Christmas Snack Mix

There’s something magical about the festive season that brings everyone together, and what better way to celebrate than with a delightful treat like Christmas Snack Mix? I remember the joy of gathering with family during the holidays, the warmth of laughter filling the room, and the irresistible aroma of sweet and savory snacks wafting through the air. This mix is not just a snack; it’s a celebration of flavors, colors, and the spirit of giving. Every bite of this crunchy blend evokes memories of festive gatherings, laughter, and the joy of sharing. Whether you’re cozied up by a fire or hosting a holiday party, Christmas Snack Mix is the perfect companion to elevate the occasion. Easy to prepare and full of surprises like candy canes and M&M’s, it’s a treat everyone will love. I often find myself making it in large batches to ensure there’s enough to go around. Trust me; once you start munching, it’s hard to stop. So let’s dive into this delightful recipe that can bring a spark of joy to your holiday celebrations!

Ingredients Required for Christmas Snack Mix

Crafting the perfect Christmas Snack Mix relies on a harmonious blend of ingredients that come together to create a truly festive treat. Each component brings its unique flavor and texture, from the crunchy cereal to the sweet chocolate. This mix is all about balancing sweet and salty, making it a favorite amongst both kids and adults. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 6 cups Crispix cereal or Chex: This forms the crunchy base of the mix, providing a satisfying texture.
• 1/2 cup salted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the mix together.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: This gives a caramel-like sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
• 6 cups popcorn (popped): Light and airy, it adds volume and a fluffy texture to the mix.
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips: Melts beautifully and provides a creamy sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil: Helps in melting the chocolate smoothly.
• 2 candy canes (crushed): Adds a festive touch and a minty flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
• 1 cup cashews: These add a satisfying crunch and a hint of nuttiness.
• 1 cup yogurt-covered pretzels: Sweet and salty, they bring an unexpected twist to the mix.
• 1/2 cup M&M candies: The colorful addition that everyone loves.
• 9 ounces candy cane Hershey’s Kisses: These are essential for that festive flavor.
• Holiday sprinkles: Optional, but they make everything look more festive!

How to Assemble Christmas Snack Mix

Bringing together the magic of Christmas Snack Mix is a fun process that anyone can enjoy. Let’s dive into the steps of creating this delicious treat. Follow my lead, and soon you’ll have a delightful mix ready for your family and friends!

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is essential as it helps to create a perfectly toasted mix, enhancing all those wonderful flavors.
2. Line a large baking sheet with foil and lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents the mix from sticking and makes for an easier cleanup.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 6 cups of Crispix cereal or Chex. This will serve as the crunchy base of your mix, so be sure to spread it out evenly for even coating.
4. In a medium saucepan, place 1/2 cup of salted butter and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Set it over medium-high heat. Stir constantly until the mixture starts to boil. This step is crucial as it helps melt the butter while dissolving the sugar.
5. Once it reaches a rolling boil, continue cooking for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. You’ll see the mixture bubble and thicken slightly, creating a syrupy consistency.
6. Immediately pour this hot mixture over the cereal in the mixing bowl. Use a spatula to gently toss and coat the cereal evenly. The heat will help the sugar mixture soak in.
7. Next, spread the coated cereal mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure it’s in an even layer for uniform baking.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes. Remove it after 8 minutes and give it a quick stir to ensure even toasting.
9. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 8 minutes. This will create a perfect crunch. After that, take it out and set it aside to cool completely.
10. While the mix is cooling, spread 6 cups of popcorn onto a large sheet of parchment paper or aluminum foil. We want the popcorn to stay fluffy and not become too soggy.
11. In a small microwave-safe bowl, place 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. This creates a luscious drizzle for your popcorn.
12. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the popcorn and immediately sprinkle with the crushed candy canes. Let it cool until the chocolate hardens; this adds a festive touch.
13. In a very large mixing bowl, combine the cooled cereal mixture, popcorn, 1 cup of cashews, 1 cup of yogurt-covered pretzels, 1/2 cup of M&M candies, and 9 ounces of candy cane Hershey’s Kisses. Toss lightly to combine all those wonderful ingredients.
14. If desired, sprinkle with holiday sprinkles for an extra festive flair. Store your Christmas Snack Mix in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Tips and Variations

If you want to elevate your Christmas Snack Mix, consider these helpful tips and variations:

• Storage: Keep your Christmas Snack Mix in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If stored properly, it can last up to two weeks.
• Freezing: You can freeze the mix for longer storage. Just place it in an airtight bag or container, but be sure to separate it into portions to avoid thawing the whole batch.
• Pairing: Serve your snack mix alongside hot cocoa or festive cocktails for a delightful treat during gatherings.
• Flavor Variations: Try adding dried fruits or different kinds of nuts for unique flavors. You can also use dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.
• Make It Colorful: Use seasonal sprinkles to enhance the visual appeal. Red and green sprinkles are perfect for the holidays!

