Christmas Snack Mix Recipe

My Christmas snack mix is a simple treat that fills the season with color and crunch! It’s festive, easy to customize, and will have everyone eagerly reaching for more once served. It also fits any holiday moment, from fun movie nights to comforting family dinners!

A Note From Kristen

This is one of those holiday recipes I developed to be both simple and foolproof. I make it every Christmas, often in a large batch, because it disappears quickly and my family always asks for more. It’s the kind of sweet snack that’s easy to set out and just as easy to rely on during the busiest part of the season. I hope you enjoy!

~Kristen

A wooden bowl filled with christmas snack mix—pretzels, Chex cereal, dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, seeds, and coconut flakes—with some of the festive treat spilled on the surface.

Ingredient Notes

Please keep in mind that this is just a quick overview. Visit the full recipe for amounts and instructions!

Pretzels: Add a salty crunch that balances all the sweet pieces in the mix. Use gluten-free pretzels if necessary. I like to use Glutino Pretzels.
Crispy Rice Cereal Squares: Bring a light, airy crunch that keeps the snack mix from feeling too heavy. Use certified gluten-free if necessary. I like to use Rice Chex which is naturally gluten-free.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: Provides a crunch and toasty depth that makes the mix taste richer. Roasted almonds make a nice alternative.
Dried Cranberries (Sweetened or Unsweetened): Add chewy bursts of flavor to break up all the crunchy pieces.
White Chocolate Chips: Add creamy sweetness. You can use a dairy-free alternative if necessary.
Dark Chocolate Chips: Gives the snack mix a deeper flavor profile to balance the sweeter elements.
Shredded Coconut: Optional, for a snow-like effect!
Unsalted Butter or Coconut Oil: Helps the coating cling to the ingredients.
Brown Sugar: Adds warm sweetness with a hint of molasses.
Maple Syrup: Adds sweetness while helping bind the ingredients.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth, making the snack mix taste more festive.
Salt: Sharpens flavors and keeps the mix from tasting flat.
Ground Ginger: Adds soft heat.
Ground Cloves: Provides a strong, warm spice that gives the snack a holiday touch.
Nutmeg: Adds gentle, sweet warmth.

A wooden bowl filled with Christmas snack mix featuring pretzels, Chex cereal, white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and shredded coconut.

How to Make Christmas Snack Mix

01

PREHEAT AND COMBINE

Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. In a large bowl, mix together the pretzels, cereal, and pumpkin seeds.

A festive bowl filled with Chex cereal, pretzel sticks, and a large amount of raw pumpkin seeds makes for a tasty Christmas snack mix.

02

MELT

Melt the butter in a saucepan, then stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg until well combined.

03

MIX

Pour the spiced mixture over the dry ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated.

A close-up of a bowl filled with pretzels, cereal squares, and pumpkin seeds makes for a festive Christmas snack mix, with a metal spoon partially visible on the side.

04

BAKE

Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until lightly golden and fragrant. Let cool completely.

A tray of christmas snack mix featuring pretzels, Chex cereal, and pumpkin seeds spread out on parchment paper.

05

ADD

Stir in the cranberries, white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, and coconut, if using.

Don’t like ads? Become a supporter and enjoy The Good Men Project ad free

Close-up of a christmas snack mix featuring pretzels, dried cranberries, chocolate chips, cereal pieces, white chocolate chips, and shredded coconut.

06

ENJOY

Enjoy right away, or store for later. Enjoy!

A wooden bowl filled with a festive christmas snack mix containing pretzels, cereal squares, dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, seeds, and nuts.

Serving Ideas

Pair with my oat milk hot chocolate or ruby hot chocolate.
Serve alongside a charcuterie board.
Sprinkle on yogurt or ice cream.
Serve as a pre-dinner appetizer for holiday guests.
Gift to others in decorative snack tins.
Served with coffee, chai, hot apple cider, or tea.

A bowl of christmas snack mix featuring pretzels, dried fruit, chocolate chips, seeds, and shredded coconut sits on a pink surface.

Kristen’s Top Tips

Always use a large bowl when combining the ingredients so there’s enough space to stir without breaking pieces.
Fun flavor variations include adding crushed candy canes, popcorn, ginger snaps, raisins or dried apricots, or M&Ms.
Make sure you let the snack mix cool completely before adding the chocolate chips to prevent the chocolate from melting. If you accidentally add the chocolate while the mix is still warm, do not fret, it’s still just as tasty (just a little messier looking)!