Every December, my kitchen turns into a little holiday workshop, and one of the first things I make is a big batch of Christmas Chex Mix. It’s sweet, salty, and so cheerful with those little red and green M&Ms peeking through. This White Chocolate Christmas Chex Mix recipe has been part of our family’s holiday traditions for years. I enjoy that it’s simple enough for the grandkids to help stir together, making the perfect gift for neighbors, teachers, or anyone who needs a little extra Christmas cheer.
Christmas Chex Mix
There are so many reasons this recipe ends up on repeat all Christmas season long. It’s easy to make with just a few pantry ingredients and no baking required. The balance of sweet and salty flavors is downright addictive, which means it disappears fast at holiday gatherings. That’s why you’ll hear folks call this holiday Chex mix Christmas crack, because nobody stops at one handful. I also love how giftable it is. Tuck some into little bags tied with ribbon, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade treat without the stress of baking dozens of cookies. Plus, you can make it ahead of time and stash it in the freezer, so you’re never caught off guard when guests stop by. Speaking of staying ahead, if you want a little extra help keeping all your holiday hosting details straight, grab my free Mini Christmas Planner, it makes pulling together gatherings like this so much easier.
This was soooo good! My whole family ate it up!
—Alexandrea
Ingredient Notes
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Rice and Corn Chex cerealI use store brand if Chex is not on sale.
- Mini pretzelsI like using twists; they hold up nicely, but pretzel sticks work great too.
- Salted peanutsAdds a savory bite. I’ve used both dry roasted and cocktail peanuts, but the chocolate sticks to dry roasted just a bit better. Cashews, almonds, or pecans work too.
- Holiday M&MsRed and green for Christmas spirit. Swap with seasonal colors for Valentine’s, 4th of July, or Easter.
- White chocolate chipsHigh-quality chocolate melts smoother. Ghirardelli wafers are my go-to, but any melting chocolate you like will work. I find wafers melt easier than chips. You’ll find melting wafers in the cake decorating aisle at Hobby Lobby, and Walmart usually has them too.
- Vegetable oilJust a touch helps the chocolate melt evenly.
- Holiday sprinklesOptional, but they make the mix look so festive.
How To Make Christmas Chex Mix
Combine The Base
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cereals, pretzels, peanuts, and 1 cup of M&Ms.
Melt The Chocolate
Add the white chocolate chips and vegetable oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth.
Coat The Chex Mix
Pour the melted chocolate over the cereal mixture. Use a spatula to gently toss until everything is coated.
Spread Out
Pour the coated mix onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Quickly sprinkle the remaining M&Ms and holiday sprinkles on top before the chocolate sets. Leave at room temperature for about 1 hour to cool and harden.
Gina’s Tip: Work quickly when adding sprinkles and candy. The chocolate sets fast.
Variations, Substitutions, and Recipe Tips
Add-In Options
When I’m hosting a party, I like to play around with add-ins. Bugles add a fun crunch, and you can swap the M&Ms for seasonal colors. It’s one of those recipes where you can get creative, and it always turns out tasty.
Simple Substitutions
- Try cashews, almonds, or pecans instead of peanuts.
- Use pretzel sticks if you don’t have twists.
Tips For Recipe Success
- Melt chocolate slowly to avoid seizing.
- Package it right away once hardened; it makes the sweetest homemade gift.
Hospitality Challenge
This Christmas, invite friends or family over for a festive “Snack & Serve” gathering. Ask each guest to bring one ingredient for the White Chocolate Christmas Chex Mix and a pack of gift bags or tins. Spend the evening assembling batches of this cheerful treat together, then divvy them up to bless Sunday school teachers, neighbors, delivery drivers, or anyone who could use a little Christmas cheer. It’s a joyful way to turn your kitchen into a hub of giving, and fellowship happens naturally when hands are busy and hearts are generous.
For more fun gifts to make as a group, try my Cookie Mix in a Jar and Salted Cashew Cookies in a Jar.
More Fun Holiday Snacks
- Firecrackers
- 4 Ingredient Pretzel Christmas Treats
- Christmas Puppy Chow
- Chex Mix in the Oven
- Snowball Party Mix
This Christmas Chex Mix is festive, simple, and always a hit at holiday gatherings. Whether serving it at a party or gifting it to neighbors, it’s a treat everyone loves. If you have any questions about making this recipe, feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Made this Christmas Chex Mix for your family or a neighbor gift? I’d love it if you’d leave a star rating in the recipe card below. It helps other families find a holiday treat they can count on.
Christmas Chex Mix
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups corn Chex cereal
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1 cup salted peanuts
- 1 ½ cups holiday M&Ms, divided
- 12 ounces white chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil, or vegetable shortening
- 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles
Instructions
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice Chex cereal, corn Chex cereal, mini pretzels, salted peanuts, and 1 cup of the M&Ms. Stir until evenly mixed.2 cups rice Chex cereal, 2 cups corn Chex cereal, 2 cups mini pretzels, 1 cup salted peanuts, 1 ½ cups holiday M&Ms
Melt the White Chocolate
- Place the white chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl.12 ounces white chocolate chips, 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth and fully melted (about 60 to 90 seconds total)
Coat the Mix
- Pour the melted white chocolate over the cereal mixture.
- Stir gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
Spread and Decorate
- Spread the mixture onto one or two baking sheets in a single layer.
- Quickly sprinkle the remaining M&Ms and holiday sprinkles on top before the chocolate hardens.2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles
Let It Set
- Allow the mix to harden at room temperature for 1 hour, or place in the refrigerator for 20 minutes for faster setting. Enjoy!
Gina’s Notes and Tips
- Try cashews, almonds, or pecans instead of peanuts.
- Use pretzel sticks if you don’t have twists.
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.
- Fridge: Keeps for up to 2 weeks. Let it warm a few minutes before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months in airtight bags. Thaw on the counter before serving.
Can I use regular milk chocolate wafers or morsels instead?
Mary, I think it would be great to use milk chocolate wafers. I have another chocolate covered chex mix recipe that I use wafers call Puppy Chow I bought my wafers at Hobby Lobby in the cake decorating isle. I think Walmart has them in their craft/cake decor area to. I find the wafers are easier to melt. I use chocolate chips sometimes but have had more mishaps ;) trying to melt the chips.
can you use premium baking white chocolate bars instead if chips?
Anita, yes, premium baking white chocolate bars are perfect for this Christmas Chex Mix recipe! They melt smoothly, coat the mix evenly, and add a creamy, rich flavor. For best results, chop the chocolate into small pieces and melt gently to avoid scorching.
Are the peanuts dry roasted or cocktail peanuts? also can you leave the peanuts out and add pecans?
Anita, I. have used both. However the chocolate will stick to the dry roasted just a bit better. You could also toss in some pecans, cashews or almonds if you enjoy them.
This was soooo good! My whole family ate it up!
Alexandrea, thanks for sharing! It makes a great gift for someone that has everything! I like to make chex mix variety tins for gifts filling each one with this White Chocolate Christmas Mix, Easy Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe, and my smokey Unique Slow Cooker Chex Mix Recipe.