Less Sugar Cornflake Wreath Cookies (With Max Mellows!)

Make these less sugar cornflake wreath cookies using Max Mellows for a festive, gooey, low-sugar Christmas treat. Easy, cute, and perfect for cookie trays and holiday parties.

If you’re on the hunt for cute traditional Christmas cookies that won’t overload your kids with sugar—but still bring plenty of cheer—these less-sugar cornflake wreath cookies are the perfect festive treat. We’re swapping the usual marshmallows for Max Mellows (plus a few large marshmallows for structure) to keep the sweetness lower without losing that gooey, irresistible texture we all grew up eating.

These are my husband's favorite Christmas cookies, but I didn't make them for the longest time because of the high amount of sugar and processed cereal. I couldn't bring myself to have these in our home!

Please note that many of the decorating items for these cookies are filled with sugar. These are 'less sugar,' not 'sugar-free'. There's a balance in all things, and these traditional cookies are VERY sugary. My reindition brings the sugar down a bit, but not completely.

Below you’ll find full instructions, optimized ingredients, recipe tips, and plenty of optional add-ins to personalize your less sugar cornflake Christmas wreath cookies.

Ingredients

Note - Max Mallows are expensive, so I typically keep this recipe reserved for my kids or family who I know prefer a less sugar or no sugar lifestyle.

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 2 bags Max Mellows
• 6 large regular marshmallows
• Green food coloring (I like Watkins for a 'no artificial dyes' option)
• 8 cups of cornflakes
• Red candies (think red hots, red cinnamon candies, small cinnamon candies, or even a single red M&M)

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line your counter with sheets of wax paper, silicon mat, or layers of parchment paper.

2. Step 2: In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter, Max Mellows, and regular marshmallows until fully smooth. You can go low heat if you want extra control and no browning.

3. Step 3: Remove from heat. Stir in enough green food coloring to reach your favorite shade of green wreaths.

4. Step 4: Pour in the 8 cups of cornflakes. Mix quickly to coat every flake. Give it a good mix before the mixture cools.

5. Step 5: Drop spoonfuls onto your prepared surface. Use the end of a wooden spoon (or the handle of a wooden spoon) or even shot glasses, a small ring cutter, or a mini cookie cutter to create a round shape with a hole in the middle.

6. Step 6: Add your candies for holly berries. Let cookies cool at room temperature until set.

My testers (okay… my kids) decided the best part was shaping them. Truly a perfect afternoon activity for the Christmas time countdown. Somewhere between giggles, sticky fingers, and listening to Christmas music, you’ll find that sweet memory-making magic.

Hint: If the marshmallow mixture starts to firm up before you’re done shaping, pop the pot back over low heat for 10–15 seconds. It loosens right up and makes forming those cute little wreath shapes so much easier—especially if tiny helpers are slowing down the process in the sweetest way.

Find all our holiday recipes here!

Substitutions & Variations

• Butter → coconut oil or vegan butter
• Corn flakes → a mix of corn flakes + rice krispies for a lighter texture
• Max Mellows → regular or mini marshmallows, but reduce added large marshmallows to 4
• Food coloring → natural spirulina green, though it won’t be as vibrant
• Vanilla extract → almond extract for a bakery-style twist
• Festive Sprinkles → We ended up using sprinkles for our final cookies!

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottom pot
• Spatula
• Nonstick spray or butter (for shaping the wreaths)
• Small ring cutter, shot glasses, or cookie cutter for the center
• Baking sheet with layers of parchment paper or silicon mats

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Storage

Store your wreath cookies in an airtight container with pieces of parchment between layers to prevent sticking. They will last 3–4 days at room temperature and even longer if refrigerated.

For longer storage, freeze them flat on a tray, then transfer to a container. Thaw at room temp.

FAQ

Can I make these ahead for Christmas Eve or holiday parties?
Yes—these hold up beautifully for 2–3 days when stored properly.

Do they taste less sweet than traditional versions?
Yes. Using Max Mellows brings down the overall sugar without losing that nostalgic flavor.

Why add a few regular marshmallows?
It helps the structure and gives the right “pull” you expect from melted marshmallows.

Can I make them without food coloring?
Absolutely—they’ll just be pale, but still delicious. Using Watkins without the artificial food dye still gives them a more 'yellow' look. However, I'll take the yellow look to give up the artificial dyes!

Are these safe for a 2,000-calorie diet?
Like all sweets, enjoy them in moderation, but the lower-sugar option definitely helps if you’re mindful of daily values and intake.

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Less Sugar Cornflake Christmas Wreath Cookies

Yield: 20

Make these less sugar cornflake wreath cookies using Max Mellows for a festive, gooey, low-sugar Christmas treat. Easy, cute, and perfect for cookie trays and holiday parties.

Print

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 2 bags Max Mellows
• 6 large regular marshmallows
• Green food coloring (I like Watkins for a 'no artificial dyes' option)
• 8 cups of cornflakes
• Red candies (think red hots, red cinnamon candies, small cinnamon candies, or even a single red M&M)

Instructions

1. Line your counter with sheets of wax paper, silicon mat, or layers of parchment paper.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter, Max Mellows, and regular marshmallows until fully smooth. You can go low heat if you want extra control and no browning.
3. Remove from heat. Stir in enough green food coloring to reach your favorite shade of green wreaths.
4. Pour in the 8 cups of cornflakes. Mix quickly to coat every flake. Give it a good mix before the mixture cools.
5. Drop spoonfuls onto your prepared surface. Use the end of a wooden spoon (or the handle of a wooden spoon) or even shot glasses, a small ring cutter, or a mini cookie cutter to create a round shape with a hole in the middle.
6. Add your candies for holly berries. Let cookies cool at room temperature until set.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Watkins Assorted Food Coloring, 1 Each Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Total Four 0.3 oz bottles, 4 Count (Pack of 1)
• 
  Max Mallow Sugar Free Marshmallows - Keto Friendly, Perfect for S'mores, Hot Chocolate, and Baking with Zero Sugar Snacks, Smores Mct Oil Zero Sugar Marshmellow Marshmallow Classic Vanilla, 2 Pack

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 20 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 131Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 30mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 2gSugar: 6gProtein: 3g

Online nutritional calculators are estimates only. Use your best judgement when consuming.

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