This festive Christmas Crack Chex Mix is the perfect balance of cereal, pretzels, and chocolate coating that creates an irresistible combination of tastes and textures. A quick and easy snack that will leave the whole family reaching for seconds.
Whether you're hosting a holiday party, movie night, or craving a sweet and crunchy pick-me-up, this Chex Mix recipe is perfect.
Picture cozying up by the fire with a bowl of this irresistible snack along with easy Christmas popcorn and Christmas reindeer Chex mix. Creating moments of holiday joy and togetherness while munching on delicious treats.
Pair with a cup of festive hot cocoa or a cranberry mocktail for an elevated experience. The versatility of this recipe makes it a great addition to potlucks, gift baskets, or the Christmas dessert table.
But we totally understand if you end up eating the whole batch yourself just like you might with our Grinch popcorn or Christmas wreath cookies!
Why you'll love this Christmas snack
- Made in under 10 minutes with simple ingredients, it's a quick and easy holiday recipe.
- It's filled with festive flavors and colors, making it a great gift or addition to Christmas dinner.
- Since this recipe is so easy, you can get the kids involved in the baking process.
- Leftovers, if you have any, will last up to a week.
- Throw in a mason jar with festive ribbon for great homemade gifts
The ingredients
- Cereal - I like to use cinnamon Cheerios and classic rice Chex or corn Chex.
- Pretzels - Small pretzel sticks or twists work best. Avoid large salty pretzels because they will take up too much space.
- Chocolate chips - I prefer to use melted white chocolate chips for the coating but any chocolate will work.
- M&Ms - For a festive touch, you have to add Christmas M&Ms as well as red and green sprinkles.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this christmas Chex mix recipe by using gluten-free cereal and gluten free pretzels. Also, if you're adding additional holiday candies, it's best to double check that they are also gluten-free.
How to make Christmas crack Chex mix
Step 1: Dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cereals together until evenly mixed.
Step 2: The chocolate
Melt the chocolate in intervals in a microwave safe bowl until smooth.
Step 3: Toss
Pour the white chocolate over the cereal mixture until everything is coated.
Step 4: Final touches
Evenly spread the mix on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Add M&Ms, holiday sprinkles, or other final touches. Let cool and serve.
Pro tip: Make sure everything is spread evenly on a large rimmed cookie sheet to ensure even baking.
How do I keep the mix from getting too sticky?
To maintain the perfect balance of textures, make sure the Chex mix is completely cooled before storing. This way, it will maintain its delightful crunch. But, if you feel like your mix is too sticky, feel free to add more cereal or less melted chocolate.
Ways to customize
- If you like peppermint, add crushed candy canes to the mix or a touch of peppermint extract to the white chocolate. You can never have too much peppermint during the holiday season.
- Add an extra texture element but including chopped nuts. Almonds, pecans, or walnuts add a satisfying crunch and richness.
- Dark chocolate or milk chocolate drizzle not only adds more flavor, but makes this mix aesthetically pleasing.
- If you're a peanut butter fan like me, you can mix in melted peanut butter with the white chips for an extra nutty and salty mix.
Can I make this snack mix in advance?
Yes, you can make this holiday Chex mix up to a week in advance. In fact, preparing a few days in advance allows the flavors to melt together and the textures to settle. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature and serve when ready for a stress-free party snack.
Tips for making the best Christmas Chex Mix
- Gradually melt the white chocolate chips in intervals in the microwave until melted. Thirty second increments, stirring in between, will prevent burning.
- Cool the mix completely before storing to ensure a longer shelf life.
- Use festive themed sprinkles or extra holiday candy for an added touch.
Storage
Storing - You can keep this Christmas snack mix in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to a week. Let the mix cool completely before storing to ensure a longer shelf life.
Freezing - We do not recommend freezing this recipe as the taste and texture will change.
More recipes you'll love
- This white chocolate christmas crack also makes adorable christmas gifts
- A Christmas charcuterie board is the perfect combination of savory textures if you're looking for a holiday appetizer.
- This snowman cheeseball is another great appetizer that doubles as a great snack for the Christmas season.
- You can't go wrong serving non alcoholic champagne or the best thanksgiving punch to wash down a delicious holiday meal.
Christmas Crack Chex Mix
Equipment
- 1 baking sheet
Ingredients
- 4 cups cinnamon Cheerios cereal
- 4 cups rice or corn Chex cereal
- 2 cups pretzels
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 cup red and green M&M's
- green and red sprinkles optional
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, mix cereals and pretzels together
- In a medium bowl, melt white chocolate by heating in the microwave for 1 minute then stirring to finish melting (if it is not quite melted, microwave for 30 more seconds and stir again to melt, you can repeat this a couple times if needed)
- Pour melted white chocolate over cereal mixture and toss to coat entirely
- Add candies and sprinkles then stir
- Spread on a silicone or parchment lined baking sheet to cool
Notes
Tips
- Gradually melt the white chocolate chips in intervals in the microwave until melted. Thirty second increments, stirring in between, will prevent burning.
- Cool the mix completely before storing to ensure a longer shelf life.
- Use festive themed sprinkles or extra holiday candy for an added touch.
Jocelyn says
We love this recipe during the holidays! It’s been perfect for on the go treats and parties. It will continue to be a repeat recipe😍