These No Bake Holly Cookies are the perfect holiday treat! These delicious cookies are a festive twist on the traditional Rice Krispie treats and are sure to be a hit at any Christmas party or gathering.
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What makes this recipe irresistible
These no-bake cookies are fun and festive and look great on your Christmas cookie tray. This easy recipe is beginner-friendly. It's fail-proof, and anyone can make this holiday season!
I love that you only need simple, affordable ingredients - it won't break the bank!
Ingredients you’ll need
Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.
- butter
- miniature marshmallows
- green food coloring
- pure vanilla extract
- Cornflake cereal, Rice Krispies cereal - even Special K works!
- cinnamon red hot candies or mini M&M's
Creative variations to try
I used mini marshmallows however large marshmallows will melt just as well. 40 of the regular-sized marshmallows will equal the same amount of mini marshmallows.
Step-by-step instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom.
- Line a baking sheet with wax paper, set aside.
- Place butter and marshmallows in a pan over medium heat. Stir until the marshmallows are melted and creamy.
- Add the vanilla and food coloring and gently fold in the cornflakes.
- Drop by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheet and use lightly greased fingers to form wreath shapes. Top each cookies with red hots.
- Cool cookies for 15 minutes.
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Essential tools for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)
I used liquid food coloring, but gel coloring would also work.
Not at all! You can scoop the cornflake mixture onto the wax paper and leave it in a mound. Place the candies on top. It will look like a bundle of holly instead. These are super cute too!
Absolutely! The fluff works just like the regular treats.
Deb’s tips for the perfect dish
To get the wreath shape I used my thumb to make a hole in the center of each cookie, and then pinched the cookie into the circular shape. They don't have to be perfect, so don't stress about the shape, they will be a big hit no matter what!
- I used a tablespoon to drop the cookies onto the parchment paper. But, if you want to ensure that you get even-sized wreaths, a cookie scoop would work too.
- I recommend that you only shape and decorate one cookie at a time, the mixture can harden quickly once it starts to cool, so shape one wreath at a time.
- Need to harden these cookies quickly? No worries just pop the cookie sheet into the fridge for about 15 minutes, and then they will be ready to serve.
I loved making these when I was a kid! So easy, so delicious and definitely fun to make! We would sometimes use cookie cutters to make the shapes, exploring different decoration styles and options.
Tip from reader Michelle
How to store leftovers
Refrigerate - Once cooled, store these cookies in an airtight container or storage bag at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freeze - I don't recommend freezing these cookies as the cereal will lose it's crunchy texture when thawed.
Creative a holiday to remember!
Holiday trays are so special during the holidays! I remember Grandma coming to visit and baking up a storm. Peanut Butter Snowballs have always been one of my favorite no-bake treats, and she always made those.
Click on the pictures below for more of our family favorites!
Find a ton more easy Christmas Cookie Recipes here!
Happy Holidays my friend! May your cookie trays be sweet and festive! Enjoy your cookies and comment below and tell me about your treats!
No Bake Cornflake Holly Cookies
Ingredients
- waxed paper
- ½ cup butter
- 4 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon green food coloring or more as needed
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups cornflake cereal
- 2.25 ounce package of cinnamon red hot candies
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with wax paper, set aside.
- Place butter and marshmallows in a heavy bottom pan. Set over medium heat. Stir frequently until the marshmallows are melted and creamy, about 5 minutes.
- Mix in the vanilla and food coloring until the desired color is reached; gently fold in the cornflakes to coat.
- Drop by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheet and use lightly greased fingers to form wreath shapes. Immediately decorate with 3 red hots each.
- Allow cookies to cool and set about 15 minutes. Makes about 36 cookies. Store in an airtight container.
Tammy Lee Wright says
I've made something like these cookies for years. I never thought to color them and shape them. Thanks for the great tips! I will make these a part of our Christmas dinner desserts this year!
Bowl Me Over says
I think you'll really like them Tammy. They are so fun and festive! Have a great Holiday season!!
Sherri Rochester says
I am so excited for these! I remember something like this when my daughter was young! I have since became disabled. These look easy enough for me to make! She and my 17 year old grandson will be astounded that I was able to make these. Christmas cookies/candies used to be my 'thing'. Love Holiday baking! Thank you so much!
Bowl Me Over says
That's so awesome! I bet your daughter and grandchild will be thrilled!! Happy holidays Sherri!!!
Nancy Mah says
cute cookies and could add color by using other coloring
Bowl Me Over says
What a great idea Nancy! You could totally make these for any holiday and just adjust the colors and shapes. Great suggestion!
Dee says
I think these look yummy! I like the option of using a different cereal too, if out of corn flakes.
Debi says
I made these with my son's whwn they were growing up. I told my friend about the recipe snd she is going to make them with her girl scout troup. Thanks for the great reminder.
Bowl Me Over says
You are so welcome Debi - thank you for passing the word and sharing the recipe!!!
maureen says
These are perfect for the holiday season and no-bake. What more could you ask for?
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks so much, enjoy the cookies Maureen!