Elf Chex Christmas Party Mix – Easy Sweet & Salty Holiday Snack (No-Bake!) 🎄🍿

Bring the magic of Christmas straight into your kitchen with this Elf Chex Christmas Party Mix a merry blend of sweet, salty, crunchy goodness that tastes like pure holiday cheer. Each bite is coated in creamy vanilla, sprinkled with festive colors, and mixed with cookies, pretzels, and chocolate candies that sparkle like Christmas lights.

It’s quick, it’s no-bake, and it’s the perfect treat for movie nights, parties, gifting, or simply sharing cozy moments with the people you love. This is one of those recipes that makes your home smell like joy and instantly puts everyone in a festive mood. 🎄🍬💫

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive & Fun – The red, green, and white colors make it perfect for Christmas.
• Sweet & Salty – The perfect balance of flavors for a satisfying snack.
• Easy No-Bake – Simple to prepare with minimal cooking required.
• Crowd-Pleaser – A great snack for holiday parties, movie nights, or gifting.

🛠 Tools You’ll Need

• 2 large rimmed pans
• Waxed paper
• Large bowl
• Medium microwavable bowl
• Small resealable food-storage plastic bag
• Scissors (to cut a small corner off the bag)

🥄 Key Ingredients

For the Mix:

• Rice Chex or Corn Chex cereal – The base of the mix.
• White vanilla baking chips – For the coating.
• Holiday candy sprinkles – For a festive look. ✨
• Mini vanilla wafer cookies – Adds a crunchy element.
• Tree-shaped pretzels – Adds a salty, festive shape. 🥨
• Holiday nonpareils – For decorating the pretzels and wafers.
• Holiday almond or peanut chocolate candies – Adds a chocolatey crunch (e.g., M&M’s).

🍪 How to Make Elf Chex Party Mix

1. Prepare Pans and Cereal:

Line 2 large rimmed pans with waxed paper. Place the Chex cereal in a large bowl.

2. Melt Vanilla Chips (Cereal Coating):

In a medium microwavable bowl, microwave 2 cups of the vanilla baking chips uncovered on High for 45 to 60 seconds, stirring after 45 seconds, until chips are starting to melt. Continue heating in 15-second increments until the chips are melted and smooth.

3. Coat Cereal:

Pour the melted chips over the cereal and mix to thoroughly coat. Spread the mixture in one of the prepared pans and immediately top with holiday candy sprinkles. Cool for 20 to 30 minutes or until set.

4. Prepare Pretzels and Wafers:

Meanwhile, spread the mini vanilla wafer cookies and tree-shaped pretzels in a single layer, right side up, in the remaining pan.

5. Melt Vanilla Chips (Drizzle):

In the same microwavable bowl, microwave the remaining 1/2 cup of baking chips uncovered on High for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring after 30 seconds, until the chips are melted and smooth.

6. Drizzle and Decorate:

Transfer the melted chips to a small resealable food-storage plastic bag and cut a small corner off one end of the bag. Drizzle the melted chips onto the cookies and pretzels. Sprinkle with holiday nonpareils. