Christmas Chex Mix with Pretzels and Nuts

Christmas Chex Mix with Pretzels and Nuts

Christmas Chex mix is a sweet, no-bake snack of crisp cereal, pretzels, and salted peanuts with irregular patches of white chocolate and bright red and green candies. Unlike savory seasoned Chex mix, this version sets on parchment rather than baking.

The goal is a loose mix with recognizable pieces and a few small clusters, not a solid sheet. Let the coating cool briefly before adding the candies to help keep their shells bright, then wait until the chocolate is firm before breaking up the mix. It makes about 12 cups, or 12 to 16 snack portions.

Ingredients for Christmas Chex Mix

• 8 cups rice, corn, or wheat Chex cereal, or a combination (240g)
• 2 cups small pretzel twists or bite-size pretzel pieces (90g)
• 1 cup salted peanuts (145g)
• 12 ounces white chocolate chips or white baking chips, about 2 cups (340g)
• 1 1/2 cups red and green candy-coated chocolate candies (255g)
• Optional: 1 teaspoon neutral oil, plus a little more only if needed to thin the melted chocolate

Salted mixed nuts, almonds, or pecans can replace the peanuts; keep the amount at about 1 cup. Nuts are part of this version, though not every sweet Chex mix includes them.

How to Make Christmas Chex Mix

1. Prepare the pans: Line one or two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Use two if needed to give the mix room to spread in a shallow layer.
2. Combine the dry ingredients: Gently mix the Chex, pretzels, and peanuts in a large bowl, keeping the cereal pieces mostly whole.
3. Melt the white chocolate: Microwave it in a heatproof bowl on medium power, or use short bursts at regular power. Heat in 20- to 30-second intervals, stirring after each; start checking after the first interval. Melting usually takes about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes total. Stop heating when the chocolate is nearly smooth and stir to melt the last small pieces with residual warmth. If it is smooth but too thick to coat the mix, stir in 1 teaspoon neutral oil, adding a little more only if needed.
4. Coat the mix: Pour the melted chocolate over the cereal mixture. Fold gently with a spatula until it clings in uneven streaks and patches, leaving some cereal visible.
5. Add the candies: Let the coated mix cool for about 3 to 5 minutes before gently folding in most of the candies. Reserve a small handful for the top. This short pause helps prevent the warm coating from melting or streaking the candy shells.
6. Spread and set: Spread the mix loosely over the prepared pans and scatter the reserved candies on top. Leave uncovered at room temperature for about 45 to 60 minutes, until the chocolate feels firm and does not smear when lightly touched.
7. Break and serve: Break apart only oversized clusters, leaving loose pieces and small bite-size clusters. Transfer to a serving bowl.

When Is the Mix Ready to Break?

Setting time depends on the room temperature and how thickly the mix is spread. If the coating still feels tacky or smears, leave it undisturbed longer. A loose, shallow layer sets more evenly than a deep pile and is less likely to form one large slab.

Serving Christmas Chex Mix

Serve the mix in a wide bowl, or package it in airtight bags or jars for gifting once the coating has completely set. For a savory option alongside it, try this Christmas Antipasto Wreath.

How to Store Christmas Chex Mix

Store the fully set mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to about 1 week, or refrigerate it airtight for up to about 2 weeks. Do not cover or package it while the coating is tacky.

The mix can be frozen in airtight packaging, but freezer-duration estimates vary, so there is no single reliable storage window. No reheating is needed.

Nutrition

Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 1 of 12 portions (about 1 cup): 440 calories, 8g protein, 20g fat, and 58g carbohydrates. Per 100g: about 495 calories, 9g protein, 23g fat, and 65g carbohydrates. Values vary by cereal, chocolate, and candy brand.