Sweet, minty, crunchy, and impossible to stop munching.
🎄 Intro
Let me tell you—this Peppermint Bark Chex Mix is the holiday snack I look forward to every single year.
It’s crunchy, chocolatey, and cool from the peppermint, with just the right amount of sweet and salty.
And the best part? No baking. Just melt, mix, and munch.
I love making a big batch to put in jars for neighbors, bring to parties, or keep on hand for movie nights.
It’s the kind of snack where everyone goes back for “just one more handful.”
🍫 What You’ll Need
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 12 oz white chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil (optional, for smoother melting)
- 6 candy canes, crushed
- 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for drizzle)
- Pinch of salt
🥰 Why I Love This Recipe
This is one of those recipes I make every December—and sometimes even in July. Why? Because it’s:
- No-bake & easy – Just melt and mix.
- Fast – Done in about 15 minutes.
- Festive – Those crushed candy canes make it look so pretty.
- Perfect for sharing – Makes a bunch and stores well.
- The texture! – Smooth white chocolate, crunchy cereal, and that little pop of peppermint.
🍽 Servings & Time
- Serves: 8–10 snack-sized servings
- Total Time: 15 minutes
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science!)
- White chocolate coats everything – The fat in chocolate helps it cling to every piece of cereal, locking in flavor.
- Crushed candy canes melt slightly on the warm coating – This makes them stick and adds that classic peppermint bark crunch.
- Salt balances sweetness – Just a pinch helps the peppermint and chocolate really shine.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Overheating white chocolate – It seizes and turns grainy. Microwave it in short bursts.
- Not crushing candy canes fine enough – Big chunks don’t stick well and can be too hard.
- Adding candy canes too early – Let the mix cool slightly first or they’ll melt too much.
- Skipping parchment paper – Makes clean-up a nightmare.
🍴 What to Serve With
- Hot cocoa
- Coffee or peppermint lattes
- Christmas cookies
- A simple cheese board (for contrast!)
❓ FAQ
Can I use almond bark instead of white chocolate?
Yes! Just melt the same amount. It sets up a little firmer, too.
How do I crush the candy canes?
Pop them in a zip-top bag and gently smash with a rolling pin or meat mallet.
How long does it stay fresh?
About 5 days in an airtight container.
👨🍳 Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Zip-top bag (to crush candy canes)
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet or countertop space for spreading
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Use gluten-free Chex for a GF version
- Sub dark chocolate or milk chocolate for white chocolate
- Add mini marshmallows, pretzels, or holiday M&Ms
- Use peppermint extract (just a tiny drop) if you’re out of candy canes
🕒 Make Ahead Tips
- You can crush the candy canes and store them in an airtight container ahead of time.
- Mix can be made up to 3 days in advance—just store in a sealed container.
🧑🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Crush the Candy Canes
Place candy canes (6) in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into small bits—think tiny crystals, not powder.
Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate
Add white chocolate chips (12 oz) and coconut oil (1 tsp) to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth.
Step 3: Mix Cereal and Chocolate
In a large mixing bowl, add Rice Chex cereal (6 cups). Pour the melted white chocolate over the cereal and gently fold with a spatula until evenly coated.
Step 4: Add Crushed Candy Canes
Let the mix cool for 1–2 minutes so it’s not super hot. Then sprinkle in the crushed candy canes and a pinch of salt. Stir gently to combine.
Step 5: Spread Out to Set
Pour the coated mix onto parchment paper-lined counter or baking sheet. Spread it out evenly and let it set for 10 minutes.
Step 6: Drizzle with Chocolate (Optional)
Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips (1/3 cup) in the microwave, then drizzle over the set mix. Let it harden for 5 more minutes.
Step 7: Break Apart and Serve
Once everything is set, gently break the mix into chunks and place in a serving bowl or jar it up to gift!
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days.
- Don’t refrigerate—it can make the cereal soggy.
- You can freeze it, but let it thaw completely before serving.
💌 Wrap-Up
And there you have it—your new go-to holiday snack that takes almost no effort and tastes like Christmas in a bite. It’s festive, crunchy, sweet, and pepperminty. If you give it a try, drop a comment below and let me know how it went—or ask any questions. I’m always happy to help!
Happy snacking 🎄
