Chex Christmas Mix

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It's that time of year - time for to keep the freezer stocked with Christmas Mix (aka Christmas Crack) so there's a little somethin' somethin' on hand when the sweet tooth strikes. It's Chex Christmas Mix and I am READY for it. Between these, Peppermint Oreo Truffles and M&M Cookies we are all set for the holidays.

Colorful snack mix on baking sheet


 

Christmas Mix / Christmas Crack at a Glance

  • 🕒 Total Time: 10 minutes (5 min prep + 5 min mix)
  • 👪 Servings: ~24 people (large batch)
  • 🍝 Cuisine Type: American / Holiday Treat
  • 🧂 Flavor Profile: Sweet and salty crunch — mix of Chex cereal, pretzels, M&M’s and white chocolate for a festive, addictive snack
  • 📖 Dietary Info: Contains dairy (white chocolate), gluten (some cereals / pretzels), and candy ingredients; vegetarian (but not vegan)
  • 📦 Storage Notes: Store in an airtight container in fridge for short-term snacking or in freezer for long-term freshness; even tastes great frozen
  • Why You’ll Love It: A festive, crowd-pleasing treat that’s lightning fast to throw together, perfect for holiday snack bowls, gift jars, or cozy movie nights

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Why I love this Recipe

Chex Christmas mix, is a holiday staple in our house. It's a crunchy, sweet, and salty mix that's absolutely addictive, and Thomas loves it! He always requests a batch when the holidays roll around. Bottom line - this stuff is seriously delicious. No matter what you call it, Chex Christmas mix is always a hit. So if you're looking for a festive snack to share with your friends and family, this is such a fun holiday twist of our favorite coconut white chocolate chex mix and 4th of July Mix.

If you're looking for a delicious and festive holiday snack, look no further than chex mix! This sweet and salty snack is made with a combination of cheerios, rice chex, wheat chex, pretzel sticks, M&M's and white chocolate. It's like trail mix on steroids - it's got everything! My mom's been making this mix for us for ages, especially during the holiday season because it's just so gorgeous and festive. I like to make big batches of this and pack it up so I can give it out as gifts around this time of year! Also - FYI - it keeps super well in the freezer. So what are you waiting for? Give chex mix a try this holiday season!

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Parchment paper on a white kitchen counter with christmas mix on it.

Ingredients

Mise-en-place with all the ingredients required to make Christmas Chex Mix.

Substitutions

🍫 Chocolate Options

  • Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips — Gaby’s go-to balance of flavor.
  • Milk chocolate — sweeter and nostalgic.
  • White chocolate — fun for a swirl or drizzle on top.
  • Peanut butter or butterscotch chips — for a nutty or caramel twist.
  • Mix and match — swirl two types of chocolate together before it sets!

🧈 Toffee Layer Variations

  • Brown sugar + butter — the OG combo that caramelizes perfectly.
  • Add a splash of vanilla or a pinch of sea salt — enhances the caramel flavor.
  • Try maple syrup or honey in place of part of the sugar for a richer sweetness.

🌰 Topping Idea

  • Crushed candy canes — festive and minty.
  • Chopped nuts (not for me but if you love nuts go for it) — almonds, pecans, pistachios, or walnuts for crunch.
  • Flaky sea salt — balances the sweetness beautifully.
  • Mini M&Ms, sprinkles, or crushed toffee bits — for color and fun.
  • Toasted coconut flakes — a little tropical twist.

🎁 Fun Add-Ins & Serving Tips

  • Add peanut butter between the toffee and chocolate layers for a Reese’s-style version.
  • Drizzle with caramel or white chocolate before breaking into pieces.
  • Break into shards and package in jars or cellophane bags for easy homemade gifts.
  • Store in the fridge or freezer — it keeps beautifully and tastes even better chilled.

*For a full list of ingredients and instructions please see recipe card below.

