Christmas Chex Mix Recipe

Nothing says holiday cheer like a big bowl of sweet, crunchy Christmas Chex Mix. Loaded with pretzels, marshmallows, M&M’s, and a glossy vanilla coating, it’s the perfect combination of salty and sweet. This easy, no-bake snack comes together in minutes and looks like it came straight from Santa’s workshop. Whether you’re hosting a party, wrapping edible gifts, or craving a festive movie-night treat, this recipe guarantees a batch that disappears fast. Grab your mixing bowl Christmas just found its favorite snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: No baking, no stress just melt, mix, and enjoy.
• Simple Ingredients: Everything comes straight from the pantry or your nearest grocery store.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Every handful offers that perfect salty-sweet crunch everyone loves.
• Perfect for Gifting: Looks beautiful in jars or treat bags and stays fresh for days.
• Festive & Fun: Red and green candies turn every bite into a little piece of holiday joy.

This Christmas Chex Mix stands out for its glossy white chocolate coating that sets perfectly no clumps, no mess. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a holiday hero with minimal effort. One taste, and you’ll see why it’s the snack everyone requests year after year.

Ingredients Needed

For the Base Mix

• 6 cups Rice Chex or Corn Chex cereal: the crispy, crunchy base that soaks up every bit of coating.
• 2 cups mini marshmallows: add sweetness and a soft texture contrast.
• 1 cup mini pretzel twists: that salty bite balances the sugar perfectly.

For the Coating & Candy Add-Ins

• 15 oz vanilla candy coating (almond bark): melts smooth and sets quickly for a glossy finish.
• ¼ cup powdered sugar: adds a light dusting for texture and sweetness.
• 1 cup holiday-colored M&M’s: red and green candies bring festive color.
• 3 tablespoons sprinkles or nonpareils: for that extra holiday sparkle.

Notes & Substitutions

• White chocolate vs. almond bark: Almond bark is a confectionery coating that replaces cocoa butter with other fats, which helps it melt and set more predictably than true chocolate, while white chocolate offers a richer dairy-based flavor.
• Gluten-free option: Choose products labeled “gluten-free” and check packaging, as the FDA standard requires foods bearing this claim to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten, which helps shoppers identify safe options for celiac disease.
• Nut-free alternative: Leave out peanuts or candies with nut traces use popcorn or crispy cereal for extra crunch.
• Flavor twist: Add crushed candy canes or mini peanut butter cups for a bolder holiday flavor.
• Budget-friendly tip: Use store-brand cereals and coating the taste stays great.

How to Make Christmas Chex Mix

Before You Start

Line a large baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper. Gather all your ingredients—once the coating is melted, everything moves fast.

Method A: Quick No-Bake White Chocolate Version

1. Mix the base. In a large bowl, combine the Chex cereal, marshmallows, and pretzels. Toss gently to distribute everything evenly.
2. Melt the coating. Add almond bark or white chocolate to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until smooth and fully melted. (Tip: Add a teaspoon of coconut oil for extra shine.)
3. Coat the mix. Pour the melted coating over the cereal mixture. Use a rubber spatula to fold gently until every piece looks glossy.
4. Add color. Spread the mix onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the top with holiday sprinkles before it sets. Let cool for about 15 minutes.
5. Sweet dusting. Once the coating firms up, toss the mix in powdered sugar for a light, snowy finish.
6. Add the fun. Stir in M&M’s last so they stay bright and uncoated. Serve immediately or store once fully set.

Method B: Baked Spiced Mix with White Chocolate Drizzle

1. Preheat and prep. Heat the oven to 250°F. Combine Chex, pretzels, and a handful of marshmallows in a large bowl.
2. Make the flavor base. In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter with 2 tablespoons honey and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Pour over the mix and stir until coated.
3. Bake to perfection. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, stirring halfway. The goal is golden and lightly crisp, not dark.
4. Drizzle and decorate. Once cooled slightly, drizzle melted white chocolate or almond bark over the top, then sprinkle with M&M’s and festive toppings. Let it harden before breaking into pieces.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Expert Tips

