If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the joyous spirit of the season, look no further than this Elf Snack Mix: Sweet, Crunchy Holiday Treat Recipe. It’s a perfectly balanced medley of salty pretzels, crisp cereal, gooey marshmallows, colorful M&M’s, and a luscious white chocolate-peanut butter coating. Every bite delivers a burst of sweetness and crunch that feels like a warm holiday hug. Whether you’re assembling it for a festive party or just a cozy night in, this snack mix is guaranteed to become your new seasonal favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, accessible, and play a crucial role in creating the amazing textures and flavors in this Elf Snack Mix: Sweet, Crunchy Holiday Treat Recipe. Each one brings something unique to the table, from the salty crunch of pretzels to the creamy richness of the melted chocolate and peanut butter.
- 3 cups pretzel twists: Pretzels add a crunchy, salty contrast that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 3 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn): The cereal is light and crispy, adding bulk and texture without overpowering other flavors.
- 2 cups mini marshmallows: These bring a soft, chewy sweetness that melts slightly into the mix.
- 1 cup mini M&M’s (or holiday M&M’s): Colorful and chocolatey, they add festive flair and a little chocolate pop.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips: The sweet, creamy coating that ties all the ingredients together.
- 1/2 cup peanut butter: Adds a subtle nutty richness and helps the coating hold onto the mix.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: A light dusting that adds sweetness and a snow-dusted holiday feel.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Provides warmth and depth, enhancing the sweetness of the mix.
- Red and green sprinkles (optional): For that perfect festive touch and a burst of color.
How to Make Elf Snack Mix: Sweet, Crunchy Holiday Treat Recipe
Step 1: Combine the base ingredients
Start by tossing together the pretzel twists, Chex cereal, mini marshmallows, and mini M&M’s in a large mixing bowl. This blend forms the crunchy and colorful foundation of your Elf Snack Mix: Sweet, Crunchy Holiday Treat Recipe, and getting it all mixed ensures every handful has a little bit of everything.
Step 2: Melt the chocolate and peanut butter
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips and peanut butter together in 30-second bursts, stirring well in between. This method prevents burning and ensures a silky-smooth mixture that will coat your snack mix evenly.
Step 3: Add vanilla extract
Once fully melted, stir in the vanilla extract. This small addition brings a subtle warmth that makes the entire mix taste even more comforting and festive.
Step 4: Coat the snack mix
Pour your melted white chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together so that every piece is coated, making sure those crunchy bits get encased in that sweet, creamy layer.
Step 5: Spread and cool
Spread the coated mix evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray. This allows it to cool and set properly, giving you a crunchy, not-too-sticky final product.
Step 6: Add powdered sugar and sprinkles
Once the mix looks set but still slightly tacky, sprinkle powdered sugar over it and toss again to coat. If you want to get extra festive, add red and green sprinkles now for that classic holiday pop of color.
Step 7: Let it cool completely
Allow your Elf Snack Mix: Sweet, Crunchy Holiday Treat Recipe to cool fully, so the coating hardens and everything sticks just right. Then get ready to enjoy this irresistible holiday treasure!
How to Serve Elf Snack Mix: Sweet, Crunchy Holiday Treat Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle a few crushed candy canes or add festive edible glitter on top. These little extras make your Elf Snack Mix perfect for gift-giving or adding magic to your holiday snack table.
Side Dishes
This snack mix pairs wonderfully with hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or even a simple cup of coffee. These warm drinks complement the sweet and salty flavors, turning your snack time into a cozy holiday moment.
Creative Ways to Present
Try filling clear holiday-themed jars or small cellophane bags tied with ribbons for charming homemade gifts. You can also layer the mix in a glass bowl for a festive centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Elf Snack Mix in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh and crunchy for up to one week, making it a wonderful snack to nibble on throughout the holiday season.
Freezing
If you want to keep the mix longer, freezing is an option. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it can last for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
This snack mix is best enjoyed at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to refresh the crunch, you can pop it briefly in a low oven (about 250°F) for 5 minutes, but be careful not to melt the chocolate coating again.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cereal for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rice or corn Chex are recommended for their crunch and texture, you can substitute with other cereals like Cheerios or even granola clusters to customize the mix to your liking.
Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, simply replace the peanut butter with a nut-free alternative like sunflower seed butter or omit it entirely and increase the white chocolate chips slightly for coating.
What’s the best way to keep the snack mix from sticking together?
Spreading the mix out on a parchment-lined tray and letting it cool completely before storing helps prevent clumps. Also, tossing with powdered sugar adds a light coating that reduces stickiness.
Can I add other mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your Elf Snack Mix with chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even festive-shaped sprinkles to suit your personal taste and holiday theme.
How long does it take for the coating to set?
It usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature for the white chocolate and peanut butter coating to harden completely, but you can speed it up by placing the tray in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Elf Snack Mix: Sweet, Crunchy Holiday Treat Recipe enough for elevating your holiday snacks. It’s easy, fun, and packed with flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for more. Whip up a batch, share it with friends and family, and watch it become a cherished holiday tradition!
Print
Elf Snack Mix: Sweet, Crunchy Holiday Treat Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Elf Snack Mix is a delightful holiday treat combining sweet, crunchy, and colorful ingredients like pretzels, Chex cereal, mini marshmallows, and M&M’s, all coated with a smooth white chocolate and peanut butter mixture. This easy no-bake recipe is perfect for festive gatherings or a fun snack anytime.
Ingredients
Snack Mix
- 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)
Coating
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Red and green sprinkles (optional for extra holiday cheer)
Instructions
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pretzel twists, Chex cereal, mini marshmallows, and mini M&M’s. Set aside.
- Melt white chocolate and peanut butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips and peanut butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Add vanilla extract: Once melted, add the vanilla extract to the mixture and stir until well combined.
- Coat the snack mix: Pour the melted white chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the snack mix and gently toss to evenly coat the cereal, pretzels, marshmallows, and M&M’s.
- Spread to cool: Spread the coated snack mix onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or large tray to cool and set.
- Add powdered sugar and sprinkles: After the mix has cooled and set, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top and toss again to coat. Add red and green sprinkles if desired for a festive touch.
- Serve: Allow the snack mix to cool completely before serving. Enjoy this sweet, crunchy treat!
Notes
- Use rice or corn Chex cereal according to your preference for taste and texture.
- Microwave melting times may vary; be sure to stir frequently to avoid burning the chocolate.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- The snack mix can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Feel free to customize with other festive candies or nuts if desired.
