Chex Mix Christmas Crack

Introduction

Get ready to make your holidays even sweeter with Chex Mix Christmas Crack! This addicting snack is a delightful combination of crispy Chex cereal, crunchy pretzels, and a dreamy toffee coating that gives each bite a perfect balance of sweet and salty. Trust me, once you start, you won’t be able to stop—it’s the kind of snack that disappears in a flash at holiday parties or family gatherings.

I first made this treat a couple of years ago, and it quickly became a favorite in our house. Everyone was going back for seconds (and thirds!), and it was hard to believe something so simple could be so irresistible. Whether you’re looking for an easy gift idea or a snack to share at your holiday get-together, this Chex Mix Christmas Crack will have everyone talking. It’s quick to prepare and packs a punch with flavor, making it a go-to for any occasion.

What’s fantastic about this recipe is how minimal the ingredients are—just a few staples like Chex cereal, pretzels, and butter, all drizzled with a toffee glaze that hardens into a sweet, crunchy layer. You can also customize it with festive toppings like sprinkles or M&Ms to make it extra special. Once it cools, it’s a candy-like treat that will have everyone grabbing for just one more piece.

So, whether you’re gifting it in a jar, leaving it out for a party, or just sneaking a bite for yourself (no judgment here!), this Chex Mix Christmas Crack is bound to become a holiday staple. Let’s get cracking—your friends and family will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons why Chex Mix Christmas Crack will be your new holiday obsession:

• Irresistible Sweet and Salty Flavor: The perfect combination of toffee sweetness and the salty crunch of pretzels and Chex.
• Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a big batch in no time.
• Perfect for Gift Giving: Package up a batch and give it as a sweet homemade gift to neighbors, friends, and family.
• Kid-Friendly: This recipe is simple enough for little helpers to join in on the fun of mixing and pouring.
• Addictively Good: Once you start, it’s hard to stop. You’ve been warned!
• Perfect for Any Holiday Celebration: Whether it’s Christmas, New Year’s, or just a cozy winter evening, this snack fits the occasion.
• Customizable: Mix in extra goodies like M&Ms, peanuts, or chocolate chips for your own twist.
• No Baking Required: Everything comes together with just a quick stovetop simmer, no oven needed.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Cooling Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 12-15 servings (depending on how much you nibble on during prep!)
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fat: 7g, Carbs: 20g, Protein: 2g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Chex Mix Christmas Crack:

For the Mix:

• 3 cups Chex cereal (Corn, Rice, or a mix of both)
• 2 cups pretzels (mini twists or sticks work best)
• 1 cup salted peanuts (optional)

For the Toffee Coating:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup white chocolate chips (for drizzling)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chex Cereal: This crunchy base adds the perfect lightness and texture to the mix.
• Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels balances the sweetness, keeping it from being too overwhelming.
• Brown Sugar and Butter: This dynamic duo creates the irresistible toffee coating that gives the snack its signature “crack” name.
• White Chocolate: Drizzling this creamy sweetness on top adds a rich finish to each bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to make Chex Mix Christmas Crack? Here’s how:

Prepare the Mix

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the Chex cereal, pretzels, and peanuts (if using). Stir gently to combine, making sure everything is evenly distributed.

Make the Toffee Coating

1. Melt the Butter and Sugar: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the brown sugar and salt, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
2. Simmer the Toffee: Let the butter-sugar mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Coat the Mix: Pour the hot toffee mixture over the dry ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated. Be careful, it’s hot!

Bake the Crack

1. Spread on a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat, then spread the coated Chex mix in an even layer.
2. Bake: Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the mix is golden and bubbling.
3. Cool and Crisp: Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.

Drizzle the White Chocolate

1. Melt the White Chocolate: While the mix cools, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second increments, stirring in between until smooth.
2. Drizzle: Using a spoon or a piping bag, drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cooled Chex mix.

How to Serve

Here are some ideas for serving up your Chex Mix Christmas Crack:

1. Gift it: Pack up a batch in cute jars or clear bags for an easy and delightful holiday gift.
2. Set it on a Snack Table: Perfect for holiday parties—place in a large bowl for guests to munch on.
3. As a Sweet Snack: Keep it in a bowl on your kitchen counter for an easy grab-and-go treat.
4. Pair with Hot Chocolate: Add this treat to your next hot cocoa session for an extra indulgent snack.
5. Holiday Movie Marathon: Perfect for cozying up with a movie and a bowl of this irresistible crack.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips for making your Chex Mix Christmas Crack even better:

1. Check the Toffee: Make sure you let the toffee simmer long enough to thicken, but don’t overdo it or it might turn too hard.
2. Add-ins: Feel free to add chocolate candies, crushed candy canes, or dried cranberries for extra holiday flair.
3. Cool Completely: Let the mix cool completely before breaking it apart to ensure it hardens correctly.
4. Store in an Airtight Container: Keep it fresh by storing the finished snack in an airtight container for up to a week.
5. Make It Ahead: This recipe stores well, so feel free to make it a day or two in advance for your holiday celebrations.

Recipe Variations

Want to try a twist on Chex Mix Christmas Crack? Here are a few ideas:

• Chocolate Drizzle: Swap the white chocolate drizzle for milk or dark chocolate for a different flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of cayenne or chili powder for a sweet and spicy version.
• Peanut Butter: Add a layer of melted peanut butter to the toffee mixture for a creamy nutty twist.
• Holiday M&Ms: Mix in red and green M&Ms for a festive, colorful touch.
• Nut-Free Version: Omit the peanuts for a nut-free option that everyone can enjoy.

Freezing and Storage

To keep your Chex Mix Christmas Crack fresh:

• Storage: Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 1 month in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!

Special Equipment

You’ll need a few basic tools to make this treat:

• Large Bowl: For mixing the dry ingredients.
• Saucepan: To melt the toffee mixture.
• Baking Sheet: For spreading the crack to bake.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: For easy cleanup.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: To melt the white chocolate.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some common questions:

• Can I use store-bought caramel?
  Yes, you can substitute store-bought caramel sauce for the toffee coating, though it may alter the texture slightly.
• Can I make this gluten-free?
  Yes, use gluten-free Chex and make sure your pretzels are gluten-free for a suitable option.
• How long will it last?
  Stored properly, it will last for about 5-7 days.
• Can I make it without white chocolate?
  Yes! You can skip the white chocolate drizzle or substitute with dark or milk chocolate instead.

Print

Conclusion

Chex Mix Christmas Crack is the ultimate treat to bring joy and indulgence to your holiday season! This sweet and salty snack is perfectly addictive, combining crispy cereal with a buttery, sugary glaze that’s baked to crunchy perfection. It’s super easy to make, and you can whip up a batch in no time—just in time for all your holiday gatherings. Whether you’re snacking by the fire, sharing it with friends and family, or packaging it as a sweet gift, this holiday crack is sure to steal the show.

The best part? It’s practically impossible to stop at just one bite! The mix of flavors and textures makes it an irresistible treat that everyone will love. And with its simple ingredients and quick prep, you’ll have a festive, crowd-pleasing snack in no time.

So go ahead, make a batch (or two), and get ready to enjoy the magic of Christmas Crack. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I can’t wait to see how your treats turn out! Happy holidays and happy snacking!