Appetizers

Chex Christmas Mix

Name: Chex Christmas Mix
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups Rice Chex cereal; 3 cups Corn Chex cereal; 3 cups Wheat Chex cereal; 1 cup nuts (optional); 1 cup pretzels; 1 cup M&Ms or chocolate candies; 1 cup white chocolate or candy melts; 1/4 cup butter; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt

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This Chex Christmas Mix is a crunchy, sweet, and festive snack that’s perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights in. It combines three kinds of Chex cereal with pretzels, nuts, melted white chocolate, and colorful candies for a salty-sweet bite. The mix smells buttery and sweet, and it has a satisfying crunch with pockets of creamy chocolate and bursts of candy color.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

(Approximate per serving; values will vary with exact brands and optional nuts)

Calories per serving: 370 kcal
Protein: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 47 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 17 g
Sodium: 370 mg

Why Make This Chex Christmas Mix

This mix is quick, crowd-pleasing, and flexible. It balances sweet and salty flavors and adds a festive look with red and green candies or colorful M&Ms. You can make it ahead, wrap it in cellophane for gifts, or spoon it into bowls for a party. The texture is crunchy from the cereal and pretzels, creamy from the white chocolate, and chewy if you add nuts. It’s a low-effort, high-delight holiday treat.

How to Make Chex Christmas Mix

The method is simple: combine dry ingredients, make a quick butter-sugar sauce, coat the cereal, and finish with melted white chocolate and candies. Follow the short steps below for best results.

Ingredients:

3 cups Rice Chex cereal
3 cups Corn Chex cereal
3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
1 cup nuts (optional)
1 cup pretzels
1 cup M&Ms or chocolate candies
1 cup white chocolate or candy melts
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

In a large bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, nuts (if using), and pretzels. Stir gently so the pieces mix evenly. Preheat your oven to 250°F (optional for extra crispness) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This mix smells lightly nutty and looks bright with the cereal and pretzel shapes.

Step 2: Mixing

In a small saucepan, add the butter, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves into a smooth mixture. This creates a glossy, buttery coating that will cling to the cereal. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Cooking

Pour the warm butter-sugar mixture over the cereal mixture. Use a spatula to fold and stir until the dry ingredients are evenly coated. If you like the mix extra crisp, spread it on the lined baking sheet and bake at 250°F for 10–15 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Baking deepens the flavor and helps the coating set.

Step 4: Finishing

Let the coated mix cool slightly on the sheet. Meanwhile, melt the white chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cooled mix. Sprinkle or press in the M&Ms or chocolate candies while the chocolate is still tacky so they stick. Let the mix cool completely until the chocolate sets, then break into pieces and serve. The white chocolate adds a sweet, creamy layer and the candies add bright color and a chocolatey pop.

How to Serve Chex Christmas Mix

Serve in bowls for parties or portion into small gift bags for neighbors. It makes a great snack alongside hot cocoa, mulled cider, or coffee. For a dessert table, arrange on a platter with other salty and sweet bites so guests can mix flavors. It looks festive when you use seasonal M&Ms or sprinkle in red and green candies.

How to Store Chex Christmas Mix

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days for best crunch. If your kitchen is warm, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks (note: chocolate may firm differently when cold). For gifting, seal in cellophane bags and tie with ribbon; it will stay fresh for about 1 week at room temperature. Avoid humidity to keep the cereal crisp.

Expert Tips for Perfect Chex Christmas Mix

Use fresh cereal for the best crunch. Stale cereal will make the mix less crisp.
Don’t overheat the butter-sugar mixture; just melt and dissolve sugar to avoid burning.
If you like clumps, press the mix gently after adding the drizzle so clusters form.
For even coating, stir with a wide spatula and work quickly before the mixture sets.
If you add nuts, toast them first in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes to deepen flavor.
Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking when the chocolate sets.
If you prefer less sugar, reduce the added sugar to 1/3 cup and swap white chocolate for semi-sweet drizzle.

Delicious Variations

Peppermint Crunch: Stir 1/2 cup crushed candy canes into the white chocolate drizzle for a minty finish.
Dark Chocolate & Dried Fruit: Swap white chocolate for dark chocolate and replace M&Ms with chopped dried cherries or cranberries.
Nut-Free: Omit the nuts and use sunflower seeds for crunch if needed.
Spicy-Sweet: Add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne to the butter-sugar mixture for a warm spice kick.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Chex varieties and gluten-free pretzels to make a gluten-free batch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I skip the nuts?
A: Yes. The nuts are optional. Leave them out for a nut-free snack, or substitute roasted seeds if you want added crunch.

Q: How do I prevent the mix from getting soggy?
A: Store it in an airtight container at room temperature and keep it away from humidity. Don’t refrigerate unless your kitchen is very hot; condensation can make it soggy when brought back to room temp.

Q: Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
A: Absolutely. Melted dark or milk chocolate works well. Adjust sweetness by choosing darker chocolate if you prefer less sweet.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time for a party?
A: Yes. Make it 1–2 days ahead and store in an airtight container. For best color and texture, add candies close to serving time if they might streak or melt.

Q: Why did my white chocolate seize or become grainy?
A: White chocolate can seize if it gets too hot or if water gets into it. Melt slowly in short intervals and keep the bowl and spoon completely dry. Add a small amount of vegetable oil or shortening (1 tsp) to smooth it if needed.

Q: How long will homemade Chex Christmas Mix last?
A: At room temperature in an airtight container, plan on 4–5 days for best texture. In the fridge, it can last up to 2 weeks, though the texture may change.

Conclusion

This Chex Christmas Mix is a fast, festive treat you can make and share with ease. It looks bright, tastes buttery and sweet with a salty crunch, and adapts to many flavors. For another popular take on holiday “Christmas Crack” style mixes and inspiration, check out Chex Christmas Mix (aka Christmas Crack): The Best Holiday Treat. Give this recipe a try — it’s sure to become a holiday favorite.