: Before the mixture cools completely, place red candies on the wreaths to resemble holly berries. You can also sprinkle edible glitter or sprinkles for an extra festive touch.

Step 5: Let Them Set

1. Cool and Harden: Place the shaped wreaths on the lined baking sheet and allow them to cool completely. This will help them harden and hold their shape.
2. Store: Once cooled, you can store the Cornflake Wreaths in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be individually wrapped in cellophane for gifting.

Tips for Perfect Cornflake Wreaths

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your marshmallows and cornflakes are fresh for the best texture and flavor. Stale ingredients can affect the final product.
2. Adjust the Color: Feel free to adjust the amount of green food coloring to achieve your desired shade. You can also experiment with other colors for different occasions.
3. Get Creative with Decorations: While red candies are traditional, you can use other decorations like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even coconut flakes to customize your wreaths.
4. Make It a family activity: Involve kids or friends in the process of shaping and decorating the wreaths. It’s a fun way to bond and create lasting memories during the holiday season.
5. Experiment with Flavors: For a unique twist, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the melted marshmallow mixture for a hint of spice. You can also substitute some of the cornflakes with other cereals for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Centerpiece: Arrange the wreaths on a decorative platter or cake stand as a centerpiece for your holiday table. Their vibrant colors will brighten up any setting.
• Gift Giving: Package the wreaths in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons for a charming homemade gift. They make great treats for neighbors, teachers, or friends.
• Party Favors: If you’re hosting a holiday party, consider making mini wreaths as party favors. Guests will appreciate the sweet gesture as they leave your gathering.

READ MORE: Sweet Corn