Description
This festive Christmas Chex Mix blends crunchy cereals, pretzels, and Bugles with sweet white chocolate, colorful mini M&M’s, and crushed peppermint candies for a delightful holiday treat. Perfect for parties, gifting, or snacking throughout the season, this mix combines salty and sweet flavors with vibrant holiday colors.
Ingredients
Scale
Cereal & Snacks
- 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
- 2 cups Bugles brand snack chips
- 2 cups sourdough pretzel nibblers (Snyders of Hanover brand)
Chocolate & Candy
- 10 ounce bag white chocolate candy melts (Ghirardelli brand used)
- 1¼ cups mini M&M’s candies (Christmas red and green variety)
- 22 Starlight peppermint candies, unwrapped and finely crushed (yields approximately ½ cup)
- 2 tablespoons nonpareil sprinkles (red, white and green holiday blend), plus additional for optional garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex cereal, Wheat Chex cereal, Bugles snack chips, and sourdough pretzel nibblers. Gently toss them together to distribute evenly.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate candy melts in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted without lumps.
- Combine Chocolate and Mix: Pour the melted white chocolate over the combined cereals and snacks. Use a spatula to carefully stir and coat all the pieces evenly with the white chocolate.
- Add Candy Peppermint and Sprinkles: Immediately sprinkle the finely crushed Starlight peppermint candies and the nonpareil sprinkles over the coated mix. Gently fold in the candies and sprinkles so they stick to the chocolate coating.
- Add Mini M&M’s: Once well mixed, add the mini M&M’s candies and toss lightly just to distribute them throughout the Chex Mix. Avoid stirring too vigorously to keep candies intact.
- Set the Mix: Spread the finished Christmas Chex Mix onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or large tray in an even layer. Allow it to cool and the chocolate to harden completely at room temperature, about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Optional Garnish and Storage: For extra festivity, sprinkle a few more nonpareil sprinkles on top. Once set, break into clusters if desired and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Notes
- You can substitute peppermint candies with crushed candy canes if preferred.
- For easy mixing and coating, ensure all cereals and snacks are dry before combining with the melted chocolate.
- Use full melting white chocolate candy melts for smooth coating; avoid baking or confectionery chocolate that can seize.
- If not serving immediately, keep the mix in a cool, dry place to maintain crispness and prevent melting.
- This recipe is great for gift-giving when packaged in festive bags or jars.
Keywords: Christmas Chex Mix, holiday snack mix, white chocolate Chex mix, peppermint snack, festive treat