Welcome to Sweet Emily, where simple recipes make life sweeter! This delightful Christmas snack mix brings all the festive cheer to your holiday table. It perfectly blends sweet and salty flavors with a satisfying crunch. Best of all, it is a no-bake, easy-to-make recipe, perfect for busy parents and beginner bakers. Get ready to create a truly irresistible treat that everyone will adore at your next holiday gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Snack Mix
You will adore this recipe for so many reasons, making it a holiday staple year after year.
- Quick and Easy: Whip up this amazing snack mix in under an hour, with minimal effort.
- No-Bake Simplicity: No oven required, just a microwave or double boiler for melting chocolate.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe yields a large batch, ideal for sharing with friends and family.
- Perfect for Gifting: Package it in cute bags or jars for thoughtful, homemade edible gifts.
- Highly Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to suit tastes or what you have on hand.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve little ones in combining ingredients and sprinkling candies.
- Make Ahead Magic: Prepare it days in advance, storing it until your event.
Ingredients for Christmas Snack Mix
Gather these simple items to create your delicious Christmas snack mix. The combination of crunchy cereals, salty pretzels and peanuts, and sweet chocolate and candies creates a balanced flavor that’s truly addictive.
- 36 ounces White Chocolate Chips: (3 standard bags) Use good quality chips for best melting and flavor.
- 11.4 ounce bag M&M’s: Holiday-themed M&M’s add a burst of color and chocolatey sweetness.
- 4 cups Pretzels: Choose mini twist pretzels or pretzel sticks. Gluten-free pretzels work beautifully too.
- 2 cups Salted Peanuts: Adds a satisfying crunch and savory counterpoint to the sweetness.
- 7 cups Rice or Corn Chex Cereal: You can use a mixture of both for varied texture.
- 4 cups Regular Cheerios: These plain oat O’s provide another crunchy element and soak up the chocolate well.
Notes & Substitutions
You have lots of flexibility with this festive snack blend. Feel free to adjust based on preferences or dietary needs.
- Cereal Blend: Feel free to mix and match your favorite Chex cereals, or even try Honey Nut Chex for a slightly sweeter base.
- Pretzels: Ensure your pretzels are gluten-free if catering to allergies. Many brands offer great options that hold their crunch.
- White Chocolate: Opt for high-quality white chocolate chips or baking bars for a smoother melt and richer taste.
- Peanut Alternatives: For nut allergies, substitute with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even roasted chickpeas for a similar crunch.
- Festive Candies: Swap M&M’s for other holiday-themed candies like seasonal sprinkles, toffee bits, or chopped candy canes for a peppermint twist.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful holiday treat. All these items are commonly found and easy to use.
- Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all the dry ingredients and coating them evenly.
- Two Rimmed Baking Sheets: Provides ample space for the mix to cool and harden properly.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup incredibly easy.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl or Double Boiler: For safely melting the white chocolate.
- Sturdy Spatula or Clean Hands: Perfect for gently stirring and coating the mixture.
How to Make Christmas Snack Mix: Step-by-Step Instructions
Making your own Christmas snack mix is incredibly simple, even for beginner bakers. Follow these easy steps for a perfect batch every time.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Begin by lining two large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. This step is crucial for easy removal and cleanup, so don’t skip it. Set these prepared sheets aside for later use.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Take your very large mixing bowl and add all the Chex cereals, Cheerios, pretzels, and salted peanuts. Mix these components gently until they are well combined. Hold back the M&M’s and white chocolate for now.For a similar festive treat, Chex.com offers a recipe for Homemade Christmas Chex Party Mix.
- Melt White Chocolate: Place your white chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them for 1 minute on high power. After the first minute, stir well. Continue melting in 20-second intervals, stirring vigorously after each interval, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. Alternatively, use a double boiler for a slower, more controlled melt.
- Coat the Mixture: Once the white chocolate is perfectly melted, pour it directly over the cereal mixture in the large bowl. Now, gently stir everything together using a sturdy spatula. I personally find using my clean hands to be much more effective for an even, thorough coating without crushing the cereal. Make sure every piece is covered in that delicious white chocolate.
- Add M&M’s: Add about two-thirds of the M&M’s to the coated mixture. Stir very lightly, just enough to incorporate them. Adding them now ensures they stick to the chocolate without their candy coating melting and discoloring the mix. If you add them too late, they will just fall to the bottom of the serving bowl.
- Spread and Finish: Divide the coated snack mix evenly between your two prepared baking sheets. Spread the mixture out into a single layer as much as possible, giving it space to cool. Sprinkle the remaining one-third of M&M’s over the top of the spread-out mix for extra visual appeal.
- Cool and Break: Allow the entire mixture to cool completely at room temperature. This will take approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your environment. Once the white chocolate has fully hardened, break the cooled mixture into irresistible, bite-sized clusters. Transfer your amazing holiday treat to a festive serving bowl.
Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Snack Mix
Achieve perfect results every time with these helpful hints and troubleshooting tips. Making this festive snack blend should be enjoyable and stress-free.
