Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, taking only 15 minutes from start to finish.
- A versatile and crowd-pleasing snack that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting.
- Kid-friendly and customizable with your favorite add-ins.
- Combines sweet and salty flavors with a delightful crunch in every bite.
- Festive and colorful, making it a fun addition to any holiday table.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 3 cups pretzel twists
- 3 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn)
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup mini M&M’s (or holiday M&M’s)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and green sprinkles (optional for extra holiday cheer)
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pretzel twists, Chex cereal, mini marshmallows, and mini M&M’s. Set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips and peanut butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and melted.
- Once melted, add the vanilla extract to the mixture and stir until well combined.
- Pour the melted white chocolate mixture over the snack mix and gently toss everything together, ensuring that the cereal, pretzels, marshmallows, and M&M’s are evenly coated.
- Spread the coated snack mix onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or large tray to cool.
- Once the mix has cooled and set, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top and toss again to coat. Add sprinkles for a fun, festive touch.
- Allow the snack mix to cool completely before serving. Enjoy the sweet, crunchy, and fun treat!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 220 kcal
Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the peanut butter and replace it with sunflower seed butter or cookie butter for a nut-free version.
- Dark Chocolate Lovers: Substitute white chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Add-Ins: Include crushed candy canes, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pretzels and Chex cereal to make this snack mix gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the Elf Snack Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Reheating: No reheating is necessary! If the mix becomes too soft in warm conditions, you can briefly chill it in the refrigerator to firm it up.
FAQs
What type of Chex cereal works best?
Rice or corn Chex are ideal for this recipe because they provide a light, crispy texture without overpowering the flavors.
Can I make this snack mix ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Is there a substitute for powdered sugar?
If you prefer, you can use cocoa powder or finely ground sugar for a different flavor profile.
How do I prevent the white chocolate from burning?
Melt the white chocolate in short 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring in between to ensure it melts evenly.
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, almond butter or any other nut butter can be used as a substitute.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and use a larger mixing bowl and tray.
Are there other ways to make this festive?
Adding red and green sprinkles or edible glitter can enhance the holiday vibe.
Is this snack mix freezer-friendly?
Freezing is not recommended as the marshmallows and cereal can become chewy after thawing.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, dark chocolate can be used for a less sweet and richer version of the mix.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use dairy-free chocolate chips and a nut butter alternative like almond or sunflower seed butter.
Conclusion
Elf Snack Mix is a delightful holiday treat that’s sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Its sweet, crunchy, and colorful components make it a perfect snack for gatherings, gifting, or simply indulging at home. With easy-to-find ingredients and endless customization options, this recipe is a go-to for festive cheer. Make a batch today and enjoy the magic of the season!
Elf Snack Mix – Sweet, Crunchy, and Fun!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Elf Snack Mix is the perfect holiday treat that’s sweet, crunchy, and fun! This quick and easy recipe combines pretzels, Chex cereal, mini marshmallows, and M&M’s, coated in a white chocolate and peanut butter mix for a festive, crowd-pleasing snack. Perfect for parties, gifting, or movie nights.
Ingredients
- 3 cups pretzel twists
- 3 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn)
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup mini M&M’s (or holiday M&M’s)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and green sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pretzel twists, Chex cereal, mini marshmallows, and mini M&M’s. Set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate chips and peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract and mix well.
- Pour melted mixture over the snack mix and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Spread the mix onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar over the cooled mix and toss to coat. Add sprinkles if desired.
- Let the mix cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed or cookie butter.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pretzels and Chex cereal.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Add festive touches with red and green sprinkles or edible glitter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
