Description
Celebrate the holiday season with the Ultimate Christmas Snack Mix, a delightful blend of crunchy Chex cereals, mini pretzels, salted peanuts, and festive candies all coated in luscious white almond bark and a delicious chocolate-peanut butter blend. This sweet and salty treat is perfect for parties, gift-giving, or cozy snacking by the fire.
Ingredients
Scale
Reindeer Chow
- 1 cup (47 g) Rice Chex
- ¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
Base
- 2 cups (94 g) Rice Chex
- 1 ½ cups (70.5 g) Corn Chex
- 1 cup (150 g) mini pretzels
- ¾ cup salted peanuts
- 8 ounces white almond bark
- ½ tablespoon vegetable oil
Finishing Touches
- ¾ cup red & green M&Ms
- ½ cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped
- 1 tablespoon holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside for later use.
- Make Reindeer Chow: In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of Rice Chex. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine semisweet chocolate chips, peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Microwave in 20 to 30 second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and melted. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Coat Chex with Chocolate Mixture: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex and gently fold to coat all pieces evenly.
- Add Confectioners’ Sugar: Transfer the chocolate-coated Chex to a large zip-top bag. Add the confectioners’ sugar, seal the bag, and shake until every piece is thoroughly coated. Spread this Reindeer Chow evenly on one of the prepared baking sheets and set aside to dry.
- Create Base Mix: In an extra-large mixing bowl, combine Rice Chex, Corn Chex, mini pretzels, and salted peanuts.
- Melt White Almond Bark: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, add white almond bark and vegetable oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
- Coat Base Mix: Pour the melted almond bark mixture over the cereal and nut mix. Quickly toss to coat everything evenly but lightly, ensuring the pieces are covered without being drenched.
- Add Festive Candies: While the base mixture is still slightly tacky, fold in the red and green M&Ms, chopped mini peanut butter cups, and holiday sprinkles.
- Combine with Reindeer Chow: Gently fold the dried Reindeer Chow into the base mixture to create a swirled effect with the two coated components.
- Dry the Snack Mix: Spread the combined mixture evenly onto the second prepared baking sheet. Let it dry completely at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Form Clusters and Store: Once dry, break the mix into clusters. Store in an airtight container for 2 to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Ensure the chocolate mixture is fully smooth before coating the Rice Chex to prevent clumps.
- Use parchment paper on baking sheets for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Allow the snack mix to dry completely for the best texture and handling.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor.
- Freeze leftovers to enjoy later and retain the snack mix’s crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (melting and mixing times)
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas Snack Mix, Holiday Treat, Chex Mix, Festive Snack, Sweet and Salty, Party Snack, Reindeer Chow
