Name: Christmas Chex Mix Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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); 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

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Introduction

Christmas Chex Mix is a festive and crunchy snack that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting. Combining sweet white chocolate with crunchy cereals, pretzels, and colorful candies, this treat is both delightful and easy to make.

A large clear glass bowl is filled with a festive snack mix made of cereal squares and loops in light tan and golden yellow colors, coated with a white creamy layer that binds everything together. Red and green round candy pieces and small red, green, and white sprinkles are scattered evenly across the mix, adding bright pops of holiday colors. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with small white bowls of cereal and sprinkles nearby, and a white cloth with a black star pattern and candy wrapped in clear plastic on one side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups Rice Chex cereal
3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
2 cups Bugles snack chips
2 cups sourdough pretzel nibblers (Snyders of Hanover brand)
10 ounce bag white chocolate candy melts (Ghirardelli brand recommended)
1¼ cups mini M&M’s candies (Christmas red and green variety)
22 Starlight peppermint candies, unwrapped and finely crushed (about ½ cup)
2 tablespoons nonpareil sprinkles (red, white, and green holiday blend), plus extra for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Line two large 12×16-inch rimmed baking pans with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: In a very large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Wheat Chex, Bugles, and pretzel nibblers. Gently stir to mix evenly.
Step 3: Place the white chocolate candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1 minute, stir, then continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each, until fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to burn the chocolate.
Step 4: Pour the melted white chocolate into the cereal mixture and gently stir to coat everything evenly.
Step 5: Quickly add the mini M&M’s, crushed peppermints, and sprinkles to the bowl. Gently toss to distribute the candies so they stick to the melted chocolate coating.
Step 6: Divide the mixture evenly between the prepared baking pans and spread into an even layer. If desired, sprinkle additional nonpareils on top before the chocolate sets. Let the mixture set at room temperature for 15–20 minutes until the white chocolate hardens.
Step 7: Once set, break the Christmas Chex Mix into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a large clean bowl for serving or store in an airtight container.

Tips & Variations

For a nutty twist, add 1 cup of your favorite nuts like pecans or almonds before coating with white chocolate.
Use dark or milk chocolate candy melts instead of white chocolate for a richer flavor.
Swap mini M&M’s for holiday-themed chocolate chips or other festive candies.
Ensure the white chocolate is fully cooled and hardened before storing to prevent sticking.

Storage

Store Christmas Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keep it away from heat and humidity to maintain crunchiness. If the chocolate softens, letting it sit in a cool place or refrigerating briefly can help it harden again before serving.

How to Serve

A large silver baking tray filled with a colorful mix of snack pieces on a white marbled surface. The mix has several layers: pale yellow square cereal pieces with a grid texture, light beige cereal squares and some triangular corn chips. Scattered throughout are small red and green candy-coated chocolate pieces, some white and pink peppermint candy bits, and small green, red, and white sprinkles. Everything is lightly coated in a white mixture giving a slightly glossy look and holding the pieces together in clusters. The snack mix covers the entire tray evenly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use certified gluten-free cereals and pretzels to keep this snack safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

How long does the white chocolate take to harden?

At room temperature, it typically takes 15 to 20 minutes for the white chocolate to fully set. Cooling in the refrigerator can speed up the process to about 10 minutes.