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.

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!

Ingredients

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.
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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

Chex Christmas Mix
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
Photo by Matt Armendariz / Food Styling by Adam Pearson



Can you substitute milk chocolate for white chocolate?
you certainly can! it'll obviously look very different.
What kind/brand of white chocolate of you use?
usually Ghirardelli
Do you use the plain Cheerios? Also for banking this Christmas mix and your m&m cookies do you use the regular size M&Ms or the ones in the baking section, the tiny ones?
Kind regards,
Terri
plain cheerios and regular sized!
Honey nut Cheerios Ok, or would you recommend regular cherrios?
regular
Is there a brand of white chocolate you recommend?
I tend to get the Ghiradelli chips!
I bought white almond bark thinking that was the same as white chocolate and now I’m realizing that is not true (lol). Would it still be good with almond bark?!
never tried it!! would probs work tho!
My sister in law has made a very similar recipe for years too, but hers doesn’t have M&M’s in it, uses pecans instead. Also uses Crispix cereal which is a blend of corn & rice rather than 3 different types of Chex cereal. I’m definitely making your recipe this year
Did you try it with the White Almond Bark? Was it good? That is what I would have used. I think it would be perfectly fine.
I used to use the almond bark and loved it that way too. Used 1 1/2 lbs. also didn’t use wheat Chex.
Delicious! I like to add crushed peppermints. ♥️
Did 1 cup m&m, 1 cup mini marshmallows, and 1 cup crushed andes peppermint chocolates.
Tossed 2/3 of white chocolate and drizzled the other 1/3 on top after spreading mixture onto the pan.
Topped it all off with some festive christmas sprinkles before letting it dry.
Thank you so much for this recipe! Such a fun thing to make with the kids.
We couldn't find christmas m&ms, so they got to pick all of the red and green ones out of the regular bag.
Insanely simple to make. Used a double boiler to melt the chocolate. I used 30oz of white chocolate. The mix is delicious & festive. Will package some up to share as gifts. Will plan to make every Christmas from now on!
This makes great little presents for neighbors, coworkers etc. Last year I put them in glass jars with a bow, so cute. Great, easy recipe to make with your kid and YES it's freaking addictive. I'm from Hawaii so swapped mochi crunch (Japanese teriyaki rice crackers) for he pretzels and it was so ono!
Making this today for Christmas gifts and also myself because its my favorite FYI its also fun to use red and green M+Ms for the holidays!
Why do you not use the Corn Chex in any of your Chex mixes? Is there something that doesn't work well with them in the mix or just a personal preference?
you totally could!! just not how my mom made it but I 1000% support you!
I made the Chex mix Christmas crack one year. Now years later, a friend asked for the recipe. It was really good. Now, I will make it again too
Everyone loves this, my family, neighbors and friends
I mix mini pretzels instead of the sticks in my mixture. Either way its still good!
Delicious! I added crushed candy canes and the bits of mint contrast nicely with the white chocolate.
Delish! And Im not a white chocolate fan... It's the perfect mix of sweet and salty