Winter Snack Mix

There’s something undeniably magical about winter, and what better way to celebrate than with a delightful batch of Winter Snack Mix? As the temperature drops and blankets of snow cover the ground, I find myself craving cozy evenings spent indoors with family and friends. Picture this: the aroma of melted white chocolate wafts through the air, and laughter fills the room as we gather around a bowl of this delicious mix. This isn’t just any snack; it’s a blend of sweet and salty flavors that will bring a smile to anyone’s face.

Every holiday season, I whip up a batch of Winter Snack Mix that pairs perfectly with hot cocoa and holiday movies. It’s a tradition in my home that sparks joy and creates memories. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a festive treat ready in no time. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply need a pick-me-up during those chilly winter days, this snack mix fits the bill. So grab your favorite cereals, some festive sprinkles, and let’s dive into the world of sweet snacking!

What to Buy for Winter Snack Mix

The ingredients for Winter Snack Mix are simple yet effective, working together to create a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. The key players in this mix are cereals, pretzels, and chocolate, which provide a delightful contrast between crisp and creamy. The addition of festive sprinkles adds a touch of holiday spirit, making this snack perfect for winter gatherings.

• 2 Cups Chex Cereal: A classic choice, Chex Cereal adds a crunchy texture that balances out the sweetness of the chocolate.
• 2 Cups Captain Crunch Cereal: This cereal brings a hint of sweetness and a fun crunch to the mix. Choose the plain variety for a better flavor balance.
• 2 Cups Cheerios: Another cereal that adds a simple, wholesome crunch without overwhelming the other flavors.
• 1 Cup Miniature Pretzels: These little bites add a salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the sweet ingredients.
• 1 Cup M&M’s: The colorful chocolates not only enhance the mix visually but provide bursts of sweetness with every bite.
• 16 oz White Chocolate Chips: The star of the show, these chips melt down beautifully to bind the mix together with creamy goodness.
• 1.5 teaspoon Vegetable Oil: A small amount of oil helps in melting the chocolate smoothly.
• 1 Tablespoon Christmas Sprinkles: These sprinkles make the mix festive and fun, adding a splash of color and holiday cheer!

Making Winter Snack Mix

Creating Winter Snack Mix is a simple process that invites you into the kitchen and fills your space with delightful aromas. Follow along with these steps, and soon you’ll have a festive treat ready to enjoy.

1. Start by laying a sheet of parchment paper over a rimmed baking sheet. This is going to be the base for your Winter Snack Mix. The parchment paper ensures that your mix doesn’t stick, making cleanup a breeze later on.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Chex Cereal, Captain Crunch, Cheerios, Miniature Pretzels, and M&M’s. Using your hands or a spatula, gently toss everything together until it’s mixed well. This step is all about getting the flavors evenly distributed!

3. Next, take a medium microwave-safe bowl and add the White Chocolate Chips along with the Vegetable Oil. Microwave this mixture for 2 minutes initially. After that, carefully remove it from the microwave and give it a good stir. This should start to melt the chocolate; if it’s not fully melted, continue microwaving in 1-minute increments, stirring in between until you achieve a smooth, runny consistency.

4. Once your White Chocolate is perfectly melted, pour it over the mixed ingredients in the large bowl. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold everything together until every piece is well coated. Make sure you’re thorough; you want that creamy chocolate to hug every bite!

5. Now, it’s time to make it festive! Sprinkle the Christmas Sprinkles over the top of the mixture and fold them in gently. This adds not just flavor but also a fun, colorful presentation that’s perfect for the holidays.

6. Next, take the coated mixture and spread it evenly over the parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Make sure it’s spread out so it can cool evenly. Allow the mix to cool well, ideally for 30 minutes or more. You can speed this up by placing it in the fridge, which is a great option if you’re short on time.

7. Once cooled, break the mixture into pieces suitable for sharing. It’s now ready to be served, either in the bowl or stored in a sealed container for later. Enjoy your delicious Winter Snack Mix with family, friends, or just on your own – it’s hard to resist!

Pro Tips and Tweaks

With every recipe, there are those little extras that can elevate the dish from good to fantastic. Here are some tips for making your Winter Snack Mix even better!

