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



Yummy
I made this for neighbor gifts thinking it’d be best to make something I wouldn’t want to eat myself (not a fan of white chocolate). But, boy was I wrong! I can’t stop eating it! Obviously this is acceptable to eat for breakfast because it’s cereal, right?
I always use almond bark and it works just fine. Easier to use for us here
Serves 12? I think that’s off… maybe 2? Lol
LOLOLOLO. I agree with this
What would you recommend for a substitute for the Wheat and Corn Chex? We dont have those where I live in Canada. We do have chocolate, apple cinnamon, honey nut and cinnamon. What would you suggest? Or some other cereal altogether? I'd really like to try to make this recipe.
I’m in Canada too and used Crispix and Shreddies. Turned out great!
Nvm. I made it with all Rice Chez. It turned out great!
Does it have to be refrigerated?
it's best cold!
Has anyone tried to use candy melts in place of white chocolate? If so does it take the same?
I was wondering the same Jenn.
I’m not a huge white chocolate fan and was wondering if marshmallow could be substituted.
I read above someone asked if milk chocolate could be used instead and Gabby said it could but would look different, obvi.
Wonder if marshmallow could be used instead of chocolate.
I would not recommend marshmallow. It will get soggy. But I promise, even white chocolate skeptics love this recipe
Super duper good! Could not stop snacking and kept telling ourselves to knock it off before guests arrive. Let’s just say the guests sentiments were the same! They loved it!
Go ahead and double the recipe because it’s impossible to stop eating - you’ll need more if you plan on sharing with others! So delicious and easy to make!
I added mini marshmallows to the mix as well. Turned out delicious!! Thank you!
Does it have to be refrigerated?
it's best served cold and that helps it stay fresh longer
Has anyone tried shaking it up in powder sugar?
Would this stay fresh if it were shipped?
if you overnighted it - yes! it's best kept chilled
Substitute for Wheat Chex? Needs to be Gluten Free.
any of the other GF chex!
Just made this and it’s delicious and so easy! Only modification I made was to add a scoop of coconut oil to the white chocolate before melting just to make it thinner to toss, but definitely not necessary by any means. Makes excellent little gifts for people, and super easy to make this gluten-free if needed.