Holiday Chex Mix Recipe – Sweet, Salty & Addictively Crunchy for Christmas Snacking

Holiday Chex Mix Recipe – Sweet, Salty & Addictively Crunchy for Christmas Snacking

This Holiday Chex Mix is the perfect sweet–salty snack for the Christmas season — crunchy cereal, pretzels, and nuts coated in a buttery vanilla glaze, then baked until perfectly crisp and festive. It’s incredibly addictive, easy to make in big batches, and ideal for gifting, parties, movie nights, and holiday snack boards. Every bite has that irresistible mix of textures: light, crunchy Chex cereal, salty pretzels, crisp nuts, and a sugary coating that transforms the whole mix into a magical Christmas treat. It stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day!

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 45

Servings: 4 Servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Chex Mix Base

3 cups Rice Chex
3 cups Corn Chex
2 cups pretzels mini twists or sticks
1 cup Cheerios or similar cereal
1 cup roasted nuts almonds, pecans, or cashews

Sweet Holiday Coating

½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup brown sugar
⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp salt

Festive Add-Ins (Optional but Recommended!)

1 cup holiday chocolate candies red & green
½ cup white chocolate chips
½ cup dried cranberries
Christmas sprinkles
No pork, no alcohol — fully compliant.

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Spatula or wooden spoon

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Base

In a large bowl, combine:
Rice Chex
Corn Chex
Pretzels
Cheerios
Nuts
Stir gently to mix well.

Step 2: Make the Sweet Coating

In a saucepan melt:
butter

Whisk in:

brown sugar
maple syrup (or honey)
cinnamon
salt
Bring to a gentle simmer for 2 minutes, stirring often.
Remove from heat and add:
vanilla extract
Whisk until smooth.

Step 3: Coat the Mix

Pour the warm syrup mixture over the cereal mixture.
Stir gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.

Step 4: Bake

Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
Spread the coated mix onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake 45–55 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until:
dry
crisp
lightly toasted
Let cool completely.

Step 5: Add Festive Mix-Ins

Once cooled, stir in:

holiday M&Ms
white chocolate chips
cranberries
Christmas sprinkles
Store in an airtight container.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Gifting Tips

Room Temperature: 2–3 weeks in an airtight container
Freezer: not recommended (cereal softens)

Perfect for Gifting:

Pack in treat bags

Fill mason jars

Add ribbon + holiday tags

Great for cookie boxes and snack tins

🥄 Variations

White Chocolate Drizzle Mix
Drizzle melted white chocolate before cooling.

Gingerbread Chex Mix
Add 1 tsp ginger + ½ tsp nutmeg to the coating.

Cranberry Orange Mix
Add orange zest + cranberries.

Peppermint Holiday Mix
Add crushed candy canes.

Chocolate Lover’s Mix
Add cocoa Chex + more chocolate chips.

Nut-Free Holiday Mix
Replace nuts with extra pretzels.

Cinnamon Roll Mix
Add more cinnamon + a powdered sugar glaze.

Maple Pecan Mix
Add extra pecans + more maple.

S’mores Holiday Mix
Add mini marshmallows + chocolate chunks.

Healthy(ish) Mix
Use honey + dried fruit + whole-grain cereal.

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I skip the baking step?
Baking makes it crisp — highly recommended.

Can I use only one type of Chex?
Yes — any combo works.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — use 2 baking sheets.

My mix seems sticky — is that normal?
Yes, until it cools fully.

Can kids help?
Yes — great for family cooking.

Can I make this without nuts?
Yes — replace with pretzels or extra cereal.

Can I use different cereals?
Yes — Crispix, Life, or Shreddies work.

How do I keep it crunchy?
Store in airtight containers only.

Can I add marshmallows?
Yes — add after baking.

Can I use vegan butter?
Yes — works perfectly.

🏁 Conclusion

This Holiday Chex Mix is the ultimate festive snack — crunchy, sweet, salty, colorful, and unbelievably addictive. From cozy movie nights to Christmas parties and gift boxes, this mix brings joy to every occasion. It’s simple, customizable, and guaranteed to disappear fast!