Christmas Crack Snack Mix: Sweet, Festive, and Perfect for Gifting
The holiday season wouldn’t feel complete without the smell of melted chocolate and the sight of colorful treats filling every container in the house. For me, that means whipping up my signature Christmas Crack Snack Mix! This sweet twist on the traditional snack mix has been a staple in my kitchen for years. It’s festive, addictive (hence the name), and makes the perfect edible gift when packaged in mason jars.
I started making this treat as a quick, no-bake recipe for holiday gatherings, and it quickly became a family favorite. Whether you’re gifting it or just indulging at home, this mix is sure to bring a little extra joy to your holidays!
Why You’ll Love Christmas Crack Snack Mix
Unlike the classic “trash mix” or savory party snacks, my Christmas Crack leans heavily into the sweet side. It’s made with a delightful combination of crunchy cereals, salty pretzels, sweet candies, and creamy white chocolate. The best part? It’s totally customizable! You can add in whatever your heart desires—think crushed Oreos, dried fruits, or even festive sprinkles.
The process is so simple that it feels almost too good to be true. And trust me, when you give a jar of this mix to your neighbors or coworkers, they’ll be asking for the recipe before the season ends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what I put in my Christmas Crack Snack Mix:
- 1 box honey nut Cheerios
- 1 box Chex cereal (any variety works, but I love the classic corn or rice flavors)
- 1 bag of pretzel sticks or minis
- 1 large container of salted peanuts
- M&Ms (swap out colors for other holidays—red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, etc.)
- Reese’s Pieces
- Dried cranberries (I’m not a fan of raisins, but feel free to use them if you like!)
- 2 bags of white chocolate chips
Optional Add-ins:
- Crushed Oreos
- Dried apricots
- Cashews
- Holiday sprinkles or mini marshmallows
How to Make Christmas Crack Snack Mix
This recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a festive treat in no time!
- Prepare Your Workspace: Line 3 large baking sheets with wax paper. This will give you plenty of space to spread out your mix for cooling.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a giant mixing bowl, combine your cereals, pretzels, peanuts, M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, and dried cranberries. Stir everything together until evenly distributed.
- Melt the White Chocolate: Use a microwave-safe bowl to melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth.
- Combine Quickly: Pour the melted chocolate over the dry mix and stir fast! The chocolate will start to set quickly, so make sure everything is evenly coated.
- Spread and Cool: Transfer the mixture to the wax-lined baking sheets, spreading it out in a single layer. Let it cool for about 15 minutes, or until the chocolate hardens.
- Break It Up and Store: Once set, break the mix into bite-sized clusters. Store in airtight containers or package into mason jars for gifting.
Pro Tips for the Best Snack Mix
- Work Quickly: White chocolate sets fast, so have everything ready before you melt the chocolate.
- Customize It: Switch up the candies and mix-ins to fit different holidays or personal tastes.
- Make It Ahead: While the mix can last up to 2 weeks in an airtight container, don’t be surprised if it disappears within days!
A Perfect Holiday Gift
There’s something so nostalgic about homemade treats, especially during the holidays. I love filling mason jars with Christmas Crack Snack Mix, tying a festive ribbon around the lid, and adding a handwritten tag. It’s a thoughtful, inexpensive gift that everyone appreciates (and devours).
Alt Text: “A close-up of Christmas Crack Snack Mix featuring Cheerios, Chex, pretzels, M&Ms, and white chocolate.”
Alt Text: “Baking trays lined with wax paper holding freshly made Christmas Crack Snack Mix.”
Conclusion
Making Christmas Crack Snack Mix has become a cherished tradition in my home, filling the house with laughter, sweetness, and a little bit of chaos (you should see the chocolate mess in my kitchen!). Whether you’re gifting it or serving it at a holiday party, this mix will quickly become a favorite in your household too.
So, grab your ingredients, turn up the holiday tunes, and start mixing up some Christmas magic. Happy holidays!