Serving Options for Christmas Snack Mix

Serving Christmas Snack Mix can be as creative as making it. Here’s how you can enjoy this festive treat:

• As a Party Snack: Present the mix in festive bowls at your holiday parties, allowing guests to help themselves. It’s a great finger food that encourages mingling.
• Packed for Gifts: Consider gifting this mix in mason jars or decorative bags. It’s a thoughtful homemade gift for neighbors or colleagues.
• Movie Night Treat: Perfect for cozy nights in, serve it alongside hot cocoa and your favorite holiday films.
• Lunchbox Addition: A handful of this mix makes a perfect lunchbox treat for kids during the festive season, providing a sweet and salty boost.
• Holiday Brunch: Include the mix as part of a festive brunch spread. It pairs wonderfully with sweet pastries and hot beverages.
• Seasonal Celebrations: Whether it’s Christmas, New Year’s, or any winter celebration, this mix is a hit on any festive table!

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Christmas Snack Mix is a delightful treat that embodies the spirit of the holiday season. It’s easy to make, versatile, and utterly delicious, making it a must-try for any festive gathering. I encourage you to give it a go and share it with your loved ones. You won’t regret it!

Christmas Snack Mix

The ultimate festive treat, Christmas Snack Mix combines crunchy cereal, sweet chocolate, and festive candy for a delightful snack you won't be able to resist. Perfect for parties or cozy nights at home, this easy recipe is sure to impress. Make it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 16 servings

Course: Snacks

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 6 cups Crispix cereal
• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 6 cups popcorn (popped)
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• 2 pieces candy canes (crushed)
• 1 cup cashews
• 1 cup yogurt-covered pretzels
• 1/2 cup M&M candies
• 9 ounces candy cane Hershey's Kisses
• 1 tablespoon holiday sprinkles (optional)

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Frying Pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is essential as it helps to create a perfectly toasted mix, enhancing all those wonderful flavors.
2. Line a large baking sheet with foil and lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents the mix from sticking and makes for an easier cleanup.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 6 cups of Crispix cereal or Chex. This will serve as the crunchy base of your mix, so be sure to spread it out evenly for even coating.
4. In a medium saucepan, place 1/2 cup of salted butter and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Set it over medium-high heat. Stir constantly until the mixture starts to boil. This step is crucial as it helps melt the butter while dissolving the sugar.
5. Once it reaches a rolling boil, continue cooking for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. You’ll see the mixture bubble and thicken slightly, creating a syrupy consistency.
6. Immediately pour this hot mixture over the cereal in the mixing bowl. Use a spatula to gently toss and coat the cereal evenly. The heat will help the sugar mixture soak in.
7. Next, spread the coated cereal mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure it's in an even layer for uniform baking.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes. Remove it after 8 minutes and give it a quick stir to ensure even toasting.
9. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 8 minutes. This will create a perfect crunch. After that, take it out and set it aside to cool completely.
10. While the mix is cooling, spread 6 cups of popcorn onto a large sheet of parchment paper or aluminum foil. We want the popcorn to stay fluffy and not become too soggy.
11. In a small microwave-safe bowl, place 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. This creates a luscious drizzle for your popcorn.
12. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the popcorn and immediately sprinkle with the crushed candy canes. Let it cool until the chocolate hardens; this adds a festive touch.
13. In a very large mixing bowl, combine the cooled cereal mixture, popcorn, 1 cup of cashews, 1 cup of yogurt-covered pretzels, 1/2 cup of M&M candies, and 9 ounces of candy cane Hershey's Kisses. Toss lightly to combine all those wonderful ingredients.
14. If desired, sprinkle with holiday sprinkles for an extra festive flair. Store your Christmas Snack Mix in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Notes

To keep your mix fresh and crunchy, store it in an airtight container. Avoid storing it in a humid environment, as moisture can make it lose its delightful texture. You can freeze the mix for longer storage, just place it in an airtight bag or container.

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Meet Carmen Rhoades

Precision is key to a perfect feast, and I apply that rigor to everything I do here. I am deeply involved in measuring, timing, and refining the techniques behind our recipes. I have cooked this dish multiple times, troubleshooting every step so that your experience in the kitchen is seamless and successful.