- Smooth Chocolate Melt: For super smooth white chocolate, melt it slowly. Use low power settings in the microwave or a gentle simmer with a double boiler. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly.
- Prevent Seizing: Keep water away from melting chocolate, as even a tiny drop can cause it to seize and become clumpy. Use a completely dry bowl and utensils.
- M&M Timing: Add M&M’s when the chocolate is warm but not piping hot. This prevents melting and discoloration while ensuring they adhere well to the mix.
- Even Coating: Using your hands for mixing ensures a more even distribution of chocolate. Just make sure your hands are clean and cool to prevent sticking.
- Quick Setting: If you are in a hurry, place the baking sheets in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to speed up the hardening process.
- Troubleshooting Sticky Mix: If your mix remains sticky, it likely needs more time to cool and harden completely. Ensure it’s in a cool, dry place.
- Family Fun: Turn this into a holiday tradition! Kids love helping combine ingredients and sprinkling candies, making it a memorable family activity.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
This versatile Christmas snack mix is perfect for many occasions. Knowing how to serve and store it will help you enjoy it longer.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Platters: Arrange this beautiful mix alongside other festive treats for an impressive holiday spread.
- Edible Gifts: Scoop the mix into decorative jars or cellophane bags, tie with a ribbon, and give as heartfelt homemade gifts.
- Movie Night Treat: It’s the ultimate sweet and salty companion for cozy holiday movie nights with family.
- Festive Bowls: Serve in a large, holiday-themed bowl for easy access at parties.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store your finished snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Refrigeration: For extended freshness, especially in warmer climates, refrigerate the mix for up to 2 weeks. Ensure the container is tightly sealed.
- Freezing: You can freeze this white chocolate Chex mix for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Flavor Variations
- Peppermint Twist: Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the melted white chocolate, or sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a peppermint twist.
- Caramel Drizzle: After the white chocolate has hardened, drizzle the clusters with melted caramel for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Nut-Free Option: Simply omit the peanuts and replace them with more pretzels, seeds, or a different crunchy cereal.
- Birthday Cake Theme: Use white chocolate, add rainbow sprinkles, and swap M&M’s for birthday cake flavored candy pieces.
- Other Holiday Candies: Incorporate other festive additions like crushed toffee bits, mini marshmallows, or red and green sprinkles.
- Dark or Milk Chocolate: While this recipe highlights white chocolate, you can easily use dark or milk chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition Information
Please note that the nutritional values provided are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient measurements. This delicious Christmas snack mix makes a decadent holiday treat.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1153 calories |
| Total Fat | 56g |
| Saturated Fat | 27g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 24g |
| Cholesterol | 26mg |
| Sodium | 536mg |
| Carbohydrates | 147g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sugar | 84g |
| Protein | 21g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about this incredibly popular holiday treat.
- What makes it “Christmas Crack“? This festive snack mix earns its nickname because it’s incredibly addictive! The perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy makes it hard to stop eating.
- Can I use other types of chocolate? Absolutely, you can. While white chocolate offers a classic look, dark or milk chocolate chips also work wonderfully and create different flavor combinations.
- How do I prevent chocolate from seizing? Ensure your bowl and spatula are completely dry before melting chocolate, as any moisture can cause it to clump. Melt slowly and stir continuously for the best results.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, it is very easy to make this holiday snack mix gluten-free. Simply use gluten-free pretzels and ensure your cereals (like Rice Chex or Corn Chex) are certified gluten-free.
- How far in advance can I make it? You can prepare this delicious Christmas snack mix up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It keeps fresh for even longer if refrigerated or frozen.
Conclusion
This ultimate Christmas snack mix is more than just a recipe; it is a simple way to bring joy and deliciousness to your holiday season. Its no-bake nature and straightforward steps make it perfect for busy individuals and those new to baking. Whether you are hosting a party, looking for a heartfelt gift, or simply want a festive treat, this white chocolate Chex mix delivers every time. Get ready to create wonderful holiday memories with this truly irresistible and easy-to-make recipe. Happy holiday snacking from Sweet Emily!
The Ultimate Christmas Snack Mix Recipe (White Chocolate Chex Mix)
This festive white chocolate Chex mix, also known as Christmas Crack, is a delightful and easy-to-make snack perfect for the holidays. It combines crispy cereals, salty pretzels and peanuts with sweet white chocolate and colorful M&M's for a crunchy, addictive treat.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Instructions
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside. Combine all ingredients except M&M’s and white chocolate into a very large bowl.
- Melt white chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler, stirring frequently if microwaving, to prevent seizing.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the Chex mix mixture and gently stir, using your hands if preferred. Divide the mixture evenly between the two prepared cookie sheets and spread it out.
- Add the M&M’s and gently mix them into the ingredients to ensure they are incorporated without melting their coating.
- Allow the mix to cool completely for 30 minutes to an hour, then break it into clumps and transfer to a serving bowl.
Notes
Adding M&M's too early can cause their coating to melt and discolor the mix. If added too late, they may fall to the bottom of the serving bowl. Using your hands to mix the chocolate with the dry ingredients can be more effective.
Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com
