Crunchy, sweet–salty Christmas Crack Chex Mix with cereals, pretzels, peanuts, chocolate candies, and creamy white coating. The easiest holiday treat ever.
Every holiday season, I tell myself—this will be the year I bake something elegant. You know, the kind of dessert that looks like it belongs in one of those glossy December magazines with candles glowing in the background and people pretending they’re not freezing. But then reality taps me on the shoulder, usually around the time I burn the first batch of cookies, and suddenly Christmas Crack Chex Mix swoops in like the superhero it secretly is. It reminds me so much of the way December feels: chaotic, nostalgic, sweet but also a little salty… kind of like my family during holiday dinners.
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
The first time I made this Christmas Crack Chex Mix, I honestly didn’t think anyone would care. It felt too easy, almost like cheating. But then something weird happened—everyone devoured it so fast I wondered if I’d accidentally made something addictive. My sister asked if I had “any more back in the kitchen,” which—no joke—I didn’t. I barely got a handful myself, which still stings a little. Ever had a recipe become a family “thing” by accident? Like you make it once and suddenly you’re locked in for life?
It also brings back these flashes of childhood—watching Christmas cartoons, seeing those giant grocery-store bins of Chex cereal that only show up in winter, the kind of tiny traditions you don’t realize you miss until they’re suddenly there again. And maybe this is too sentimental for a snack mix, but something about making a big bowl of crunchy, messy, candy-studded Christmas Crack Chex Mix feels… grounding. Comforting. Familiar in a way that’s hard to describe, but if you’ve ever needed a “holiday shortcut,” you probably get it.
Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:
Table of content
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Crack Chex Mix Recipe?
You know when a recipe is almost annoyingly good? Like you hesitate to share it because people will realize how little effort it took? That’s the energy this Christmas Crack Chex Mix gives every time. I love that it’s sweet but not aggressively sweet, salty but not in a “I need a gallon of water now” kind of way. The textures all bump into each other in a way that should be chaotic but somehow isn’t. And the best part—this is a no-bake recipe, which feels like a little miracle during December when the oven is basically running a marathon.
Is it perfect? No. Sometimes the candy coating sets weird or the pretzels hog the spotlight or the candies sink to the bottom of the bowl. But honestly… that’s kind of why I love it. Real holiday treats have personality. They’re messy. They crumble a little. They look like someone actually made them and didn’t buy them from a store that smells like cinnamon-scented candles.
I don’t know—maybe it’s silly, but this Christmas Crack Chex Mix really does feel like one of those snacks that somehow sneaks into your traditions. Do you agree? Or am I just overly sentimental about cereal?
Ingredient Notes:
Before you grab the giant bowl (you will need the giant bowl—don’t try to fight it), here’s a quick rundown of what gives this Christmas Crack Chex Mix its personality. Think of this like the cast list of a slightly chaotic holiday movie where everyone has their role, even the extras.
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Corn Cereal Squares: The foundation. The dependable, never-let-you-down crunch. They’re like the “straight man” in a comedy duo.
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Rice Cereal Squares: Lighter, crispier, almost a little shy compared to the corn cereal—like the friend who laughs quietly but is secretly hilarious.
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Toasted Oat O’s: Pure childhood. Honestly, they remind me of cold mornings, cartoon reruns, and bowls that were way too big for a kid.
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Mini Pretzel Twists: They bring the salty snap that keeps the sweet stuff in check. Every holiday recipe needs someone grounding the group.
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Salted Peanuts: You know how every ensemble show has one character who steals every scene? Yeah… that’s the peanuts.
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Red & Green Chocolate Candies: They’re festive in an “I didn’t even try, I was just born this way” kind of way.
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White Candy Coating: The glue. The magic. The creamy blanket that hugs everyone together like a snow day you secretly hoped for.
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Sprinkles: Completely unnecessary but emotionally important. Kind of like stringing lights inside a room that already has a lamp.
How To Make Christmas Crack Chex Mix?
Here’s the thing about Christmas Crack Chex Mix: even if something goes a little wrong, it still turns out good. Which is more than I can say for most holiday projects (looking directly at you, gingerbread houses).
Step 1. Line your baking sheets.
This step feels boring, I know, but skipping it is like skipping gloves in a snowstorm—you’ll regret it pretty fast. Wax or parchment paper works.
Step 2. Combine all the dry stuff.
Use the biggest bowl you own. Bigger than you think you need. Bigger than that. Toss in the cereal squares, oat cereal, pretzels, peanuts—everyone gets tossed in together like a slightly dysfunctional family reunion.
