Servings: About 10 cups
Total Time: 25 minutes + cooling
Hey There! Let’s Talk About This Snack
Okay, if you’ve never had Christmas Crack Chex Mix before… buckle up. This stuff is sweet, salty, crunchy, and totally addicting. It’s the kind of treat that makes people say, “What is this?! I need the recipe.” It’s like the holiday season in snack form—and you don’t even need to turn on the oven.
❤️ Why I Love This Recipe
I first made this for a cookie swap, thinking it’d just be something easy to fill the snack table. Well, it was gone before the cookies even had a chance. Now I make it every year—for parties, goodie bags, and just because I feel like it. Here’s why it’s a forever favorite:
- Sweet + salty combo is unbeatable
- Takes 20 minutes to throw together
- No baking—just melt, mix, and cool
- Totally customizable with your favorite candies or add-ins
- Great for gifting in bags, jars, or tins
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The melted white chocolate binds everything together and hardens when cooled, locking in flavor and crunch. Using Chex, pretzels, and peanuts gives texture contrast, while the salt balances the sweetness from the chocolate and M&Ms. It’s the perfect ratio of sweet-salty-crunchy in every bite.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Overheating the chocolate: White chocolate burns fast. Melt it low and slow.
- Adding M&Ms too early: They’ll melt. Stir them in after the mix cools a bit.
- Skipping the parchment paper: Trust me, cleanup is way easier if you use it.
- Not spreading it out fast enough: The mix sets quickly, so spread it before it clumps.
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 4 cups Rice Chex
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1 cup salted peanuts
- 12 oz white chocolate chips or white almond bark
- 1½ cups holiday M&Ms (red & green)
- 1 tbsp holiday sprinkles (optional, but cute!)
🔧 Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
🍽️ What to Serve With
- A big mug of hot cocoa or coffee
- Christmas cookies or peppermint bark
- Party spreads with cheese, fruit, and nuts
- Your favorite holiday cocktail
🤔 FAQ
Q: Can I use almond bark instead of white chocolate?
A: Yep! It’s actually more forgiving and easier to melt.
Q: How long does it stay fresh?
A: Up to a week in an airtight container.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Definitely! It’s perfect to prep 2–3 days before gifting or serving.
Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: It can be! Use gluten-free pretzels and check your chocolate label.
📦 Leftovers & Storage
- Store in an airtight container or zip-top bag
- Stays fresh for 5–7 days at room temp
- Don’t refrigerate—it’ll get weirdly chewy
- Freezes well for up to 1 month
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Use Cheerios or corn Chex instead of rice Chex
- Swap peanuts for almonds or cashews
- Add crushed peppermint for a minty twist
- Use dark or milk chocolate instead of white
- Make it festive for other holidays with different color M&Ms
👩🍳 How to Make Christmas Crack Chex Mix
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:
- 4 cups Rice Chex
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1 cup salted peanuts
Stir gently to mix.
Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, add:
- 12 oz white chocolate chips (or almond bark)
Microwave in 20-30 second bursts, stirring between each until smooth.
Step 3: Pour Chocolate Over Mix
Pour the melted white chocolate over the cereal mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold until everything is coated.
Step 4: Spread It Out to Cool
Quickly spread the coated mix onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer. Let it sit to cool for 10–15 minutes.
Step 5: Add the M&Ms and Sprinkles
Once the mix has cooled slightly (not hot to touch), sprinkle over:
- 1½ cups holiday M&Ms
- 1 tbsp red and green sprinkles
Lightly press them into the mix so they stick.
Step 6: Break Into Pieces & Serve
Once fully cooled and set, break into chunks and serve or pack into containers for gifting.
🎁 That’s a Wrap!
And there you have it—your new go-to holiday treat. Christmas Crack Chex Mix is easy, festive, and totally addictive. Whether you’re gifting it or keeping it all to yourself (no judgment), it’s always a hit. Give it a try, and let me know in the comments how yours turned out or what fun twist you added!