How to Make Christmas Mix

Colorful snack mix ingredients in bowls

Step 1: In a large bowl combine the Cheerios, Chex, Pretzels.

Colorful holiday snack mix ingredients.

Step 2: Add In M&Ms. Mix them up a bit, making sure that everything is evenly distributed.

Colorful snack mix with white chocolate

Step 3: Meanwhile, over a double boiler, melt the white chocolate according to the directions on the package. Once the chocolate has melted and is a smooth consistency, drizzle the chocolate over the cereal mix.

Colorful snack mix with white chocolate

Step 4: Combine with a wooden spoon or hands. Make sure all the cereal is covered in chocolate.

Colorful holiday snack mix in bowl

Step 5: If you need to melt the extra white chocolate to cover all the mix then go right on ahead! Once the entire batch has been combined, lay it out to dry on a large sheet of parchment or wax paper.

Colorful holiday snack mix spread out

Step 6: Let dry for 1 hour so the chocolate is cooled and hard. Break it up into medium pieces and store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

How to Store Christmas Mix

For one you are eating in the next few days, store it in an airtight container in the fridge or outside if its just a few days.

How to Freeze Christmas Mix

I store it in an air-tight plastic bag in the freezer. I actually like it best right out of the freezer - and this way it lasts forever and doesn't go stale.

🎄🍫 Tips + Tricks for the Best Christmas Mix

  • Line your sheet pan really well. Use parchment if you want a truly easy cleanup. This stuff is sticky in the best way, so a double layer saves your sanity.
  • Spread the chocolate quickly. Once you pour it over the mix, work fast. It firms up as it cools, so go right in with an offset spatula to smooth it into every nook.
  • Finish with something crunchy. M&Ms, candy cane pieces, flaky salt, festive sprinkles anything that adds texture and makes it feel holiday-special.
  • Freeze or chill before breaking. Don’t try to break it while it’s warm. Pop the whole tray in the fridge or freezer until it’s totally set, then crack into big shards.
  • Use a sharp tap to break it. Lift the parchment edges and give the candy a firm bend or little smacks with the back of a spoon. Very therapeutic.
  • Store it in the fridge for max crunch. Christmas Crack stays snappier and lasts longer when chilled. Plus it tastes even better cold.
  • Make extra. Seriously. This is the treat people inhale. It’s the one they ask for every year. Double the batch and thank yourself later.

FAQs

What does Chex Christmas Mix taste like?

It's sweet and salty with a perfect crunch!

How long does it take to make Chex Christmas Mix?

It takes about 10 minutes - the same amount of time to melt white chocolate and mix everything together!

Can you sub different cereals in Chex Christmas Mix?

Absolutely. Any chex cereals are fantastic. You can even add nuts to the mixture if you dig it.

What is Chex Christmas Mix made of?

Cherrios, rice chex, wheat chex, pretzel sticks, M&M’s and white chocolate.

How long does Chex Christmas Mix last?

This is a trick question. In my house, it lasts no more than a few days. But if you freeze it... it can last up to 4 weeks.

Similar Recipes

If you tried this recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting today

Looking for more amazing breakfast ideas? Check out my 100 favorite breakfast recipes here

Christmas Chex Mix from www.whatsgabycooking.com (@whatsgabycookin)

Chex Christmas Mix

Author: Gaby Dalkin
5 from 96 votes
The perfect holiday snack. Sweet. Salty. Delicious
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24 People

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups Cheerios
  • 3 cups Rice Chex
  • 3 cups Wheat Chex
  • 2 cups Corn Chex
  • 1 cups Pretzel Sticks
  • 2-3 cups m&m’s
  • 24 oz White Chocolate plus an extra 4-8 oz if needed