Step 3. Melt the white candy coating.
Microwave at 50% power in little bursts. Stir a lot. Try not to panic if it looks clumpy for a second (it usually comes back… usually). If your microwave is older than your favorite Christmas movie, give it an extra stir just to be safe.
Step 4. Pour and fold.
This part always makes me feel like I’m icing a giant crunchy cake. Pour the melted coating over the bowl and fold gently. Not aggressively—this isn’t mashed potatoes. Lift, turn, coat, repeat until everything looks happy.
Step 5. Add the chocolate candies.
Do it before the candy coating decides it’s done cooperating. Fold them in like little holiday jewels.
Step 6. Spread and sprinkle.
Pour everything onto your lined sheets. Spread it out so it cools faster. Sprinkles go on now—don’t wait.
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Step 7. Let it set, then break it apart.
Give it 20–30 minutes, or toss it in the fridge if patience isn’t your strong suit (it’s definitely not mine). Break into clusters. Big, small—whatever you’re craving.
Storage Options:
I keep this Christmas Crack Chex Mix in an airtight container for up to a week… though calling it “a week” feels optimistic. It almost never lasts that long unless I hide it behind something boring like lentils. You can also refrigerate it if your house runs warm, or freeze it if you’re the kind of person who likes to stockpile treats like a cheerful holiday squirrel.
Variations and Substitutions:
One of the reasons I adore this Christmas Crack Chex Mix is that you can mess around with it and it still works. Out of something? Swap it. Want a different flavor? Go for it. It’s like the sweatpants of holiday snacks—flexible, comfortable, forgiving.
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No pretzels? Use pretzel sticks or gluten-free ones.
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Not into peanuts? Try pecans or cashews.
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Want extra sweetness? Mini marshmallows. No explanation needed.
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Feeling festive? Crushed candy canes give it that “North Pole but make it crunchy” energy.
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Need gluten-free? Easy—just choose GF cereals and pretzels.
What to Serve with Christmas Crack Chex Mix?
This Christmas Crack Chex Mix honestly doesn’t need friends, but it plays really well with them anyway. Try pairing it with:
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Hot chocolate or peppermint mochas (very cozy, very classic).
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Holiday charcuterie boards, because sweet + salty is basically the law.
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Movie nights—especially the slightly cheesy ones that still make you tear up.
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Gift bags for neighbors, coworkers, or that one cousin who always “forgets” to bring something.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yep—Christmas Crack Chex Mix actually seems to get better after a day. Maybe the flavors just settle in? I don’t know, I’m not a scientist, but I like it.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Totally doable. Swap in gluten-free cereal squares, pretzels, and candies. Just double-check the labels because holiday packaging loves surprises.
What if my coating turns grainy?
It probably overheated. Happens to all of us. Just melt slower next time—and honestly, even grainy coating tastes good on Christmas Crack Chex Mix, so you’re fine.
If you make this Christmas Crack Chex Mix, I’d love to hear how it goes—or what weird and wonderful variation you come up with. Did your bowl disappear faster than mine? Do you have your own holiday snack traditions? Tell me everything.
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Christmas Crack Chex Mix
Ingredients
- 4 cups corn cereal squares
- 4 cups rice cereal squares
- 2 cups plain toasted oat cereal O-shaped
- 2 cups mini pretzel twists
- 1 cup salted dry-roasted peanuts
- 1 cup red and green chocolate candies
- 24 oz white candy coating almond bark or vanilla candy melts, chopped if using large blocks
- 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles optional
Instructions
Prepare the baking sheets.
- Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper. Set aside.
Combine the dry ingredients.
- In a very large mixing bowl, combine the corn cereal squares, rice cereal squares, toasted oat cereal, mini pretzels, and peanuts. Gently toss to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Melt the white candy coating.
- Place the chopped white candy coating into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the coating is completely melted and smooth. This typically requires 2–3 minutes in total. Avoid overheating.
Coat the cereal mixture.
- Pour the melted white candy coating over the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a spatula, fold the mixture gently until all components are evenly coated.
Incorporate the chocolate candies.
- Add the red and green chocolate candies to the coated mixture and fold them in carefully to prevent melting.
Spread the mixture to set.
- Transfer the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, spreading it into an even layer. If desired, sprinkle holiday sprinkles across the top before the coating sets.
Allow to cool and set.
- Let the mixture stand at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, or chill briefly to accelerate the setting. Once firm, break the mixture into clusters and serve.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
