Sweet, salty, and festive! This Christmas Chex Mix with M&Ms combines crunchy chex cereals, pretzels, and candy-coated chocolate for a holiday treat that’s perfect for gifting or snacking!
Christmas Chex Mix is one of my favorite homemade treats for the holiday season. It’s a simple yet delightful festive snack that combines melted chocolate, creamy peanut butter with crunchy Chex cereals. Adding pretzels, M&Ms, and popcorn creates a delectable mix of salty and sweet flavors.
It’s perfect for sharing at parties or just enjoying as a fun snack.
Making this mix is quick and doesn’t require baking, which is why it’s a staple party addition during the Holidays. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a batch ready to go. It’s so tasty that guests might find it hard to stop eating once they start.
Why Everyone Loves This Holiday Snack
- Irresistibly Sweet and Salty Flavor. This mix perfectly balances sweetness from festive sprinkles and chocolate with the savory crunch of pretzels and Chex cereal, making it a crowd pleaser.
- Customizable and Fun to Make. You can mix and match ingredients like candy, nuts, or dried fruit to suit personal preferences, and it’s a blast to prepare with family or friends.
- Perfect for Gifting or Snacking. Easy to package in holiday themed bags or jars, it’s a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift. It’s also the ideal treat to keep around for holiday parties or movie nights.
- Quick and No-Bake Recipe. With simple steps and no baking required, it’s a stress free snack that’s ready in no time, perfect for the busy holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips, melted
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 6 cups chex mix
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- Red and Green M&M’s
- Holiday Dots Candy
- Kettle Corn Popcorn
- Pretzels
How To Make Christmas Chex Mix
First, I start by putting 6 cups Chex cereal into a big bowl. I make sure the bowl is large enough to hold everything because this recipe has a lot of parts to mix.
Melt 1 cup of milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring between each until smooth.Mix in ½ cup of peanut butter until fully blended with the melted chocolate.
Pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal and gently stir until evenly coated. Add 2 cups of powdered sugar to the coated Chex and toss until all pieces are fully covered.
Spread the coated mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and allow it to cool and set.
Once the chocolate has set, combine the coated Chex with red and green M&M’s, Dots, kettle corn popcorn, and pretzels in a large bowl.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later. Enjoy this festive holiday treat!
How to Keep the Chex Mix Fresh
I store my cereal mixture in an airtight container like a Tupperware or use a zip-top bag. Keeping it at room temperature is important because if it gets too warm, the chocolate may melt. It’s so handy to have this snack ready to go!
Extra Sweet Additions
Adding candies to your snack mix can make a delightful treat for any festive occasion. These little bits of sweetness add both flavor and joy to the mix. Choices might include peppermint canes or mini cocoa cups, which bring a holiday feel to your dish. For something nutty and sweet, chocolate peanut butter treats are a great option. Colorful candies, like Skittles, offer a fun visual pop.
Consider adding fluffy marshmallows, which blend well with crunchy pieces like pretzel twists, crispy Cheerios, and animal crackers. You might also enjoy maple sweets, offering a distinct taste that’s unique and popular during the holiday season. For something refreshing, consider butter mints.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can marshmallows be included in a holiday Chex mix?
In my experience, adding marshmallows to a holiday Chex mix is a simple way to bring a soft and sweet texture. I like to use mini marshmallows because they blend well with other ingredients. You can mix them in after melting the butter and sugar for easy coating.
What are steps to create a sweet and salty holiday Chex mix?
Balancing flavors is my go-to strategy for a sweet and salty Chex mix. I combine cereal with ingredients like pretzels and salted nuts for saltiness. For sweetness, I add chocolate candies or sugary coatings. Heating sugar and butter for a sticky glaze helps everything stick together nicely.
How can I keep homemade Chex Mix from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, I recommend carefully baking the mixture at a low temperature. Stirring every few minutes helps coating distribute evenly and prevents moisture. Allowing it to cool completely before storing in an airtight container preserves crispness.