If there’s one recipe that embodies all things merry, magical, and impossibly moreish, it’s the Elf Snack Mix – Sweet, Crunchy, and Fun! This irresistible no-bake treat is pure holiday joy in every bite, bursting with crispy cereal, salty pretzels, fluffy marshmallows, festive candies, and a glorious drizzle of sweet white chocolate. Whether you’re filling party bowls, decking out treat bags, or just sneaking a handful while you wrap presents, this mix guarantees big smiles and instant holiday spirit!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Main Mix:
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 3 cups pretzel twists
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 2 cups red and green chocolate candies
Coating and Toppings:
- 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips or candy melts
- 1 cup holiday-colored sprinkles
- 1 cup crushed candy canes (optional)
How to Make Elf Snack Mix – Sweet, Crunchy, and Fun!
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace
Start by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step makes cleanup a total breeze and ensures your Elf Snack Mix – Sweet, Crunchy, and Fun! lifts right off once set. You’ll also want a roomy mixing bowl ready for combining all that snacky goodness.
Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients
In your biggest mixing bowl, toss together the Rice Chex cereal, pretzel twists, mini marshmallows, and red and green chocolate candies. Mixing them before adding chocolate ensures every bite is perfectly balanced and full of joyful surprises.
Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate
Place the white chocolate chips or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in 30-second bursts, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and silky. Be patient and don’t rush—gently melting helps prevent scorching and gives you a glossy finish.
Step 4: Coat the Snack Mix
Pour that luscious melted white chocolate all over the snack mixture. Gently stir, folding from the bottom, so every piece gets an even coat. This is where the magic happens: the chocolate binds everything together and sets the sweet, crunchy tone for the whole mix!
Step 5: Spread and Sprinkle
Spread the chocolate-coated mixture evenly across your prepared baking sheet, making sure it’s in a single, even layer. Now, while the chocolate is still wet, liberally sprinkle on the holiday-colored sprinkles and crushed candy canes if you like that peppermint sparkle.
Step 6: Let It Set
Leave the tray at room temperature for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the coating hardens. If you’re in a hurry, pop it in the fridge to speed things up! Once it’s hardened, break it into fun, snackable clusters. Your Elf Snack Mix – Sweet, Crunchy, and Fun! is officially party ready.
How to Serve Elf Snack Mix – Sweet, Crunchy, and Fun!
Garnishes
Dress up your snack mix with extra sprinkles, a drizzle of melted milk or dark chocolate, or a few more crushed candy canes on top before serving. A few edible gold stars make it sparkle extra bright—because elves love a little bling!
Side Dishes
This mix shines all on its own, but it’s also the perfect companion to mugs of hot cocoa or creamy eggnog. For a savory contrast at parties, pair with a bowl of cheese cubes or roasted nuts to balance out the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Elf Snack Mix – Sweet, Crunchy, and Fun! isn’t just delicious, it’s incredibly giftable. Scoop it into cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for homemade holiday favors, or pile it into mason jars with a festive tag. You can even fill sparkly bowls for a centerpiece-worthy snack bar at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any remaining Elf Snack Mix – Sweet, Crunchy, and Fun! into an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh and marshmallows soft. It’ll stay delicious for up to a week at room temperature, perfect for nibbling whenever the snack craving hits.
Freezing
If you need to store the mix for longer, you can freeze it! Place clusters in a zip-top freezer bag, gently pressing out any air. Freeze up to one month, then thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. The texture stays surprisingly crisp (especially if you skip the marshmallows for freezing), making it a dream for advance party planning.
Reheating
No reheating is required with this cheerful treat! If your Elf Snack Mix – Sweet, Crunchy, and Fun! has been stored in a chilly spot and feels a little firm, just let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to restore its perfect, munchable texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cereal instead of Rice Chex?
Absolutely! Corn or wheat Chex, or even other unsweetened cereal squares, work beautifully in this mix. The key is choosing something light and crispy, so every bite is a delicious crunch.
Can I make this mix nut-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally nut-free as written, but always double-check your candies and sprinkles for allergens. If you want to add nuts, roasted pecans or almonds fit right in, but they’re completely optional.
Is there a vegan version of Elf Snack Mix – Sweet, Crunchy, and Fun!?
You can absolutely make a plant-based version! Use dairy-free chocolate chips and vegan marshmallows, and confirm that your sprinkles and candies are also vegan-friendly. The magic stays the same.
What’s the best way to melt chocolate without burning it?
Go slow and steady! Microwave your white chocolate in 30-second bursts, stirring often, or use a double boiler on the stovetop for ultra-gentle, even melting. If it seizes up, add a teaspoon of coconut oil to smooth things out.
Can I prepare Elf Snack Mix – Sweet, Crunchy, and Fun! in advance for gifting?
This snack mix is a dreamy make-ahead gift. Prepare a day or two before you want to hand it out, let it cool completely, then package in airtight bags or jars for freshest flavor and maximum crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a treat that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, you absolutely must try Elf Snack Mix – Sweet, Crunchy, and Fun! It’s the heart of every holiday gathering, the star at snack time, and a festive way to spread cheer to everyone lucky enough to nibble. Make a batch, share the smiles, and enjoy every magical bite!
Print
Elf Snack Mix – Sweet, Crunchy, and Fun! Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus setting time
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Elf Snack Mix is a delightful combination of sweet, crunchy, and colorful treats, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a festive gift. The mix features a blend of Rice Chex cereal, pretzels, marshmallows, chocolate candies, white chocolate, and holiday sprinkles, all coated in a sweet coating. The addition of crushed candy canes adds a minty twist for a truly magical snack experience.
Ingredients
Main Mix:
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 3 cups pretzel twists
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 2 cups red and green chocolate candies
Coating and Toppings:
- 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips or candy melts
- 1 cup holiday-colored sprinkles
- 1 cup crushed candy canes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Mix: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine Chex cereal, pretzels, marshmallows, and chocolate candies.
- Melt White Chocolate: Melt white chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals until smooth.
- Coat Mix: Pour melted white chocolate over the snack mix and gently stir to coat evenly.
- Spread and Decorate: Spread the mixture on the baking sheet, sprinkle with holiday toppings, and let it set at room temperature.
- Break and Serve: Break the mix into clusters and enjoy or package for gifting.
Notes
- This snack mix is versatile; feel free to add popcorn, peanuts, or crushed cookies for extra variety.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
