This no-bake Christmas Chex Mix is quick, easy, and versatile. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a holiday treat that looks festive and tastes amazing. The combination of crunchy cereal and pretzels with the sweetness of white chocolate and candy makes it impossible to stop snacking. It’s also customizable and makes a perfect edible gift for neighbors, teachers, or coworkers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Rice Chex cereal
Corn Chex cereal
Pretzels (mini twists or sticks)
Holiday M&M’s (red and green)
White chocolate chips or white almond bark
Sprinkles (red, green, or holiday-themed)
Optional mix-ins: peanuts, mini marshmallows, Cheerios, crushed candy canes
Directions
Line a large baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine Chex cereals and pretzels. If using peanuts or Cheerios, add them as well.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips or almond bark in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate over the cereal mixture and gently fold until everything is evenly coated.
Quickly stir in M&M’s and sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
Let it cool and harden completely at room temperature (about 20–30 minutes).
Once set, break into clusters and store or serve.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 10–12 servings. Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooling time: 30 minutes Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
Peanut Butter Twist: Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the white chocolate before melting for a nutty flavor.
Peppermint Version: Stir in crushed candy canes and use peppermint-flavored M&M’s.
Spiced Mix: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the white chocolate for a holiday spice note.
Chocolate Lovers: Mix in chocolate chips or drizzle melted milk chocolate over the top.
Nut-Free Option: Skip peanuts and double the amount of cereal and pretzels to keep the crunch.
Storage/Reheating
Store the Christmas Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, refrigerate it to maintain freshness and crunch for up to 2 weeks. This snack doesn’t require reheating and is best enjoyed at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, Christmas Chex Mix stays fresh for up to a week when stored properly, making it perfect for prepping ahead of the holidays.
What’s the best type of white chocolate to use?
White almond bark or white candy melts melt smoothly and coat evenly, but white chocolate chips also work well with a little added oil to prevent seizing.
Can I make it without a microwave?
Yes, melt the white chocolate using a double boiler on the stovetop over low heat while stirring continuously.
Are there gluten-free options?
Use gluten-free pretzels and ensure the Chex cereals are labeled gluten-free to make the mix suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead?
You can substitute white chocolate with dark or milk chocolate for a richer, less sweet version.
How do I prevent the chocolate from hardening too quickly?
Work quickly once the chocolate is poured and have your M&M’s and sprinkles ready to mix in immediately.
Is this recipe safe for nut allergies?
Yes, just omit any peanuts or nut-containing ingredients and double-check all mix-ins to ensure they’re nut-free.
Can I use different cereals?
Absolutely. Cheerios, Crispix, or even mini shredded wheat can be great additions or substitutions.
How do I package this for gifts?
Place the cooled mix in holiday-themed treat bags, mason jars, or decorative tins for easy and festive gifting.
Can I freeze Christmas Chex Mix?
Yes, freeze it in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
Christmas Chex Mix is the ultimate holiday snack—festive, easy to make, and totally addictive. With its sweet and salty combination and endless customization options, it’s a go-to treat for entertaining, gifting, or snacking all season long. Whether you stick with the classic mix or create your own holiday version, this cheerful snack will quickly become a Christmas tradition.
Christmas Chex Mix is a festive no-bake holiday snack made with Chex cereal, pretzels, M&M’s, and mix-ins, all coated in white chocolate. It’s the perfect sweet and salty treat for parties, gifting, or casual snacking.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:0 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:10–12 servings
Category:Snack
Method:No-Bake
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
3 cups Rice Chex cereal
3 cups Corn Chex cereal
2 cups mini pretzels (twists or sticks)
1 cup holiday M&M’s (red and green)
1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips or white almond bark
1/4 cup holiday-themed sprinkles
Optional: 1/2 cup peanuts
Optional: 1/2 cup Cheerios
Optional: 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
Optional: 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
Line a large baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
In a large bowl, combine Rice Chex, Corn Chex, and pretzels. Add peanuts or Cheerios if using.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate chips or almond bark in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
Pour melted chocolate over cereal mixture and gently fold until evenly coated.
Quickly stir in M&M’s and sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
Let cool at room temperature for 20–30 minutes until hardened.
Break into clusters and serve or store in an airtight container.
Notes
Use almond bark or candy melts for smoother melting and better coating.Customize with your favorite mix-ins like mini marshmallows or crushed candy canes.Work quickly after adding the melted chocolate to prevent it from hardening before the mix-ins are added.Make ahead for parties or gifting—it stays fresh for up to a week at room temperature.
