I’ll never forget that first snowy afternoon in early December when I found myself curled up on the couch, watching Elf for what felt like the hundredth time. As Buddy the Elf insisted that “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear,” I was busy in my own kitchen, hunting for a snack as joyful as his big grin. That’s when inspiration struck: crunchy Chex cereal, velvety white chocolate, pops of red and green M&M’s, and fluffy little marshmallows all coming together in one holiday-happy mix.
Fast-forward to now, and I can’t believe how many times I’ve whipped up this Buddy The Elf Chex Mix for cookie swaps, family movie nights, or just a random Tuesday when I need a bit of cheer. It’s truly become one of my most craveable holiday treats—light enough to nibble on between dinner courses, yet so comforting that you’ll keep reaching back for just one more handful (or five).
Why You’ll Love This Buddy The Elf Chex Mix
- No oven needed—just a quick melt on the stovetop or in the microwave
- Ready in under 20 minutes (because holiday schedules are wild, right?)
- Perfect sweet-and-salty combo that everybody raves about
- Totally customizable—mix in nuts, peppermint bits, or swap cereals
- Kids can help (sticky fingers and all) so it’s a genuine family affair
- A festive movie-inspired snack that sparks nostalgia (and giggles!)
- Ideal for packaging into cute cellophane bags or mason jars as gifts
- You’ll want to make a double batch (yes, really!) for big gatherings
Ingredient Notes
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal – I love the light, crispy texture, but feel free to use Corn Chex for a touch more sweetness, or even Cheerios if that’s what’s in your pantry.
- 8 ounces white chocolate chips – A quality brand (Ghirardelli is my go-to) makes the melting process silky-smooth. If you’re dairy-free, substitute vegan baking wafers—trust me, they work like a charm.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Helps thin out the chocolate for perfect drizzling. Coconut oil is a great swap if you’re avoiding dairy.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but adds that warm, cozy note)
- Pinch of sea salt – Balances the sweetness and takes your taste buds on a merry ride.
- 1 cup holiday M&M’s – Choose red and green plain or peanut. Pro tip: bag up a few extra for sprinkling on top once everything’s set.
- 1 cup mini marshmallows – Make sure they’re fresh, not stale. Nothing ruins a cozy snack like chewy, tired marshmallows.
Tip: Use a large, rimmed mixing bowl so you have plenty of room to toss without turning your counter into a snowstorm of cereal bits.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Prep your gear. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Cleanup = breeze. (You know we all appreciate that during the holidays!)
- Melt the chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 20- to 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until you have a glossy, pourable mixture. If it starts to seize or get thick, swirl in a teaspoon of coconut oil or a splash of milk.
- Flavor it. Stir in the vanilla extract and that pinch of sea salt. Give it one last gentle swirl so everything’s fully incorporated.
- Coat the cereal. Pour the Rice Chex into your big mixing bowl. Drizzle the melted chocolate mixture all over, then use a wide, flexible spatula (a silicone one’s perfect) to fold gently. You want every flake kissed by that sweet coating—no sad, uncoated bites here.
- Add the fun stuff. Toss in the mini marshmallows and holiday M&M’s. Be quick—you’re aiming to distribute them evenly without letting the marshmallows melt into oblivion.
- Spread and set. Turn the mixture out onto your prepared baking sheet, spreading it into a single layer. Let it hang out at room temperature for 10–15 minutes, or pop it in the fridge for about 5 if you’re impatient like me.
- Cluster and serve. Once everything’s firm, break it into rustic clusters. Transfer to a festive bowl or package in cellophane bags tied with ribbon—instant holiday magic!
Variations & Flavor Twists
- Swap white chocolate for milk or dark chocolate chips—hello, rich twist!
- Stir in chopped pretzels for extra crunch and a savory hit.
- Add peppermint bark pieces or crushed candy canes for a minty pop.
- Mix in dried cranberries or cherries for a tangy, fruity note.
- Sprinkle in toasted nuts (almonds, pecans, or cashews) for a boost of protein.
- Drizzle a little melted semi-sweet chocolate over the clusters after setting for a two-tone look.
Storage & Reheating Tips
This snack keeps like a champ! Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week (if you don’t devour it sooner). Want to prep ahead? Make it a day or two in advance and stash it in the fridge—just let it thaw to room temperature before serving so the marshmallows have that perfect pillowy texture.
Freezer hack: Pack clusters in zip-top bags and freeze for up to a month. No reheating required—just pull them out, let them sit at room temp for 10 minutes, and you’re back to crunchy, chocolatey bliss.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something undeniably comforting about this Buddy The Elf Chex Mix recipe. Maybe it’s the way the sweet white chocolate and chewy marshmallows remind me of childhood hot cocoa, or how the festive colors always put smiles on my family’s faces. Whatever it is, I’m completely obsessed. And I promise—once you give this a whirl, you’ll be the snack hero of every holiday gathering on your calendar.
If you try it, please let me know how it turned out! Drop a comment, share a photo, or tell me about your own little twists. I’m always here, sipping cider, dreaming up the next cozy treat. Happy munching, and may your season be sweet, salty, and oh-so merry!
Buddy The Elf Chex Mix
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal or Corn Chex for a hint of sweetness
- 1 cup mini marshmallows fresh, not stale—no one likes chewy marshmallows gone bad
- 1 cup holiday M&Ms red and green; plain or peanut
- 8 oz white chocolate chips Ghirardelli or a good-quality brand for smooth melt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter helps thin the chocolate
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional, for a warm, cozy note
- Pinch sea salt balances the sweetness
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate chips and butter in 30-second bursts, stirring each time until silky.
- Pour melted chocolate mixture over Rice Chex and gently fold to coat every flake.
- Sprinkle in mini marshmallows and holiday M&Ms, toss to mix gently.
- Spread the mix on the baking sheet to set, then break into clusters and transfer to a serving bowl.
