When December hits, my kitchen turns into a snack factory. Between wrapping presents and watching Elf for the fifth time, there’s always a bowl of Christmas Chex Mix on the counter. I first made it years ago when I wanted something crunchy, quick, and kid-approved for our family movie night. What started as a “let’s see what happens” recipe has become a holiday must-have — sweet, salty, and impossible to stop eating. Every year I tweak it a little, but the magic never changes: melted white chocolate, crunchy cereal, salty pretzels, and festive red-and-green M&Ms. It’s Christmas in a handful.
If you love easy treats like my Holiday Puppy Chow and Caramel Snack Mix on Quickycook.com/snacks, this Christmas Chex Mix will steal your heart (and your willpower).
Christmas Chex Mix
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, pretzels, and peanuts. This is the crunchy foundation of your mix.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate chips with butter in 30-second bursts, stirring between each. When smooth, stir in vanilla.
- Pour melted chocolate mixture over the dry ingredients. Gently toss with a spatula until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. While still sticky, top with M&Ms and sprinkles.
- Let the mix cool completely, then break into clusters. Store in an airtight container.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!The Story Behind the Mix
How It Became a Holiday Favorite
My first batch was purely accidental. I had leftover pretzels, Chex cereal, and a bag of holiday candy that needed using up. So I tossed everything together, drizzled white chocolate over it, and let it harden. The next morning, my kids called it “Christmas crack,” and the name stuck. Since then, we’ve made it every December — sometimes for parties, sometimes as edible gifts.
If you enjoy nostalgic recipes with a twist, check out my Christmas Popcorn Crunch on Quickycook.com/holidaytreats. It’s the same idea — simple, fast, and dangerously delicious.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Christmas Chex Mix isn’t just easy; it’s adaptable. You can make it colorful, gluten-free, or even a little spicy with cinnamon candy. The mix of textures — crisp cereal, chewy candy, and smooth chocolate — keeps every bite exciting. It’s the kind of snack that disappears faster than you can say “save some for Santa.”
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1 ½ cups holiday M&Ms (red and green)
- 1 cup peanuts (optional)
- 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips or almond bark
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Festive sprinkles for decoration
How to Make Christmas Chex Mix
Step 1: Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, pretzels, and peanuts. This is the crunchy foundation of your mix. It should look colorful and balanced, so add a few extra pretzels if you like that salty bite.
Step 2: Melt the Magic
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate chips with butter in 30-second bursts, stirring between each. When it’s silky smooth, stir in vanilla. Pour this over the cereal mixture, tossing gently with a spatula until everything is evenly coated.
Step 3: Add the Cheer
Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. While it’s still sticky, sprinkle on M&Ms and festive sprinkles. The colors will pop beautifully against the white coating. Let it cool completely before breaking into clusters.
If you’re a fan of quick crowd-pleasers, you’ll also love my Holiday Pretzel Bark at Quickycook.com/chocolatefix. It’s made with the same melt-and-pour method but with a chocolate base.
Creative Twists for Christmas Chex Mix
Flavor Variations
Once you master the classic, try experimenting. Add crushed candy canes for a peppermint crunch or drizzle with dark chocolate for contrast. Swap peanuts for cashews or add popcorn for a lighter texture. You can even go spicy with cinnamon or cayenne for a sweet heat surprise.
Presentation Ideas
This mix makes adorable gifts. Pack it into mason jars tied with red ribbons or fill holiday tins lined with parchment paper. You can even portion it into clear treat bags for cookie exchanges. I’ve shared more edible gift tips in DIY Holiday Food Gifts on Quickycook.com/giftideas.
Storage and Serving Tips
How to Store
Keep your Christmas Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Avoid refrigeration — moisture will make it soggy. If you’re making it ahead for a party, store it in sealed bags to keep it crunchy and fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Set out a big bowl at your next gathering, or portion small cups for movie night. It also makes a great topping for ice cream or yogurt — I call it “holiday granola.” If you want to take your dessert table up a notch, pair it with Easy Peppermint Bark from Quickycook.com
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does Christmas Chex Mix stay fresh?
It stays crisp for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
2. Can I make this mix ahead of time?
Yes! Make it up to a week ahead. Store in resealable bags or jars, and it’ll stay crunchy and flavorful.
3. Can I use different cereals?
Absolutely. Try adding Wheat Chex, Cheerios, or even Crispix. The key is balancing flavors and textures.
4. How can I make it healthier?
Use dark chocolate instead of white, add nuts or seeds, and reduce candy amounts. You’ll still get the holiday flavor with less sugar.
Conclusion
Christmas Chex Mix is proof that festive food doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s crunchy, sweet, and full of holiday cheer perfect for parties, gift bags, or just snacking while watching Christmas movies. The best part? It takes only fifteen minutes and a single bowl. Once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever celebrated without it.
If you’re planning a full spread of holiday goodies, pair this with Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Clusters and Sugar Cookie Fudge on Quickycook.com. Your dessert table will look straight out of a Hallmark movie.