Sweet and Salty Christmas Chex Mix Recipe You’ll Love

Posted on November 16, 2025

Introduction

The magic of the holiday season is all about the little things, isn’t it? The twinkling lights, the cozy mugs of hot cocoa, and of course, the irresistible smell of sweet and salty snacks wafting through the house. For me, one recipe that never fails to bring a smile to everyone’s face is this Amazing Sweet and Salty Christmas Chex Mix. It’s the perfect combination of crunch, sweetness, and a touch of saltiness that keeps you coming back for more.

I first made this recipe on a snowy December evening when I wanted to whip up something easy but festive for my family to snack on during a Christmas movie marathon. The mix was gone before the movie ended, and ever since, it’s become our holiday tradition. Whether you’re hosting friends or packing gift bags for loved ones, this Christmas Chex Mix is guaranteed to be a hit.

What makes this recipe truly special is how customizable it is—add a sprinkle of red and green candies, toss in some pretzels, or even drizzle white chocolate on top. It’s fuss-free, quick, and so satisfying. Trust me, you’ll want to make extra because it disappears faster than Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You can throw this together in under 20 minutes—perfect for last-minute holiday prep.
Festive and Fun: The colorful mix of red, green, and gold is perfect for spreading holiday cheer.
Perfect for Gifting: Package this mix in mason jars, festive tins, or treat bags for thoughtful holiday gifts.
Kid-Approved: Both kids and adults will rave about the irresistible combination of sweet and salty flavors.
Customizable: Whether you’re adding chocolate, nuts, or swapping ingredients, this recipe adapts to your taste preferences.

What sets this Sweet and Salty Christmas Chex Mix apart is its balance of flavors and textures. It’s not just another snack mix—it’s a holiday treat that feels special. The crunch of cereal and pretzels combined with the sweetness of melted candy and a hint of salt is pure perfection. Plus, the festive color scheme makes it a showstopper at any holiday party!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a holiday treat everyone will adore. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chex cereal: A mix of Corn Chex and Rice Chex works best for that light, crispy texture.
Pretzels: Mini pretzels or pretzel sticks are ideal—they add a salty crunch.
M&Ms: Choose red and green holiday-themed colors for a festive touch.
White chocolate chips: Melted white chocolate ties the mix together with a creamy sweetness.
Mini marshmallows: For a soft, chewy texture that pairs beautifully with the crunch.
Peanuts: Optional, but they add a nice nutty flavor and extra crunch.
Butter: Unsalted butter for richness.
Brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramel flavor.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brings warmth and depth to the mix.

If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry! You can swap or omit items to suit your preferences. For example, use almond flour pretzels for a gluten-free option or dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan mix.

Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowl: You’ll need plenty of space to toss everything together.
Baking sheet: A rimmed sheet works best to spread out the mix evenly.
Microwave-safe bowl: Perfect for melting the white chocolate quickly.
Spatula: A silicone spatula helps mix the melted chocolate without leaving a mess.
Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key for the sweet and salty balance.

Don’t have a microwave? No problem! You can melt the white chocolate using a double boiler on the stovetop. And if you’re short on baking sheets, use parchment paper laid on your countertop for cooling the mix.

Preparation Method

In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of Corn Chex, 4 cups of Rice Chex, and 2 cups of mini pretzels. Toss gently to mix.
Add 1 cup of holiday-themed M&Ms and 1 cup of mini marshmallows to the cereal mixture. Stir to evenly distribute.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of white chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.
Stir 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture.
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal mix. Use a spatula to gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Spread the mixture onto a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow it to cool and set for about 15 minutes.
Once set, break the mix into clusters and transfer to a serving bowl or storage containers.

Pro tip: If the white chocolate starts to harden while you’re mixing, pop the bowl in the microwave for 10 seconds to loosen it up.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

To make sure your Sweet and Salty Christmas Chex Mix turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips:

Don’t overheat the chocolate: White chocolate can seize if overheated. Stir frequently, and stop heating as soon as it’s melted.
Use fresh ingredients: Stale cereal or pretzels can ruin the crunchiness of the mix.
Cool completely: Don’t rush the cooling process. Let the mix set fully before breaking it into pieces to avoid messy clumps.
Experiment with ratios: If you love extra chocolate, feel free to increase the amount and skip the peanuts for a nut-free version.
Work quickly: Once the chocolate is melted, it can set fast, so be ready to mix right away!

Variations & Adaptations

One of the best things about this Sweet and Salty Christmas Chex Mix is how customizable it is. Here are some fun variations to try:

Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular pretzels with gluten-free pretzels and double-check that your M&Ms are gluten-free.
Nut-Free Option: Skip the peanuts and add more marshmallows or chocolate chips instead.
Dark Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Use melted dark chocolate instead of white chocolate for a richer flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the melted chocolate for a sweet and spicy mix.
Seasonal Swap: Change the M&Ms colors to match other holidays—pastel for Easter or orange and brown for Halloween.

Personally, I’ve tried adding crushed candy canes for a peppermint twist, and it was a big hit with my family. Feel free to get creative and make this mix your own!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Sweet and Salty Christmas Chex Mix is best served fresh and crunchy. Here’s how to enjoy and store it:

Serving: Serve in a large festive bowl or portion into individual cups for easy snacking at parties.
Pairings: This mix goes great with hot cocoa, coffee, or holiday cocktails.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Freezing: If you need to make it ahead, freeze the mix for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: Not necessary, but if it loses crunch, you can spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for 5 minutes.

Over time, the flavors meld together even more, making it a fantastic make-ahead snack for busy holiday weeks.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This mix isn’t just delicious—it has a few perks too! Here’s a rough breakdown:

Calories: Approximately 150 per serving (1/2 cup).
Key Nutrients: Provides carbs for energy, a bit of protein from peanuts, and a touch of fiber from cereal.
Dietary Notes: Can be made gluten-free or nut-free with simple swaps.
Allergen Info: Contains nuts, dairy, and gluten unless substitutions are made.

While it’s definitely a treat, it’s perfect for sharing and savoring in moderation. The balance of sweet and salty satisfies cravings without going overboard.

Conclusion

This Amazing Sweet and Salty Christmas Chex Mix is truly a holiday treasure. It’s quick, easy, and so versatile that you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Whether you’re looking for a festive party snack, a thoughtful homemade gift, or just something to munch on during a cozy movie night, this recipe checks all the boxes.

What I love most is how it brings people together—there’s just something about sharing a bowl of this mix with loved ones that makes the holidays even sweeter. I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own or what twists you try. Leave a comment, share a photo, or send this recipe to a friend who needs a little holiday cheer!

Happy holidays, and may your kitchen be filled with joy, laughter, and delicious snacks this season!

FAQs

Can I use other types of cereal?

Absolutely! While Corn Chex and Rice Chex are classic, you can use Wheat Chex, Cheerios, or even popcorn for a fun twist.

How can I make this mix dairy-free?

Simply use dairy-free chocolate chips and margarine instead of white chocolate and butter. It’ll taste just as delicious!

Can I make this mix ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh and crunchy!

What’s the best way to package this for gifting?

Mason jars, festive tins, or clear treat bags tied with ribbon make great gift options. Add a holiday tag for a personalized touch!

What can I do if the chocolate hardens too quickly?

If the melted chocolate starts to harden, pop your mixing bowl in the microwave for 10 seconds to loosen it up before continuing.

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