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl combine the Cheerios, Chex, Pretzels and m&m’s. Mix them up a bit, making sure that everything is evenly distributed.
  • Meanwhile, over a double boiler, melt the white chocolate according to the directions on the package.
  • Once the chocolate has melted and is a smooth consistency, drizzle the chocolate over the cereal mix and combine with a wooden spoon or hands. Make sure all the cereal is covered in chocolate. If you need to melt the extra white chocolate to cover all the mix then go right on ahead!
  • Once the entire batch has been combined, lay it out to dry on a large sheet of parchment or wax paper. Let dry for 1 hour so the chocolate is cooled and hard. Break it up into medium pieces and store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

Notes

  • Line your sheet pan really well. Use parchment if you want a truly easy cleanup. This stuff is sticky in the best way, so a double layer saves your sanity.
  • Spread the chocolate quickly. Once you pour it over the mix, work fast. It firms up as it cools, so go right in with an offset spatula to smooth it into every nook.
  • Finish with something crunchy. M&Ms, candy cane pieces, flaky salt, festive sprinkles anything that adds texture and makes it feel holiday-special.
  • Freeze or chill before breaking. Don’t try to break it while it’s warm. Pop the whole tray in the fridge or freezer until it’s totally set, then crack into big shards.
  • Use a sharp tap to break it. Lift the parchment edges and give the candy a firm bend or little smacks with the back of a spoon. Very therapeutic.
  • Store it in the fridge for max crunch. Christmas Crack stays snappier and lasts longer when chilled. Plus it tastes even better cold.
  • Make extra. Seriously. This is the treat people inhale. It’s the one they ask for every year. Double the batch and thank yourself later.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 381kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 295mg | Potassium: 221mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 594IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 170mg | Iron: 12mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @WhatsGabyCookin or tag #whatsgabycooking!

Photo by Matt Armendariz / Food Styling by Adam Pearson 

 

401 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This recipe speaks for itself - as much as you’ll want to have leftovers, it’s not going to happen. You won’t be able to stop eating it!

  2. 5 stars
    I hate you for this. Some form of this must be in the freezer at all times. I literally have no control.

  3. 1 star
    Disappointed in this recipe.. just expect exactly what it is- white chocolate on a Chex/M&M/pretzel mixture. Wasn’t a big mover, we didn’t see the hype. Did I eat it? Yes. Would I make again? No.

  4. 5 stars
    Gaby, I bought several bags of Trader Joe’s “White Chocolate Baking Chips” to make my first Christmas Crack. Any advice based for trying to melt these? Double boiler setup or microwave? Add oil if it’s too thick or hot water? I’m almost outta time! Thank you! Signed - Procrastinator in San Diego

  5. Gaby,
    Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! My wife Lori follows you and cooks so many of your recipes, I feel like I know you and Thomas. I’m not a foodie, but this is my new favorite snack!!!

  6. Hi Gaby.. question.. when I store Christmas crack In a bag for the freezer should I take out as much air as I can from the bag?

  7. Just want to say how much I enjoy your website, IG feed and stories! I watched you IG story and would like to make this for an upcoming party- but in Vancouver, Canada we don't have access to all these varieties of Chex; I only have been able to find rice Chex. Should I only use the one option and triple the amount or are there other cereals that you would suggest that I can use to replace the corn and wheat for flavour and textures? Your recipes make me oh so happy <3

  8. 5 stars
    OMG, I just made this today. It is so delicious!!! I don't know if it will make it on the plane in 2 days to go visit my family!

  9. Hi. I am going to make this as gifts. Do I first freeze it in a ziplock bag and then when ready to pack up, put into container? Also, what is the oz size glass container shown in photo or the one you recommend for packing in gifts?

    1. you can use any size container that works! Just make sure it's frozen as much as possible because that's when it's most delish. Otherwise room temp is totally fine

  10. I watched your IGTV video on how to make this and can't wait! Question, though, my daughter have a severe nut allergy and can't have m&ms ...any suggestions on another candy to use that would be a good substitute?

    THANKS! Merry, Merry!

4.97 from 96 votes (48 ratings without comment)

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