• Storage: Keep your Winter Snack Mix in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. It can last for up to two weeks – if you can resist eating it all sooner!
• Freezing: You can freeze the mix for up to three months. Just be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn.
• Variations: Feel free to add in your favorite nuts or dried fruits for added flavor and texture. Almonds, cashews, or even cranberries can be great additions!
• Serving Size: Depending on your gathering, adjust the serving size accordingly. This recipe is easy to double or halve based on the crowd you’re entertaining.
• Holiday Themes: Change the sprinkles to match other holidays like Valentine’s Day or Halloween for a year-round treat!

What to Serve Alongside Winter Snack Mix

Your Winter Snack Mix is the perfect companion for a variety of occasions and other dishes. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:

• With Hot Drinks: Pair your Winter Snack Mix with hot cocoa or warm apple cider. The sweet and salty flavors complement the warmth of these drinks beautifully.
• At Holiday Parties: Set up a snack bar at your holiday gatherings featuring this mix alongside other treats like cookies, fruit, and cheese platters.
• As a Movie Snack: Enjoy it during family movie nights or game days. It’s a fun, easy nibble that keeps everyone happy!
• Gift Giving: Package the Winter Snack Mix in decorative jars as thoughtful gifts for neighbors or friends during the holiday season.
• Seasonal Pairings: This mix is perfect for winter events, but consider serving it at any casual gathering to add a festive touch!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Winter Snack Mix is a delightful treat that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the season with its festive flavors and textures. It’s not just a snack; it’s an experience filled with warmth and joy, making it one of my favorites to share with family and friends. I encourage you to try making this mix for your next gathering or just as a cozy treat to enjoy at home. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare and how much happiness it can bring during the chilly winter months.

Winter Snack Mix

The perfect blend of sweet and salty, Winter Snack Mix is an easy-to-make treat for any winter gathering. Bursting with festive flavors, this snack is a delightful addition to your holiday celebrations!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 25 servings

Course: Snacks

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups Chex Cereal Rice variety for crunch
• 2 cups Captain Crunch Cereal Plain, no berries or flavors
• 2 cups Cheerios Plain, no flavors added
• 1 cup Miniature Pretzels
• 1 cup M&M's Regular or Christmas colors
• 16 oz White Chocolate Chips Prefer Ghiradelli.
• 1.5 teaspoon Vegetable Oil Helps in melting chocolate
• 1 tablespoon Christmas Sprinkles For decoration

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Lay a sheet of parchment paper over the top of a rimmed baking sheet so that it completely covers the sheet.
2. In a large bowl, mix the Chex Cereal, Captain Crunch, Cheerios, Miniature Pretzels, and M&M's together so that they are mixed well.
3. In a medium microwave safe bowl, melt the White Chocolate Chips with the Vegetable Oil by microwaving for 2 minutes initially, remove from the microwave and stir well, continue in 1 minute increments until the chocolate is well melted and runny. Be careful, it's hot.
4. Pour the White Chocolate over the ingredients in the other bowl. Use a rubber spatula to stir the ingredients to ensure that white chocolate gets on all of the ingredients. Sprinkle with the Christmas Sprinkles.
5. Spread the mix over the top of the parchment paper lined baking sheet. Allow to cool well (30 minutes or more - you can put it in the fridge to speed things up if needed). Break into pieces for sharing. Keep in a sealed container.

Notes

• Storage: Keep your Winter Snack Mix in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. It can last for up to two weeks – if you can resist eating it all sooner!
• Freezing: You can freeze the mix for up to three months. Just be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn.
• Variations: Feel free to add in your favorite nuts or dried fruits for added flavor and texture. Almonds, cashews, or even cranberries can be great additions!
• Serving Size: Depending on your gathering, adjust the serving size accordingly. This recipe is easy to double or halve based on the crowd you’re entertaining.
• Holiday Themes: Change the sprinkles to match other holidays like Valentine’s Day or Halloween for a year-round treat!

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Meet Jenna Miller

I’m the one who brought this group together. I’ve always believed that food tastes better when it’s shared, and I wanted to create a space that felt as warm and sunny as our home state. I’m usually the one writing our posts and helping Brooke develop our main course recipes. My favorite days are when we’re all in the kitchen together, music on, cooking up our next idea.