I’ve been making this easy recipe for Holly Cookies for many years! Everyone loves them!
You should know that these Holly Cookies aren’t really cookies in the literal sense. They’re more like Rice Krispie treats made with corn flakes instead of Rice Krispies– and with added green coloring. The corn flakes are perfect for making these look like holly leaves. Added cinnamon red hot candies act as berries for the holly.
Some people like to make these into a round shape and call them holly wreaths instead of bunches of holly. You can certainly do that. If you’re not so picky, then just put them in little blobs and that makes it so much easier. They are perfectly cute as little pieces of holly.
After you make these, if you let them sit for a while, they set up nicely and you’ll be able to stack them without worrying about them sticking to each other.
I make these every year and add them to my holiday cookie platters. They’re nice for gifting, bringing along to a party or using for a holiday cookie exchange. Everyone loves Holly Cookies!
Holly Cookies
Another nice thing about making Holly Cookies is that they’re a pretty affordable treat to make. There’s no chocolate involved (which can be expensive). The main ingredients- marshmallows, corn flakes and butter are pretty mainstream and can usually be found on sale.
Plan ahead at the beginning of the season and be on the lookout for holiday ingredient sales at your market! Walmart seems to have pretty reasonable prices on seasonal ingredients too.
If you’re looking for more treats for your holiday cookie platters, you might like to try my Molasses- Honey Ginger Cookies or these Chocolate- Peppermint Stars. Dark Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies, Red Velvet Shortbread Cookies and Vanilla- Almond Spritz Cookies are festive cookie choices too!
Holly Cookies
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
- 30 large (regular, not jumbo) marshmallows
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoons green food coloring
- 3½ cups corn flakes
- red cinnamon candies
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter and marshmallows over medium heat, stirring constantly. Add the vanilla and food coloring. Stir in the corn flakes.
- Grease a spoon and drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a greased cookie sheet, or vegetable oil sprayed wax paper. Place 3 red cinnamon candies on each bunch of "holly," pressing slightly so they stick.
- Let sit until they have cooled and set.
Video
Notes
- To make these gluten-free, just be sure to use brands of marshmallows and corn flakes that are known to be GF.
Made these before love them also made a large one
How do you prevent the corn flakes from breaking into small pieces?
It’s okay if they break apart a bit.
Could you use Special K instead of corn flakes?o
Haven’t thought of that, but I guess so!
Can you please advise how far ahead you can make these. Thanks for your time.
They’re like Rice Krispie treats… so I wouldn’t make them more than a day or two in advance.
My holly leaves are sticky. Followed directions any suggestions
I’m planning on making these this weekend. How long do they last (shelf life). Can I freeze them? store in the refrigerator? or at room temperature?
Because these are made with corn flakes and marshmallows, they’ll last as long as regular Rice Krispies treats would last. Place them in a single layer inside a resealable freezer bag if you need to keep them fresh for longer than two days (room temp). I have never tried freezing them, so I’m not sure I can recommend that.
Sooo cute and festive. Can’t wait for the holidays to serve these to my family.
This is really cute!
This is such a fun recipe! So perfect for upcoming holidays.
These are so pretty and festive, and actually taste good too!
So cute , love these
These are so fun to make the kiddos love helping!
Need to substitute mini marshmallows for the large. Any suggestions? Thanks.
1 Regular Marshmallow = 13 Miniature Marshmallows (OR) 8 Regular Marshmallows = 1 cup mini marshmallows
Place in fridge to set. Then dip each cookie in fine baker’s sugar.
Store in between layers of wax paper. Freezes well if you want to
make ahead.
My sons favorite! I’m gonna surprise him this year!! Thanks!
Love this idea – these would be great using any colour throughout the year!
I’ve been eating these since kindergarten…and have been making them for years…they are one of my favorite cookies!
I have always shape the cornflakes into wreaths and called them wreath cookies..
My aunt used to make these every Christmas and we always called them corroded Corn Flakes! YUM!