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Time to get jolly with this festive Christmas Snack Mix. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and salty with Chex cereal, popcorn, pretzels, and candy.
Sweet and Salty Christmas Snack Mix
Whether you want to package this snack mix for neighbors, serve it at a Christmas party, or enjoy it during a fun Christmas movie night, this Snack Mix is totally snack-worthy. The chocolate-dipped Santa hats are my favorite!
The snack is easy to make and customizable, so everyone gets what they like. It’s full of salty pretzels, buttery popcorn, and crispy Chex cereal, all topped with melty white almond bark. You’ll be Santa’s favorite helper when you make this recipe.
Christmas Chex Mix Ingredients
Here are all of the recipe ingredients including tips and substitutions.
| Ingredients | Why & Tips | Substitutions & Tweaks |
|---|
| 2 cups mini pretzels (square, twists or both) | The crunchy salty base that contrasts sweet elements | Use regular pretzels broken into pieces if mini not available |
| 4 blocks white almond bark (about 4 oz total), divided | Provides a white chocolate‐like coating and binds mix pieces | Use white chocolate chips + a bit of shortening if easier |
| Holiday sprinkles | Adds festive colour and texture as topping | Use non-pareils or coloured sugar if sprinkles unavailable |
| 6 cups rice or corn Chex cereal | Classic cereal base for snack mix volume and crunch | For gluten-free ensure the cereal is certified gluten-free |
| 1 cup holiday chocolate candy (M&Ms, Sixlets, etc) | Adds sweet candy bursts and holiday colours | Use mini chocolate chips or chopped seasonal candy |
| 2 cups popcorn | Light airy component to balance denser pieces | Use air-popped popcorn or kettle corn for extra sweetness |
| 1 cup peppermint-coated pretzels (optional) | Adds minty flavour and alternate texture | Omit if mint not desired or use plain pretzels |
| Santa Hats: 1 package (2.33 oz) Muddy Bites waffle cone snacks or Bugles | These become fun themed cones for holiday appeal | Use Bugles snack cones or small sugar cones if needed |
| ½ cup red candy melts | For coating Santa Hat cones in festive red chocolate | Use red white‐chocolate candy coating or red tinted chocolate |
| Mini marshmallows or Mallow-bites | For the white “pom-pom” on top of Santa Hat cones | Use full marshmallows cut in half if mini not available |
| White sprinkles (optional) | Extra decoration for Santa Hat brim or mix topping | Use shredded coconut or white chocolate drizzle as an alternative |
How To Make Christmas Snack Mix
Make chocolate-drizzled pretzels, dip and assemble Santa Hat cones, then mix cereal, popcorn, and pretzels, drizzle with melted almond bark, break into pieces, and toss in candies and Santa Hats.
- Make chocolate-drizzled pretzels: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the mini pretzels in a single layer. Melt one block of almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl: heat for 1 minute, stir, then continue in 20-second intervals until nearly melted. Stir until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag (or use a zip-top bag with a corner clipped) and drizzle the mixture over the pretzels. Immediately add holiday sprinkles while the mixture is still wet. Let it set for about 15 minutes or until hardened.
- Make Santa Hats: Line another baking sheet with parchment. Melt the red candy melts according to instructions (typically 30-60 seconds in the microwave, stirring every 15-20 seconds until smooth). Dip each waffle cone snack (or Bugle) into the melted red chocolate. Place cones upright or gently lay them on the sheet, and let them set forabout 15 minutes.
- Dip the bottom rim of each cone again into red chocolate and then into white sprinkles. Using a dab of melted chocolate, attach a mini marshmallow or Mallow-bite to the pointed tip of each cone so it resembles a “Santa hat”. Let the hats set completely.
- Assemble the snack mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine 6 cups Chex cereal, 2 cups popcorn, and the chocolate-drizzled pretzels you made. Spread evenly onto a large baking sheet (for easy handling). Melt the remaining 3 blocks of almond bark following the method above. Drizzle the melted almond bark over the mixture. Immediately sprinkle additional holiday sprinkles over the top. Let the coating set/harden (about 10-15 minutes).
