Description
Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with this festive and highly addictive Christmas Crack Chex Mix! This sweet-and-salty treat is perfect for parties, edible gifts, or a cozy movie night snack. A crunchy medley of Chex cereal, pretzels, peanuts, and chocolate candy is coated in a buttery caramel glaze that cracks just right. It’s easy to make and fun to customize, making it a must-have addition to your collection of holiday snack ideas, easy recipes, and Christmas food ideas. Whether you’re after a quick holiday snack, a homemade food gift, or some new party treat inspiration, this one checks all the boxes!
Ingredients
8 cups Chex cereal (Rice, Corn, or Wheat)
2 cups mini pretzels
1 cup dry roasted peanuts
1 cup holiday M&M’s
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 250°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix Chex cereal, pretzels, and peanuts.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup. Bring to a boil for 4-5 minutes while stirring.
4. Remove from heat and whisk in baking soda (it will foam up).
5. Immediately pour caramel over cereal mix and gently stir to coat.
6. Spread mixture on the baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
7. Let cool completely, then add M&M’s and sprinkles.
8. Break into clusters, serve, or store in airtight containers.
Notes
Swap peanuts for pecans or almonds if you prefer different nuts.
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks to maintain crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: holiday snack, party mix, Christmas recipe, edible gift, easy dessert