Q1: What is the absolute, number one secret to soft and chewy, not hard, crispy rice treats?

There are two main secrets! First, be sure to use fresh marshmallows, as stale marshmallows can be dry and will not melt as well. Second, and most importantly, be sure to melt your marshmallows over a low and gentle heat and to not press the mixture too firmly when you are shaping it.

Q2: How do I keep the warm marshmallow mixture from sticking to my hands?

The non-negotiable secret is to generously coat your hands with cooking spray, a neutral-flavored oil, or even just a little butter. This creates a non-stick barrier that will allow you to easily mold and shape the warm treats.

Q3: Can I make these ahead of time for a Christmas party?

Yes, absolutely! This is a perfect make-ahead treat. You can prepare the entire recipe up to 2 days in advance and keep them, well-covered, at room temperature.

Q4: Can I make this with a different kind of cereal?

Of course! This fun technique would also be fantastic with a classic crispy rice cereal (like Rice Krispies®) for a more traditional treat, or even a puffy corn cereal for a different texture.

Q5: Can I make these on the stovetop instead of in the microwave?

Yes! Simply melt your butter and your marshmallows together in a large pot over a low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth. Then, you can proceed with the recipe as directed.

Cornflake Christmas Wreaths (An Easy Holiday Treat!)

An easy, no-bake recipe for festive ‘Cornflake Christmas Wreaths,’ a classic holiday treat. This simple, kid-friendly project involves melting marshmallows and butter, tinting the mixture a vibrant green, and then stirring in cornflakes. The sticky mixture is then shaped by hand into small wreath shapes. Each wreath is decorated with mini round cinnamon candies to look like holly berries and a bow made from a red sour candy strip, creating a perfect edible decoration for a Christmas party.

Author: Grace

Ingredients

One 16-ounce package marshmallows
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Green gel food coloring
6 cups cornflakes
Mini round cinnamon candies, for decorating
Red sour candy roll-ups or licorice ropes, for decorating
White mini nonpareils, for decorating

Instructions

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the marshmallows and butter. Microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted (about 1 minute 30 seconds total).
Stir in the vanilla extract and enough green food coloring to achieve a deep green color (about 10-15 drops).
Stir in the cornflakes until they are completely and evenly coated.
Working quickly with wet or greased hands, form the mixture into twenty-four 2-inch balls.
Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, flatten them slightly, and then poke a hole in the middle of each with your finger, shaping the sides to form a wreath.
Decorate each wreath with the cinnamon candies to create ‘holly berries’ and form a simple bow on each with a strip of the red candy.
Sprinkle lightly with the white nonpareils for a ‘snow’ effect.
Let the wreaths set at room temperature for about 2 hours, or in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, until firm.

Notes

This is a classic no-bake Christmas treat that is fun and easy to make with kids.
It is very important to work quickly and to wet or grease your hands when shaping the wreaths, as the marshmallow mixture is very sticky.
These treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Find it online: https://www.eatswithsoul.com/cornflake-christmas-wreaths/