- Once set, break the mixture into pieces. Return to your large bowl and gently toss in the 1 cup holiday chocolate candy, the 1 cup peppermint-coated pretzels, and the Santa Hat cones. Mix gently so the Santa Hats stay intact.
Essential Recipe Tips
- Work quickly when drizzling and adding sprinkles so the coating doesn’t set before you decorate.
- Use parchment-lined baking sheets for easy cleanup and smooth removal of set items.
- If you can’t find Muddy Bites, use Bugles or cut the tips off sugar cones.
- Use red, green, and white candies for a festive Christmas look. Alternatively, switch to Valentine’s, Easter, or patriotic colors, minus the Santa hats.
- Let everything cool completely before breaking it apart and storing it. This will help avoid clumps in the mix.
Pairing & Serving Suggestions
Serve your Christmas Snack Mix in large decorative bowls at a holiday gathering near the beverage station so guests can help themselves. It pairs beautifully with eggnog, peppermint hot chocolate, or a festive hot apple cider. For a fun twist, fill clear treat bags and tie with a seasonal ribbon to send home with guests as party favors.
Christmas Snack Mix
Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- Microwave-safe bowls
- Rubber spatula or spoon
- Piping bag or zip-top bag
- baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- measuring cups
- Small tongs or fork
Ingredients
- 2 cups mini pretzels, square, twists, or both
- 4 blocks white almond bark, about 4 oz total, divided
- Holiday sprinkles
- 6 cups rice or corn Chex cereal
- 1 cup holiday chocolate candy, M&Ms, Sixlets, etc.
- 2 cups popcorn
- 1 cup peppermint-coated pretzels, optional
Santa Hats
- 1 package, 2.33 oz Muddy Bites waffle cone snacks or Bugles (see notes)
- ½ cup red candy melts
- Mini marshmallows or Mallow-bites
- White sprinkles, optional
Instructions
Chocolate Pretzels
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange pretzels in a single layer.
- Melt one block of almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl: heat 1 minute, stir, then continue in 20-second intervals until almost melted. Stir until smooth.
- Transfer to a piping bag or drizzle with a spoon.
- Immediately add holiday sprinkles. Let it set for 15 minutes or until hardened.
Santa Hats
- Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Melt red candy melts as directed above.
- Dip cone snacks into melted red chocolate and place on prepared sheet to dry, about 15 minutes.
- If using, dip the bottom rim into red chocolate, then white sprinkles.
- Attach a mini marshmallow on top with a dab of melted chocolate.
- Let the hats set completely before adding to the mix.
Snack Mix
- In a large bowl, combine cereal, popcorn, and prepared pretzels.
- Spread evenly onto a large baking sheet.
- Melt the remaining 3 blocks of almond bark and drizzle over the mixture. Immediately add more sprinkles if desired. Let it set until hardened.
- Break into pieces, then toss with peppermint pretzels, holiday chocolate candy, and Santa hats.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Notes
Storage & Reheating / Make-Ahead & Leftover Ideas
- Storage: Store the finished mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the chocolate-drizzled pretzels and Santa Hats a day ahead and keep them separately in an airtight container. On party day, melt the almond bark, assemble the mix with the cereal/popcorn base, and then add the pre-made components for ease.
- Leftover Ideas: If you have leftover mix, you can package it in small resealable bags for holiday gifting. Or serve the next day with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an impromptu sweet-and-salty sundae.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Christmas Snack Mix Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can absolutely swap in chopped peppermint bark, seasonal pastel M&Ms, or holiday-themed chocolate melts. Just aim for about 1 cup of added candy.
Yes, while the Santa hats added a playful holiday flair, the base mix still works beautifully without them. You could substitute extra peppermint pretzels or chocolate pieces instead.
You can, as long as you choose a gluten-free Chex cereal, gluten-free pretzels, and confirm that the candies and cones you use are gluten-free.
You can prepare the base and components (pretzels, cones) up to 1-2 days in advance. Assemble on the day of your event for the best texture.
Almond bark is formulated to set up with a smooth, glossy finish and doesn’t require tempering like fine chocolate. It helps different pieces of the mix adhere together and gives a nice coating for visual appeal.
