Easy Christmas Chex Mix is a sweet-and-salty snack made with cereal, pretzels, nuts, and candy coated in buttery goodness and baked to perfection. Ready in 45 minutes with just 10 simple ingredients!
Nothing says holiday cheer quite like a big bowl of Christmas Chex Mix on the table. It’s crunchy, festive, and everyone from kids to grandparents reaches for another handful. The best part? You don’t need fancy skills or expensive ingredients to make it at home.
If you’ve ever felt nervous about holiday treats, relax. This recipe is truly beginner-friendly, budget-friendly, and almost impossible to mess up. In the next few minutes I’ll walk you through every single step so you end up with the perfect party mix that looks and tastes like you spent hours on it.
Let’s get started!
What Is Christmas Chex Mix?
Christmas Chex Mix (sometimes called Christmas Crack or Holiday Snack Mix) is the festive version of the classic Chex party mix. It combines corn and rice Chex cereal with pretzels, nuts, and plenty of red and green M&M’s. A sweet buttery coating ties everything together, and a quick bake in the oven makes it irresistibly crunchy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Takes only 15 minutes of hands-on work
- Uses pantry staples you probably already have
- Completely customizable for allergies or tastes
- Makes a huge batch – perfect for gifting or parties
- Kids can help pour and stir
- Stays fresh for weeks in an airtight container
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything measured out so you can grab it fast.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corn Chex cereal | 4 cups | Or Wheat Chex for extra nutty flavor |
| Rice Chex cereal | 4 cups | Keeps the mix light and crisp |
| Mini pretzels | 2 cups | Twists or snaps both work |
| Mixed nuts (unsalted) | 1 cup | Peanuts, cashews, or almonds |
| Unsalted butter | 6 tablespoons | Real butter tastes best |
| Light brown sugar | ⅓ cup packed | Creates the caramel-like coating |
| Light corn syrup | 2 tablespoons | Helps the coating stay glossy |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Pure vanilla is worth it here |
| Holiday M&M’s | 1 ½ cups | Red and green only for Christmas |
| Festive sprinkles (optional) | 2-3 tablespoons | Extra holiday sparkle |
Equipment You Need
- Large roasting pan or two sheet pans
- Large microwave-safe bowl
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
- Parchment paper (optional but helpful)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large roasting pan or two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In your roasting pan, gently combine:
- 4 cups Corn Chex
- 4 cups Rice Chex
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1 cup mixed nuts
Spread everything into an even layer.
Step 3: Make the Sweet Coating
In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt together:
- 6 tablespoons butter
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
Microwave for 60-90 seconds, stirring halfway, until the butter melts completely. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. The mixture will be smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Coat the Mix
Pour the warm coating slowly over the cereal mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold and toss until every piece is lightly coated. Take your time – rushing can crush the cereal.
Step 5: Bake Low and Slow
Bake at 250°F for 45 minutes total. Every 15 minutes, gently stir the mix and rotate the pan. This ensures even baking and prevents burnt spots.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Break up any big clumps as it cools.
Step 7: Add the Festive Touch
Once completely cool, toss in 1 ½ cups holiday M&M’s and sprinkles. The candy stays intact only if the mix is cool!
Pro Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
- Use unsalted nuts and butter so you control the salt level.
- Don’t skip the stirring every 15 minutes – it’s the secret to even coating.
- Double the recipe easily; just use two pans.
- Store in an airtight container or zip bags for up to 3 weeks.
- For gifting, scoop into clear cellophane bags and tie with red ribbon.
Fun Variations to Try
| Variation | Swap or Add |
|---|---|
| White Chocolate Drizzle | Melt 1 cup white chocolate and drizzle after cooling |
| Spicy Kick | Add ½ tsp cayenne to the coating |
| Nut-Free | Replace nuts with Cheerios or bugles |
| Peppermint Crunch | Stir in crushed candy canes with the M&M’s |
| Reindeer Chow | Add mini marshmallows and chocolate-covered pretzels |
Food Safety Note
Always cool the mix completely before adding chocolate candies to prevent melting. According to the USDA food safety guidelines, homemade snack mixes stored at room temperature in airtight containers are safe for several weeks.
How to Gift Your Christmas Chex Mix
- Fill mason jars or treat bags ¾ full.
- Add a cute gift tag (“Merry Christmas – made with love!”).
- Tie with baker’s twine and a mini ornament.
- Include a note that it stays fresh for 3 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Christmas Chex Mix without corn syrup?
Yes! Replace corn syrup with honey or maple syrup. The coating will be slightly softer but still delicious.
How long does homemade Chex Mix last?
Up to 3-4 weeks in an airtight container at room temperature. It rarely lasts that long though!
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. All Chex cereals except Wheat Chex are gluten-free, and use gluten-free pretzels.
Is it okay to double the recipe?
Yes, just bake in two separate pans so everything gets evenly coated and crispy.
My mix came out soggy – what happened?
Most likely it didn’t bake long enough or wasn’t stirred during baking. Next time bake the full 45 minutes and stir every 15 minutes.
Can I add popcorn?
You can, but add it after baking so it stays fluffy and doesn’t get chewy.
Do I have to bake it?
No-bake works, but baking makes it extra crunchy and helps the coating set. No-bake versions get sticky faster.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – your new go-to holiday treat that’s easy, affordable, and guaranteed to disappear fast. The smell of warm butter and vanilla filling your kitchen while it bakes is pure Christmas magic.
Make a batch this weekend, pour it into pretty jars, and watch everyone’s faces light up. You’ve got this – and your house is about to smell amazing.
Happy holidays and happy snacking!