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.
Kathy Gonzales says
My grandkids will love these !
Bowl Me Over says
That's awesome Kathy, have fun making them together!!
Julie Waldron says
These are so cute & look yummy! Thanks for sharing!
Beverly A Lloyd says
I like the "no bake" aspect of these. They are so pretty. I have got to make these!
Cathy says
These are so cute and wonderful the have a no-bake option for a Christmas cookie plate!
Thank you! Merry Christmas!
Gizelle Santiago says
These are some awesome cookies. Going to make them every Christmas holiday.
Bowl Me Over says
You'll love them! Be sure to leave some out for Santa! 🎅🏼 Happy Holidays!
Jay A Loomis says
These are so easy and festive. I will make the many times this holiday season!
Bowl Me Over says
That's fantastic. Enjoy the cookies Jay, and have a wonderful holiday season!!
Craig Miller says
Easy, great recipe although I would like to find those holly leave candy that you added. They add a lot.
Bowl Me Over says
They do add a lot - I found them on Amazon, here's the link https://amzn.to/3RpvP6f (affiliate link) though I've used red hots or red m&m's as well. Enjoy the cookies Craig! Happy Holidays!!
Lynda O'Neal says
What a cute idea for a holiday cookie and made with simple ingredients!
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Lynda - I hope your cookie trays are filled with yummy, easy recipe! Have a great holiday season!
Michelle Gosser says
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.
I really enjoy all your recipes, the hints and tips section are a great way to help understand the recipe and process better. 🙂
Bowl Me Over says
That is brilliant Michelle! Thank you for sharing that tip! I'm definitely adding it to the recipe tips. I hope you and your family have an amazing holiday season.
Judy Lyle says
The cookie colors are bright and festive.This will be a fun recipe to make with my nieces.
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful! I'm excited for you to make the cookies with the kids. Enjoy Judy!
Angie says
These cookies are adorable. Definitely will be making these this year.
Bowl Me Over says
Fantastic Angie, Happy Holidays to you and yours!
MaryB says
Such a fun recipe to make with my granddaughter. They look so festive!
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks, Mary - have a blast baking with your granddaughter! Happy holidays!!
elizabeth miller says
These are so cute and I love that they are made with everyday ingredients, not a bunch of stuff to buy to make them. Like a cornflake rice krispie snack lol.
Bowl Me Over says
That's it exactly Elizabeth! Just like rice krispie squares, but made a little differently. Have fun making the cookies!!
GS says
These are so cute and easy to make. My daughter's name is Holly and she turns 1 at the end of December so I will have to make these! What a great treat!
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful!! Happy (early) birthday to Holly and I hope she enjoys her first Christmas!
Trudi-Marie says
Have made these many times! Always a hit at the Christmas cookie exchange!
Bowl Me Over says
Aren't they though? These little cornflake cookies are so festive. Enjoy Trudy-Marie!
Carol says
These will be perfect for my cookie tray this year!! The green will brighten up the tray!!! Yum sweet treat!!
Carol M. says
I really like this fun, easy recipe. I just finished making it with my grandkids. They love them. Some are lopsided, some have more candy pieces then cookie, but we made them together. (And thanks for the tip about no-stick spray on the fingers. Clean up was soooo much easier.
Bowl Me Over says
You are so welcome Carol! I'm so happy you enjoyed making these with the kids. That's totally what this is all about. Nothing has to be perfect!
Katie Giardini says
These cookies look amazing! Definitely going to try them over the Christmas season.
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful! I'm glad they are going to be part of your holiday celebration! Thanks Katie!
Deloris Smith says
I have made this recipe and it is very easy,to make.I have not had a problem,with any of your recipes.
Thank you very much!
Bowl Me Over says
Fantastic Delores! I sure appreciate your support of the blog. Happy Holidays!
Stephanie R says
Very festive and delicious..love them
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you! I think they are so fun. Have a great holiday season Stephanie!
Kammi says
This is cute!!!!
Lynnette says
Your cookies are so festive! And the recipe is simple enough for anyone to follow! Will try these this holiday season! I'm sure everyone will ask for the recipe! Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you Lynnette! Enjoy the recipe, these little cookies are so yummy!
Cat stevens says
Deb, at this time of year i ❤️ easy. This cookie recipe is it and will be sooo good. Thank you.
Ron Sarvis says
Looks pretty easy.
Bowl Me Over says
I hope you give them a try!