No-Bake Christmas Snack Mix – Festive, Easy, and Crowd-Pleasing
This is the kind of holiday recipe you make once and then keep coming back to every year. It’s quick, cheerful, and tastes like a celebration in every handful. No oven, no stress—just a big bowl, a few pantry favorites, and a sweet coating that ties it all together.
It’s perfect for gifting, movie nights, or setting out for guests to nibble on. If you want something festive that you can pull together in 15 minutes, this is it.
No-Bake Christmas Snack Mix – Festive, Easy, and Crowd-Pleasing
Ingredients
Method
- Prep your workspace. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Mix the dry ingredients. In a big bowl, combine cereal squares, pretzels, nuts, and mini marshmallows.Gently toss to distribute everything evenly.
- Melt the white chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, add the white chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in 20–30 second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. You can also use a double boiler if you prefer.
- Coat the mix. Pour the melted white chocolate over the dry ingredients.Use a spatula to fold until everything is lightly coated. Aim for an even sheen without crushing the cereal.
- Add the color. Gently fold in the chocolate candies and sprinkles. If using crushed peppermint, add it now as well.
- Spread and set. Transfer the mixture to your lined baking sheet.Spread into an even layer. If you like, melt the semi-sweet chocolate and drizzle it over the top for a nice contrast.
- Finish with salt. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top. It sharpens the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Let it firm up. Allow the mix to set at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, or pop it into the fridge for 10–15 minutes.
- Break and serve. Once the coating is firm, break the mix into clusters.Serve in a big bowl or package it for gifting.
Why This Recipe Works
- It’s no-bake and fast. You can prep a big batch in minutes, which is ideal during the holiday rush.
- Perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy. Each bite hits all the right notes thanks to pretzels, cereal, chocolate, and nuts.
- Flexible ingredients. Use what you have—different cereals, candies, nuts, and coatings all work.
- Great for gifting. It keeps well and looks festive in clear bags or tins with a ribbon.
- Kid-friendly to make and eat. Simple steps make it a fun family project.
Ingredients
- 4 cups crispy rice or corn cereal squares (like Chex)
- 2 cups mini pretzels or pretzel sticks
- 1.5 cups toasted peanuts, almonds, or cashews (salted or unsalted)
- 1.5 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup holiday-colored chocolate candies (like red and green M&M’s)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips or vanilla candy melts
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional for drizzling)
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons festive sprinkles
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or neutral oil (to help melt chocolate, optional)
- Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional, for finishing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep your workspace. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Mix the dry ingredients. In a big bowl, combine cereal squares, pretzels, nuts, and mini marshmallows.Gently toss to distribute everything evenly.
- Melt the white chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, add the white chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in 20–30 second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. You can also use a double boiler if you prefer.
- Coat the mix. Pour the melted white chocolate over the dry ingredients.Use a spatula to fold until everything is lightly coated. Aim for an even sheen without crushing the cereal.
- Add the color. Gently fold in the chocolate candies and sprinkles. If using crushed peppermint, add it now as well.
- Spread and set. Transfer the mixture to your lined baking sheet.Spread into an even layer. If you like, melt the semi-sweet chocolate and drizzle it over the top for a nice contrast.
- Finish with salt. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top. It sharpens the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Let it firm up. Allow the mix to set at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, or pop it into the fridge for 10–15 minutes.
- Break and serve. Once the coating is firm, break the mix into clusters.Serve in a big bowl or package it for gifting.
Keeping It Fresh
Store the mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If your home runs warm, refrigerate to prevent the chocolate from softening. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag for up to one month; thaw at room temperature in the sealed bag to avoid condensation.
Pro tip: If including marshmallows, add them just before coating or serving to keep them soft.
If using peppermint, note that it can soften over time in humid environments.
Health Benefits
- Built-in portion control. It’s rich and satisfying, so a small handful goes a long way.
- Whole grains and nuts. Cereal can add whole grains and fiber, while nuts bring protein and healthy fats that support fullness.
- Customizable sweetness. You control the chocolate and candy amounts. Reduce chocolate, use darker chocolate, or add more nuts and seeds for a more balanced mix.
- Gluten-free and allergy-friendly options. Choose gluten-free cereal and pretzels, dairy-free chocolate, or swap nuts for seeds to fit your needs.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Overheating the chocolate. If it seizes or turns grainy, it’s too hot. Melt gently, stirring frequently.
- Too much moisture. Any water in the bowl will cause chocolate to seize.Keep tools completely dry.
- Adding candies too early. If the melted chocolate is very hot, it can melt your chocolate candies. Let it cool for a minute before mixing in.
- Heavy-hand mixing. Cereal breaks easily. Fold gently to keep the texture intact.
- Skipping the lining step. Without parchment or a mat, you’ll end up scraping stubborn bits from the tray.
Variations You Can Try
- Nut-free crunch: Use sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or extra pretzels in place of nuts.
- Dark chocolate peppermint: Swap white chocolate for dark, and use more crushed candy canes plus a hint of peppermint extract.
- Gingerbread twist: Add mini gingersnap cookies and a pinch of cinnamon and ginger to the melted chocolate.
- Cookies and cream: Fold in chopped chocolate sandwich cookies and use white chocolate drizzle.
- Trail mix style: Add dried cranberries or cherries for a sweet-tart pop and extra color.
- Salted caramel: Drizzle on caramel sauce and finish with flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty finish.
- Gluten-free version: Choose gluten-free cereal and pretzels; check labels on candies and chocolate.
- Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free chocolate and skip the candy-coated chocolates if they contain milk.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes.
Make it up to one week ahead and store in an airtight container. For the crispiest texture, keep it in a cool, dry spot and add marshmallows just before serving if you want them extra soft.
What if I don’t have white chocolate?
Use any melting chocolate you like—semi-sweet, milk, or dark. Candy melts work well because they set firmly and quickly.
Adjust sweetness by choosing darker chocolate or reducing the drizzle.
How do I avoid clumps of melted chocolate in one spot?
Pour the melted chocolate in a thin stream while tossing gently. Work with a large mixing bowl and a broad spatula, folding from the bottom up to coat evenly.
Is there a way to make it less sweet?
Use more pretzels and nuts, fewer marshmallows and candies, and choose dark chocolate. A light sprinkle of sea salt also balances sweetness.
What’s the best way to package this for gifts?
Let it set completely.
Portion into cellophane bags or tins lined with parchment. Add a label with ingredients in case of allergies and a date for freshness.
Can kids help with this recipe?
Absolutely. Let them measure, stir, sprinkle, and help with drizzling.
An adult should handle the hot chocolate and any chopping.
Do I need to temper the chocolate?
No. Since this is a coated snack mix, simple melting works fine. If you want a glossy, snappier finish, you can temper, but it’s optional for this recipe.
Why is my chocolate not setting?
High humidity or warm rooms can slow setting.
Spread the mix thinner and chill it briefly in the fridge. If you used a sauce-like caramel, avoid overdoing it so the mix stays crisp.
Wrapping Up
No-Bake Christmas Snack Mix is festive, flexible, and fast. It checks every box for holiday hosting and gifting, and it’s easy to tweak for taste and dietary needs.
Keep a batch on hand for cozy nights, last-minute guests, or quick presents that feel homemade. One bowl, a little stirring, and you’re in business—holiday magic, minus the fuss.
