Christmas Chex Mix Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Christmas Chex Mix recipe with you because it’s just the perfect holiday snack that brings everybody together. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing a festive gift, or just craving something sweet and salty to munch on during holiday movie nights, this mix hits all the right notes with its crunch, sweetness, and peppermint sparkle.

What makes this Christmas Chex Mix recipe really stand out is the combination of textures and flavors—it’s a delightful mix of crunchy cereals, pretzels, and those fun Bugles chips, all wrapped up in creamy white chocolate with a festive pop from red and green mini M&M’s and peppermint. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll be a holiday must-have in your kitchen, just like it is in mine!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create a snack that’s both sweet and salty with a little crunch and festive flair. When shopping, look for quality brands you love—especially the candies and cereals—to really elevate the final mix.

• Rice Chex cereal: Light and crispy, this is a classic base that soaks up the coating perfectly without getting soggy.
• Wheat Chex cereal: Adds a nuttier flavor and heartier texture to balance out the mix.
• Bugles brand snack chips: These add a fun cone shape and salty crunch that makes the mix unique and playful.
• Sourdough pretzel nibblers (Snyders of Hanover brand): I like these for their dense crunch and tangy sourdough taste—pretzels really shine here.
• White chocolate candy melts (Ghirardelli brand used): Melts smoothly and adds that creamy sweetness that ties everything together.
• Mini M&M’s candies (Christmas red and green variety): Cute, colorful, and perfectly bite-sized to sprinkle festive cheer.
• Starlight peppermint candies (unwrapped and finely crushed): This is your holiday magic—I love how the peppermint adds a refreshing zing without overpowering.
• Nonpareil sprinkles (red, white and green holiday blend): These decorative sprinkles give the mix extra sparkle and a bit of crunch; plus, they look adorable.

Variations

I love tailoring this Christmas Chex Mix recipe depending on who I’m serving it to or what ingredients I have on hand—it’s really forgiving and easy to make your own. Don’t be shy about swapping or adding your favorite goodies for a personalized twist.

• Nut-free variation: I’ve kept the mix nut-free by sticking to pretzels and cereals, making it great to bring to family gatherings where allergies are a concern.
• Dark chocolate drizzle: Sometimes I swap out the white chocolate for dark chocolate candy melts for a richer taste that pairs wonderfully with peppermint.
• Ginger snap addition: Crushing some ginger snaps and tossing them in adds a warm spice note that’s fantastic if you want a slightly different holiday vibe.
• Spicy kick: For an adventurous twist, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne or chili powder before coating the mix—it surprises guests and balances the sweetness.
• Gluten-free option: Just swap the Wheat Chex and pretzels for certified gluten-free versions, and you’re good to go without losing any flavor or crunch.

How to Make Christmas Chex Mix Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prep All Your Ingredients

Start by lining up your cereals, pretzels, Bugles, and candies on your kitchen counter. It really helps to have everything pre-measured and ready so you’re not scrambling once the chocolate starts melting. Make sure to unwrap those peppermint candies and crush them finely—I do this with a rolling pin inside a sealed plastic bag for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Cereals and Snacks

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Wheat Chex, Bugles, and sourdough pretzel nibblers. Give it a gentle toss so everything’s evenly distributed. This base mix is what’s going to soak up that delicious white chocolate coating, so make sure your bowl is big enough for some stirring later.

Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate

Place the white chocolate candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and completely melted. Go slow here—you don’t want to scorch the chocolate. Stirring well after each burst ensures a silky texture that coats everything nicely.

Step 4: Combine and Coat the Mix

Pour the melted white chocolate over the cereal and snacks, then gently fold everything together using a spatula. Take your time so each piece gets a nice even coating without breaking the Bugles or pretzels. This part is a little messy but rewarding—stick with it!

Step 5: Add the Festive Extras

Now sprinkle in the mini M&M’s, crushed peppermint candies, and nonpareil sprinkles. Fold these in gently to keep the candies intact and distribute the peppermint evenly. The crushed peppermint is what really takes this Christmas Chex Mix recipe to the next level with that refreshing holiday touch.

Step 6: Let It Set

Spread the mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Let it cool completely at room temperature—this usually takes about 30 minutes. Avoid refrigerating right away because sudden temperature changes can make the chocolate bloom and look dull. I like to make this early in the day so it sets nicely before serving.

How to Serve Christmas Chex Mix Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it simple with a little extra sprinkle of nonpareils on top for that eye-catching sparkle just before serving. Sometimes, I’ll add a few whole peppermint candies around the serving bowl for a festive look and extra scent that guests love when they walk in.

Side Dishes

This Christmas Chex Mix pairs beautifully with hot cocoa or a holiday punch, making it a perfect snack for your dessert table or cozy night in. I also like serving it alongside cheese boards or alongside other salty snacks to offer guests a variety during parties.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun idea I’ve tried is serving the mix inside mini mason jars tied with festive ribbon—these make fantastic gifts or party favors. You can also layer it in clear treat bags and top with a holiday tag for quick and charming giveaways at work or school.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Christmas Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature, and it usually stays fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks. I’ve found that keeping it sealed tightly prevents the peppermint from softening and keeps that white chocolate coating shiny.

Freezing

While I haven’t personally frozen this mix often, it should freeze well if sealed tightly in a freezer bag. To thaw, just leave it at room temperature for a couple hours. Keep in mind the chocolate may dull slightly but should maintain its tasty crunch.

Reheating

Since this recipe is a no-heat snack, reheating isn’t really necessary. If the mix feels a bit lost or stale, simply spread it on a baking sheet and pop it in a 250°F oven for about 5 minutes to refresh the crunch. Just watch closely so the chocolate doesn’t melt back again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Chex Mix recipe holds a very special place in my kitchen every holiday season—and I truly hope it becomes one of your favorites too. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing snack that feels homemade but looks festive and special. Next time you want something crunchy, sweet, and pepperminty, you’ll be glad you have this recipe up your sleeve to wow guests or just treat yourself. Give it a try; I think you’ll love how simple and joyful it makes your holiday snacking!

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