This Elf Snack Mix – Sweet, Crunchy, and Fun! is the ultimate festive treat for the holidays! Combining the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors with a delightful crunch, it features pretzels, Chex cereal, mini marshmallows, and M&M’s, all coated in a smooth white chocolate-peanut butter mixture. It’s a fun and easy-to-make snack that’s sure to bring smiles to any holiday gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love making this Elf Snack Mix because it’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The salty pretzels and Chex cereal balance perfectly with the sweet white chocolate and peanut butter coating. Mini marshmallows and M&M’s add some fun, chewy sweetness, making every handful a delightful surprise. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to put together, requiring only 15 minutes of prep time. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just need a treat to share with family, this mix is guaranteed to be a hit.
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 for extra holiday cheer)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the pretzel twists, Chex cereal, mini marshmallows, and mini M&M’s. I set it aside for now.
In a microwave-safe bowl, I melt the white chocolate chips and peanut butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
Once melted, I add the vanilla extract to the mixture and stir until it’s fully incorporated.
I pour the melted white chocolate mixture over the snack mix and gently toss everything together, ensuring that the pretzels, cereal, marshmallows, and M&M’s are evenly coated.
Next, I spread the coated snack mix onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or a large tray to cool.
Once the mix has cooled and set, I sprinkle powdered sugar over the top and toss again to coat. For a festive touch, I add red and green sprinkles.
I allow the snack mix to cool completely before serving. Then, I enjoy this sweet, crunchy, and fun holiday treat!
Servings and Timing
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Variations
Add nuts: If I like extra crunch, I can add a handful of roasted peanuts, almonds, or cashews to the mix.
Swap the chocolate: For a different flavor, I can use milk chocolate chips or even dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate.
Use different cereals: If Chex isn’t my thing, I can swap it with Rice Krispies, cornflakes, or even granola for a different twist.
Change the candies: I can switch out the M&M’s for other colorful candy-coated chocolates, like Reese’s Pieces or pastel-colored candies for spring.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftover Elf Snack Mix in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to a week. If I need to extend the freshness, I can keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks. There’s no need to reheat it—just grab a handful and enjoy!
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FAQs
Can I use white chocolate chips that aren’t melted?
Yes, the white chocolate chips need to be melted for the best coating texture. This helps them blend smoothly with the peanut butter and evenly coat the snack mix. I recommend melting them in the microwave for the best results.
Can I use smooth peanut butter instead of crunchy?
Absolutely! Smooth peanut butter works perfectly and will create a creamy coating. If I prefer a little extra crunch, I can go with crunchy peanut butter, but it’s totally up to me.
Can I make this snack mix ahead of time?
Yes! This Elf Snack Mix can be made up to 2 days in advance. I just make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Can I freeze Elf Snack Mix?
While I can freeze it, I find that the texture of the mix may change slightly when thawed. If I do choose to freeze it, I store it in a sealed bag or airtight container, and it should last for about a month.
Is it okay to skip the sprinkles?
Of course! The sprinkles are purely for a fun holiday touch. If I don’t have them or prefer a more simple look, the snack mix will still be delicious without them.
Conclusion
This Elf Snack Mix – Sweet, Crunchy, and Fun! is a simple yet festive treat that I love to make for holiday gatherings. With its perfect mix of sweet, salty, and crunchy, it’s sure to be a favorite among friends and family. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and doesn’t require baking—just melt, mix, and enjoy! Whether I’m sharing it at a party or snacking by the fireplace, this treat is bound to bring some holiday cheer.
📖 Recipe:
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Elf Snack Mix – Sweet, Crunchy, and Fun!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Elf Snack Mix is a festive, sweet, and crunchy treat perfect for holiday gatherings! It combines salty pretzels and Chex cereal with a smooth white chocolate-peanut butter coating, along with mini marshmallows and M&M’s for added sweetness and fun. Quick and easy to prepare in just 15 minutes, this delightful snack is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next Christmas or holiday party.
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 for extra holiday cheer)
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 after each interval until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract to the melted mixture and stir well.
- Pour the melted white chocolate mixture over the snack mix, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- Spread the coated snack mix onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool.
- Once cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top and toss again. Add red and green sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Allow the snack mix to cool completely before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Store any leftover Elf Snack Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to two weeks.
Freezing is possible, though it may slightly affect texture. If freezing, store in an airtight container for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack, Holiday Treat
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 220 kcal
