If you’re looking for a festive, crunchy, and oh-so-addictive snack to brighten up your holiday gatherings, this Christmas Chex Mix Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines the delightful crunch of three types of Chex cereals with salty pretzels, a nutty touch, and a perfect sweet glaze infused with warm cinnamon and vanilla. After baking low and slow to achieve that irresistible toasted flavor, the mix is finished with colorful holiday candies that bring both joy and bursts of chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re hosting, gifting, or just craving a cozy treat by the fire, this Christmas Chex Mix Recipe celebrates the season in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Christmas Chex Mix Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create layered flavors and textures. Each component plays a key role: from the crispy cereals that form the base, to the sweet and buttery glaze that binds everything, and finally the festive candies that add a cheerful pop of color and sweetness.
- Rice Chex cereal: Provides a light, crispy texture that toasts beautifully and holds the coating well.
- Corn Chex cereal: Adds a slightly sweeter crunch that balances the mix.
- Wheat Chex cereal: Brings a heartier, nuttier flavor that enriches the snack.
- Pretzel sticks: Add a salty crunch that contrasts perfectly with the sweet glaze.
- Mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts): Introduce savory richness and a satisfying bite.
- M&M’s or holiday-themed candies: Provide colorful bursts of sweetness and festive flair.
- Chocolate chips or white chocolate chips: Melt in your mouth, adding creamy sweetness when stirred in at the end.
- Butter (melted): The foundation of the sweet glaze, adding richness and helping everything stick together.
- Light brown sugar: Imparts a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the crunch.
- Corn syrup: Helps create a shiny, sticky coating that holds the mix’s flavor and texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness with warm, aromatic notes.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses the mix with classic holiday spice, warming every bite.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness for that perfect snack bite.
How to Make Christmas Chex Mix Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 225°F (107°C). This low-and-slow baking temperature ensures the mix toasts evenly without burning, giving you the perfect crunch and golden color.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, gently stir together the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, pretzel sticks, and mixed nuts. The key here is to mix carefully to avoid crushing those delicate cereals while ensuring a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Step 3: Make the Sweet Glaze
Next, melt the butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Once melted, whisk in the light brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Keep stirring until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture begins to bubble ever so slightly, which means it’s ready to coat your mix.
Step 4: Coat the Mix
Pour this warm, fragrant glaze over your cereal mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold the ingredients gently but thoroughly. Every piece should get a glossy, luscious coating to make each bite deliciously sweet and spiced.
Step 5: Bake the Mix
Transfer the coated Chex mix onto a large rimmed baking sheet, spreading it out evenly for optimal toasting. Pop it in the oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. This gentle, consistent roasting seals in flavor and adds an incredible toasted aroma.
Step 6: Cool and Add Festive Touches
After baking, let the mix cool completely on the baking sheet—this is crucial for it to crisp up perfectly. Once cooled, stir in your M&M’s or holiday candies and chocolate chips. The candies give it a festive look and extra sweetness, while the chocolate chips add melty richness without baking.
Step 7: Store Properly
Finally, store your beautiful Christmas Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature. Snacking on this treat for up to two weeks is possible, making it a great make-ahead recipe for holiday parties or gift-giving.
How to Serve Christmas Chex Mix Recipe
Garnishes
While the Christmas Chex Mix Recipe shines on its own, you can elevate presentation by sprinkling a little powdered sugar for a snowy effect, or adding festive colored sprinkles right before serving. A touch of extra cinnamon or a few whole nuts on top provides a rustic, holiday feel that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
This mix pairs wonderfully with warm drinks like hot cocoa, spiced cider, or a cozy cup of coffee. It’s a fabulous snack alongside holiday movie marathons or as a crunchy counterpoint on a dessert table filled with cookies, fudge, and pies.
Creative Ways to Present
Package your Christmas Chex Mix Recipe in clear cellophane bags tied with red or green ribbons for a charming homemade gift. Or serve it in festive bowls adorned with miniature ornaments or sprigs of pine. For parties, individual cups or small paper cones make grabbing a handful easy and mess-free.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your mix fresh and crunchy, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure it’s fully cooled before sealing to prevent any moisture buildup. Stored this way, the mix stays delicious for up to two weeks, perfect for snacking throughout the holidays.
Freezing
If you want to preserve your Christmas Chex Mix Recipe for longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe, airtight container. When properly sealed, it should stay fresh for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature before serving. Keep the candies separate and add them fresh after thawing to prevent melting.
Reheating
If your mix loses some crunch or gets slightly stale, spread it on a baking sheet and warm it in a 250°F oven for 5-10 minutes. This refreshes the texture beautifully and revives those toasty aromas, making it taste freshly baked once again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of nuts in this Christmas Chex Mix Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorites like pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts. Just be mindful of their size and roast level to keep the mix balanced and crunchy.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free versions of the Chex cereals and pretzels. Many brands offer gluten-free options that will work wonderfully without sacrificing taste.
Can I omit the candy or chocolate chips?
Of course! The candy adds festive color and sweetness, but you can leave it out if you prefer a nutty, less sweet mix or want to customize with different additions like dried fruit or coconut flakes.
How long does this Christmas Chex Mix Recipe take to prepare?
The prep time is about 15 minutes, plus an hour of baking time. It’s a mostly hands-off recipe where you can multitask while it’s in the oven, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and ensure your candies and chocolate chips are dairy-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly!
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Chex Mix Recipe is a joyful celebration of holiday flavors and textures that’s sure to become a beloved tradition. Simple to make, utterly delicious, and full of festive cheer in every bite, it’s the perfect snack to share with family and friends during the most wonderful time of the year. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how addictive this crunchy, sweet mix can be!
Print
Christmas Chex Mix Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 1h 0m
- Total Time: 1h 15m
- Yield: Approximately 10 cups
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A festive and crunchy Christmas Chex Mix featuring a delightful combination of Rice, Corn, and Wheat Chex cereals, pretzel sticks, mixed nuts, and holiday-themed candies, all coated in a buttery, sweet cinnamon glaze and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Cereal Mix
- 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
- 1 cup pretzel sticks
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts)
Sweet Coating
- 1 cup butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup M&M’s or holiday-themed candies
- 1 cup chocolate chips or white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 225°F (107°C) to prepare for baking the mix evenly and gently.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, pretzel sticks, and mixed nuts. Stir gently to mix everything without crushing the pieces.
- Prepare Sweet Coating: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture is well combined and begins to bubble slightly.
- Coat the Mix: Pour the hot buttery mixture over the Chex and nut mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold everything until all ingredients are evenly coated with the sweet glaze.
- Spread on Baking Sheet: Evenly spread the coated mixture onto a large rimmed baking sheet to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake and Stir: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure the mix toasts evenly without burning.
- Cool the Mix: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the Chex Mix to cool completely on the baking sheet, finishing the crisping process.
- Add Candy and Chocolate: Once cooled, gently stir in the M&M’s or holiday candies and chocolate chips to complete your festive Chex Mix.
- Store Properly: Store the Christmas Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Be careful when stirring the coated mixture during baking to avoid crushing the cereal and nuts.
- Ensure the mix is completely cooled before adding candy and chocolate chips to prevent melting.
- Feel free to substitute nuts or candies based on preference or dietary restrictions.
- Use white chocolate chips if you want a different flavor profile and a more festive look.
- This mix makes a great homemade holiday gift when packaged in decorative bags or tins.
