This Christmas Cookie Crunch Mix is a fun and festive treat! With colorful candies, crunchy cereal, and sweet chocolate, it’s perfect for sharing and snacking during the holidays.
Making it is super simple, and trust me, you’ll have a blast mixing it all together. I love to put it in cute jars as gifts—everyone adores it! 🎄✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cocoa Chex and Cinnamon Chex: These cereals give a great chocolate and cinnamon flavor. You can substitute them with other flavored cereals, like chocolate or vanilla puffed rice, but the texture will differ slightly.
Mini Pretzels: The salty crunch pairs perfectly with the sweet elements. If you’re gluten-sensitive, look for gluten-free pretzels, or you can use popcorn for a lighter crunch.
M&M Candies: The festive colors of red and green M&Ms enhance the holiday spirit. You can swap them for chocolate-covered raisins, seasonal chocolate candies, or even dried fruit for a healthier option.
White Chocolate Chips: They add sweetness and richness. If you prefer dark or milk chocolate, those work well too! Just remember, the color will change if you go with dark chocolate.
What’s the Best Way to Melt Chocolate Without Burning It?
Melting chocolate can be tricky, but it’s simple when you follow these tips! Use a microwave-safe bowl and remember to melt in short bursts to prevent burning.
- Microwave for 20 seconds, then stir. Repeat until smooth—this prevents overheating.
- If it’s clumpy, don’t worry. Just keep stirring until the remaining chunks melt.
Using a double boiler is another great way to melt chocolate. Just be careful not to get any water into the chocolate, as it can cause it to seize up!
How to Make Christmas Cookie Crunch Mix
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 3 cups Cocoa Chex cereal
- 3 cups Cinnamon Chex cereal
- 1 cup mini pretzels (twisted and stick shapes)
- 1 cup red and green M&M candies
- 1 cup white snowflake-shaped cookies (store-bought or homemade)
For the Coating and Decorations:
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or candy melts
- 1/4 cup red and white holiday sprinkles
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun and festive Christmas Cookie Crunch Mix takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus around 30 minutes for the mixture to cool and set. In total, you’ll be looking at around 45 minutes before your delicious snack is ready to enjoy or gift!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Cocoa Chex cereal, Cinnamon Chex cereal, and mini pretzels. Give it a gentle stir to make sure they’re evenly mixed. This forms a crunchy and flavorful base!
2. Add the Fun Stuff:
Next, toss in the red and green M&M candies and mix gently to distribute them throughout the mixture. Then, add in the white snowflake-shaped cookies for that festive touch!
3. Melt the White Chocolate:
Now, it’s time to melt the white chocolate chips. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt them in 20-second intervals. Make sure to stir after each interval until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. This will help you avoid burning the chocolate.
4. Combine Everything:
Drizzle the melted white chocolate evenly over the cereal mix. Then, sprinkle the red and white holiday sprinkles over the top while the chocolate is still warm. This will help them stick! Gently toss the mix to coat the cereal and pretzels with the chocolate.
5. Let It Set:
Spread the crunchy mix onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer. Let it cool and set completely for about 20-30 minutes. This allows the chocolate to harden for that perfect crunch.
6. Finish Up:
Once the mix is set, lightly dust the entire batch with powdered sugar to give it a snowy effect—so festive! Then, transfer it to a festive bowl or an airtight container.
7. Serve or Gift!
Your delicious Christmas Cookie Crunch Mix is now ready! Enjoy it yourself or share it as a delightful gift with friends and family. Happy holidays!
Can I Use Different Types of Cereal?
Absolutely! While Cocoa and Cinnamon Chex offer a great flavor combination, you can use any cereal you prefer, such as Rice Crispies or Fruity Chex for a more colorful mix. Just keep the total measurements the same to maintain the texture!
How Long Does This Snack Mix Last?
If stored in an airtight container, this Christmas Cookie Crunch Mix can last up to two weeks at room temperature. For longer storage, consider keeping it in the fridge for fresh bites longer.
Can I Make This Mix Nut-Free?
Yes! The recipe is already nut-free since it doesn’t call for any nuts. Just double-check the packaging of your ingredients, especially the chocolate and cookies, to ensure they’re made in nut-free facilities if allergies are a concern.
What to Do If the Chocolate Isn’t Melting Smoothly?
If your chocolate is clumpy or seizes up, it may have been overheated. Add a small amount of vegetable oil or shortening to the bowl and gently stir until it smooths out. Always melt chocolate gradually to prevent this from happening!