Every December, there’s one thing I know I’ll be making at least three times before Christmas Eve: Christmas Crunch Snack Mix. It’s the ultimate holiday snack — a colorful blend of cereal, pretzels, chocolate, and candy that disappears as soon as you set it out. My love for this mix started one snowy weekend years ago when the kids and I wanted to make something easy but festive. We didn’t want to bake; we wanted to snack. So we grabbed a few half-used cereal boxes, a bag of pretzels, some M&Ms, and melted chocolate — and the tradition was born.
Now, every year, this crunchy mix fills our snack jars and gift bags. It’s become as important to our family as hanging stockings. If you loved my Grinch Dip or Frosted Christmas Brownies, this festive mix is your next must-make treat.
Christmas Crunch Snack Mix
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Chex cereal, Cheerios, pretzels, and popcorn. Toss gently to mix evenly.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate chips with butter in 30-second bursts. Stir until smooth, then mix in vanilla.
- Pour the melted white chocolate over the dry mix. Stir gently to coat everything evenly. Add M&Ms and sprinkles while the coating is still warm.
- Spread the mix onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let cool for 15 minutes, then break into clusters.
- Store in airtight containers or gift bags at room temperature.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!The Story Behind the Crunch
A Snack You Can’t Stop Eating
What makes Christmas Crunch Snack Mix so special is how addictive it is. Every bite is a mix of sweet and salty — chocolatey clusters of cereal coated in white chocolate and topped with sprinkles and candy. It’s the kind of snack that disappears faster than you can bag it up. I make a double batch every time now because someone (okay, me) always sneaks into the kitchen for a handful.
If you like simple recipes that bring big smiles, you’ll also love my Christmas Fruit Cake. It’s another holiday staple that’s easy to make and even easier to share.
Perfect for Parties and Gifts
This snack mix is a lifesaver during the holidays. It takes less than 15 minutes to make, uses only one bowl, and looks gorgeous when packed in glass jars or festive tins. I usually make extra bags to gift to neighbors it’s a small, thoughtful way to spread cheer without spending all day in the kitchen.
Ingredients for Christmas Crunch Snack Mix
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 3 cups Cheerios
- 3 cups mini pretzels
- 2 cups popcorn (lightly salted)
- 2 cups red and green M&Ms
- 2 cups white chocolate chips or almond bark
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Holiday sprinkles for decoration
How to Make Christmas Crunch Snack Mix
Step 1: Prepare Your Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Chex cereal, Cheerios, pretzels, and popcorn. Give everything a gentle toss to mix evenly. This combination gives you that perfect blend of crunch and salt.
Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate chips with butter in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until smooth. Once melted, stir in vanilla extract for flavor.
Step 3: Coat and Toss
Pour the melted white chocolate over your cereal mixture. Gently stir with a spatula until everything is evenly coated. Add the M&Ms and sprinkles while the chocolate is still warm so they stick perfectly.
Spread the mix onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it cool for about 15 minutes. Once it hardens, break it into clusters and store in airtight containers.
If you love no-bake holiday snacks, don’t miss my Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies they’ve got that same sweet-salty twist but in cookie form.
Easy Flavor Variations
Peppermint Crunch
Add crushed candy canes to the mix before the chocolate sets. It gives the snack a refreshing peppermint kick that’s perfect for December movie nights.
Chocolate Lovers’ Mix
Drizzle dark or milk chocolate over the cooled mix for an extra chocolatey version. You can also toss in Reese’s Pieces or mini marshmallows for a richer flavor.
For another easy chocolatey idea, check out my Sweet Potato Bowl Recipes. They’re healthy, cozy, and a great balance to your sweet holiday snacking.
How to Store and Gift Your Snack Mix
Storage Tips
Keep your Christmas Crunch Snack Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Avoid refrigerating it — the moisture will make the cereal and pretzels lose their crunch.
Gift It Like a Pro
This mix makes adorable, thoughtful gifts. Fill small mason jars or cellophane bags, tie them with a festive ribbon, and add a tag with “Made with love from my kitchen.” I like pairing it with a jar of my homemade Creamy Bacon Potato Soup mix for a sweet-and-savory gift basket that everyone loves.
Tips for the Perfect Mix Every Time
- Dry ingredients completely: Moisture makes the mix soggy, so ensure popcorn and pretzels are crisp.
- Work quickly: White chocolate sets fas toss while it’s warm for even coverage.
- Customize colors: Use pastel M&Ms for Easter, orange and black for Halloween, or red and pink for Valentine’s Day.
- Double the recipe: You’ll regret not making more trust me.
If you love easy prep like this, my One Pot Potato Soup is another 30-minute wonder that fills the house with comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does Christmas Crunch Snack Mix last?
It stays fresh for about two weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
2. Can I use dark chocolate instead of white?
Yes! Dark chocolate gives it a richer, slightly less sweet flavor — just make sure to drizzle instead of coat since it doesn’t harden the same way.
3. Can I make this ahead for parties?
Absolutely. Make it up to a week before your event and store it in jars or tins. It actually tastes better the next day.
4. Can I make it nut-free?
Yes — just skip the peanuts and use extra cereal or mini marshmallows instead.
Conclusion
Christmas Crunch Snack Mix is the perfect festive snack — quick, colorful, and guaranteed to make everyone smile. It’s the kind of recipe that proves you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something memorable. It’s snackable, giftable, and irresistibly crunchy.
Whether you serve it during a holiday movie night or pack it up as gifts with Frosted Christmas Brownies, it’s the kind of treat that brings a little sparkle to every bite.
For a full Christmas spread, pair it with my Grinch Dip and a warm bowl of Creamy Bacon Potato Soup. Your holiday table will look like a winter wonderland — and taste like one, too.