It was one of those chilly December mornings last year when I found myself in my grandma’s kitchen—well, her old kitchen in my head, anyway—wrapped in an oversize sweater and sipping lukewarm coffee while rummaging through her faded recipe cards. That’s when I stumbled on the notes for her favorite Chex cereal snack. Suddenly, I had this urge to give it a holiday twist for my annual cocoa-and-cookie swap. Cue the vintage mixing bowl (yes, really!), a mess of red and green candies, and a mountain of crunchy cereal. Before I knew it, I had a batch of Christmas Chex Mix that was so good, I almost ate the whole tray before my guests arrived.
Fast-forward to today, and I’m still as obsessed with this no-bake, throw-together snack as ever. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, salty, tart, and just a hint of warming spice. Plus, it’s lightning fast to make, so you can spend more time chatting by the fire and less time hovering over the oven.
Why You’ll Love This
- No oven? No problem. You’ll mix, drizzle, and chill in under 30 minutes—so you can hang the stockings (or pour another cup of cocoa) instead of slaving away.
- Lightened-up twist using coconut oil or a Greek yogurt drizzle (you’ll want to make a double batch when everyone realizes how craveable it is).
- Crunchy, sweet, and a little tart from dried cranberries—trust me, your taste buds will throw a holiday party of their own.
- Festive pops of red and green from M&M’s that scream “Christmas morning.”
- Kid-friendly kitchen project—little hands love stirring, sprinkling, and tasting (okay, maybe a little extra tasting).
- Gluten-free option if you grab certified gluten-free Chex and pretzels. Allergy-friendly tweaks? Totally doable.
- Perfect for gift bags, tins, or big bowls on the snack table—hello, hostess-with-the-mostest status!
Ingredients & Notes
- 8 cups Rice Chex cereal (or swap in Corn Chex for an extra pop of crunch—totally up to you!)
- 1 cup mini pretzel twists (use gluten-free pretzels if needed—your dairy-free friend will thank you)
- ¾ cup roasted almonds (feel free to sub chopped pecans or walnuts if that’s what you’ve got in the pantry)
- ¾ cup dried cranberries (unsweetened ones help keep the sugar in check—but sweetened are fine if you’ve got a sweet tooth)
- ½ cup holiday red & green M&M’s (or swap in chocolate-coated sunflower seeds for a nut-free option)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (or, hear me out, 1 cup Greek yogurt for a tangy twist—see tip below)
- ¼ cup refined coconut oil (neutral-flavored so you don’t taste “coco-nut”—wink)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (makes everything smell like magic)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but that little hint of spice feels like a cozy hug)
(Tip: If you’re going the yogurt route, freeze-drizzle the yogurt for 15 minutes, then toss—this keeps the clusters crisp and the coating dreamy.)
Directions
- Prep your space. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat—trust me, your future self will thank you when cleanup is a snap.
- Stir the dry mix. In a big mixing bowl, toss together the Rice Chex, mini pretzels, almonds, and dried cranberries until everything looks well distributed (you want each bite to be a delightful surprise).
- Melt the magic. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips (or Greek yogurt, if you’re feeling adventurous) with the coconut oil. Microwave at 50% power in 20-second bursts, stirring in between each zap. When it’s silky-smooth, you’re done. (Pro tip: Let it sit for 30 seconds so it’s warm but not lava-hot—that way your candies won’t melt into a sad, drippy mess.)
- Add the flavor boosters. Off the heat, whisk in the vanilla extract and cinnamon. Stop and inhale that delicious aroma—right? You can practically taste Christmas.
- Drizzle & toss. Pour the melted mixture over the cereal mix, using a spatula to gently fold until each piece is kissed with coating. Don’t overdo it, though—leave space for those M&M’s to shine.
- Spread & sprinkle. Transfer everything to your lined baking sheet, spreading into an even layer. Immediately sprinkle the M&M’s on top and press them in lightly so they stick (don’t over-press or you’ll flatten them into oblivion).
- Chill time. Pop the tray in the fridge for 20–30 minutes, until the coating firms up. (If you used Greek yogurt, a quick 15-minute freeze will do the trick, then move it to the fridge.)
- Break & serve. Once set, lift the parchment and crack the mix into chunky clusters. Scoop into festive bowls, tuck into clear treat bags tied with ribbon, or just grab a handful and indulge—no judgments here!
Variations & Flavor Twists
- Peppermint Crunch: Stir in ½ cup crushed candy canes at the end for a minty, bright crunch.
- Dark Chocolate Upgrade: Swap white chocolate for dark chocolate chips to balance out the sweetness (and keep the adults happy).
- Nut-Free Party: Omit almonds and toss in extra pretzels or sunflower seeds for a school-safe snack.
- Spicy-Sweet Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper when you whisk in the cinnamon for unexpected heat.
- Trail Mix Style: Toss in ½ cup dried cherries and ½ cup pumpkin seeds for a more “on-the-go” vibe.
- Double-Dip Yogurt: Drizzle 1½ cups Greek yogurt in two batches, freezing between drizzles for thicker layers.
- Mocha Moment: Stir in 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder to the melted coating—perfect pick-me-up at holiday movie marathons.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Your Christmas Chex Mix is happiest in an airtight container at room temp for up to two weeks—just keep it in a cool, dry spot away from direct heat or strong-smelling foods. If your house turns into a gingerbread sauna, slide the container into the fridge instead. Want to stash it for longer? Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to a month; let it thaw on the counter for 10 minutes before munching. Pro tip: If you’re making this ahead of a party, assemble and chill the mix a day or two early but don’t add the M&M’s until party day—this keeps those candy colors from bleeding.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Christmas Chex Mix might just become your new holiday MVP. It’s easy, festive, and surprisingly light for all that pepperminty, chocolaty goodness. Whether you’re gifting it in cellophane bags or filling every empty bowl in sight, people will rave. So go ahead—stir up a batch, cozy up with a mug of something warm, and let the holiday vibes roll. If you try a fun variation or have any questions, drop a comment below. I love hearing how you tweak this recipe to make it your own. Happy mixing, friends!
Christmas Chex Mix: A No-Bake Festive Holiday Snack
Ingredients
- 8 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup Mini pretzel twists
- 3/4 cup Roasted almonds
- 3/4 cup Dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup Red & green M&M’s
- 1 cup White chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup Coconut oil
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a large bowl, stir together Chex cereal, pretzels, almonds, and dried cranberries until evenly mixed.
- Combine white chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 20-second bursts until smooth.
- Whisk in vanilla extract and cinnamon to the melted mixture.
- Pour the melted mixture over the cereal mix, tossing gently to coat.
- Transfer the coated mix to the prepared sheet, sprinkle M&M’s on top, and press lightly.
- Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes until the coating firms up.
- Once set, break the mix into clusters and serve in festive bowls or treat bags.
