Christmas Chex Mix Recipe: Sweet, Salty, and Perfect for Holiday Snacking

Last Updated on November 14, 2025 by Chef Josie

There’s something irresistible about a big bowl of Christmas Chex Mix sitting on the counter during the holidays. It’s the kind of snack everyone grabs a handful of as they walk by, then returns for a second (or third) helping. With its blend of crunchy cereals, salty pretzels, roasted peanuts, and festive red and green candies all coated in sweet white chocolate, this mix strikes the ideal balance between sweet and salty.

My family started making this mix years ago as a Christmas Eve tradition. We’d gather around the kitchen counter, each person in charge of adding one ingredient while the white chocolate melted on the stove. Every year, without fail, the bowl would be empty before bedtime. It’s simple, nostalgic, and full of the kind of holiday spirit that tastes like childhood. Whether you’re gifting it, serving it at a party, or keeping it at home for festive snacking, this Christmas Chex Mix Recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Christmas Chex Mix Recipe

• A fast, no-bake treat ready in minutes
• The perfect blend of sweet chocolate, salty crunch, and festive colors
• Ideal for homemade gifts, parties, and holiday snack tables
• Easily customizable with your favorite cereals or mix-ins
• A fun, kid-friendly recipe perfect for family traditions
• Deliciously addictive and perfect for sharing

Ingredients for Christmas Chex Mix Recipe

Rice Chex & Corn Chex: The classic base of any Chex mix. Their light, airy crunch pairs perfectly with sweet coatings.

Cheerios: Add texture and a familiar cereal flavor kids love.

Mini Pretzels: Bring salty balance and a satisfying crunch.

Roasted Peanuts or Mixed Nuts: Add richness and savory depth. Use salted nuts for better balance.

Holiday M&M’s: Festive red and green candies add color and chocolatey sweetness.

White Chocolate or Vanilla Almond Bark: Melts smoothly and coats the mix beautifully, adding sweetness that ties everything together.

Optional Add-Ins: Mini marshmallows, toffee bits, crushed candy canes, or sprinkles for an extra festive touch.

How to Make Christmas Chex Mix Recipe

1. Prep Your Ingredients

Measure out your cereals, pretzels, and nuts into a very large mixing bowl. This recipe makes a generous batch, so choose a bowl with plenty of room for stirring.

2. Melt the White Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the white chocolate in 20–30 second increments, stirring each time until completely smooth. Slow melting prevents scorching.

3. Coat the Mix

Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the cereal mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece gets a light coating. Work quickly, white chocolate sets fast.

4. Add the M&M’s

Stir in holiday M&M’s once the mixture is coated. Adding them now prevents melting and color smearing.

5. Spread to Set

Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and harden. Break into clusters when set.

6. Serve or Package

Enjoy immediately or package into bags or tins for gifting. This mix also makes an excellent addition to Christmas cookie trays.

Notes & Top Tips

• Use almond bark for the smoothest, most reliable coating.
• If the white chocolate seizes, stir in a teaspoon of coconut oil to restore smoothness.
• Add sprinkles or crushed peppermint for a festive finish.
• For less sweetness, reduce the chocolate coating by 25 percent.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure cereals, pretzels, and candies are certified gluten-free.
• Add the M&M’s after coating; adding them too early causes the colors to bleed.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

• Serve this mix in a large bowl for holiday movie nights or gatherings.
• Make customizable batches by dividing the mix into bowls and adding unique extras to each.
• Create a peppermint version using crushed candy canes and peppermint extract.
• Make a salted caramel variation by drizzling caramel sauce and adding sea salt.
• Add marshmallows for a “snowy” look and extra sweetness.
• Turn this into a gift by packaging in mason jars with ribbon for easy DIY food presents.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• Avoid refrigeration; moisture will make the mix sticky.
• Christmas Chex Mix freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
• Make ahead several days before parties; the flavors stay fresh and crisp.

Why You’ll Make Them Again

This Christmas Chex Mix Recipe brings everything you want in a holiday snack: sweet, salty, crunchy, festive, and unbelievably easy. Whether you’re hosting a party, gifting homemade treats, or preparing fun holiday snack mix ideas, this recipe belongs in your seasonal lineup. If you make it, leave a comment and rating, and explore my other Christmas snack mix recipes and holiday treats.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, but white chocolate is traditional for holiday Chex mix and helps create the classic snowy appearance.

2. How do I prevent the mix from becoming soggy?
Ensure cereals and pretzels are fresh and that the white chocolate isn’t overheated, which can cause clumping.

3. Can I make this nut-free?
Absolutely. Simply omit the nuts and add more cereal or pretzels.

4. How do I keep the chocolate from melting onto the M&M’s?
Wait until the coated mix has cooled slightly before stirring in the candies.

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