• Perfect texture: Always toss gently to keep the cereal from breaking. A rubber spatula helps coat evenly without crushing.
• Shiny, smooth coating: For a shiny, smooth coating, keep heat low and avoid steam or water contact, since even small amounts can cause chocolate to seize, as noted by University of Idaho Extension.
• Even coverage: Divide the coating into two pours half at the start and half midway through mixing to avoid uncoated pockets.
• Flavor depth: Add a pinch of sea salt to the coating for a balanced sweet-salty pop that tastes more gourmet.
• Holiday flair: Use different color themes for other seasons pink candies for Valentine’s Day or pastel sprinkles for Easter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overheating the chocolate: Stop microwaving once a few lumps remain, then stir until smooth. Residual heat will finish melting it.
• Mixing while too hot: Adding candies before the coating cools can cause colors to bleed. Let the mix cool for 5 minutes first.
• Skipping the cooling step: Warm mix trapped in a container traps steam and turns chewy—spread it out until completely dry.
• Wrong cereal ratio: Too much candy or coating makes it sticky; aim for a 6:1 cereal-to-coating ratio for the best crunch.

Creative Shortcut

Need a big batch in a hurry? Melt your coating in a large roasting pan set over low heat in the oven. Once smooth, stir the cereal mix right in the same pan less cleanup, faster results.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serving Ideas

Serve your Christmas Chex Mix in festive bowls, mason jars, or small treat bags tied with ribbon, and pour some Grinch Punch for a fun color pop.
It’s ideal for movie nights, classroom parties, or as a quick dessert alternative on a holiday buffet next to Reindeer Chow.
Pair it with hot cocoa, mulled cider, and Royal Icing Christmas Cookies for a cozy holiday spread.

Storage Guidelines

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Freezer: For best quality, freeze in airtight bags and enjoy within a couple of months; frozen foods remain safe indefinitely at 0°F, according to USDA FSIS, so you can store longer if needed.
• Avoid moisture: Any condensation softens the coating, so be sure the mix is completely cool before sealing.
• Recrisping tip: Spread on a baking sheet and heat at 200°F for 5 minutes to restore crunch.

Reheating & Refreshing

If your mix loses its snap, a quick 5-minute reheat in a low oven works wonders. Avoid the microwave it softens the coating.

Creative Variations

• Peppermint Crunch: Add crushed candy canes and swap M&M’s for white peppermint chips, or serve with peppermint fudge for extra minty goodness.
• Nut-Free Delight: Use sunflower seeds or popcorn in place of peanuts.
• Salty-Sweet Mix-Up: Toss in pretzel sticks and sea salt for a bolder crunch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Stick to Rice Chex, gluten-free pretzels, and allergy-safe candy.
• Spiced Winter Mix: Add cinnamon and nutmeg before baking for a warm twist.

Gifting & Shipping Tips

Pack the mix in small jars, tins, or clear treat bags with printed gift tags, and add a batch of saltine toffee to round out the gift.
Add a note that says “Store in a cool, dry place.” When shipping, line containers with parchment to prevent sticking during transit.

Nutritional Information

Serving size: ½ cup

Nutrient	Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	190	—
Total Fat	9 g	—
Saturated Fat	7 g	—
Cholesterol	0 mg	—
Sodium	100 mg	—
Total Carbohydrate	27 g	—
Dietary Fiber	0 g	—
Protein	1 g	—
Iron	—	15%
Potassium	55 mg	—
Vitamin A	—	2%
Vitamin C	—	2%
Calcium	—	4%

*Percent Daily Values are estimates.

How we calculated it: Numbers are estimates calculated using standard product data from USDA FoodData Central and comparable pantry brands.

What it means for you: This mix delivers quick energy from carbs and a small amount of fat for satiety. Using Rice Chex or Corn Chex keeps it gluten friendly when paired with gluten-free pretzels and candies.

Tip: Use online tools like Cronometer or MyFitnessPal to double-check values if you modify ingredients.

Conclusion

Christmas Chex Mix is one of those recipes that never fails to spread cheer. It’s fast, festive, and full of that irresistible sweet-salty crunch everyone reaches for. Whether you make the quick no-bake version or the baked spiced mix with a drizzle, you’ll end up with a snack that feels like holiday magic in a bowl.

The best part? It’s easy to customize change the candies, switch the cereal, or dress it up for any occasion. Once you’ve made it once, it’ll become a yearly tradition.

If you try this recipe, leave a comment and a star rating below I’d love to hear how yours turned out. Did you add a fun twist or gift it to someone special? Tell me about it! And if you’re feeling generous, share this recipe on Pinterest or Facebook so your friends can get in on the Christmas snacking too.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Chex Mix Recipe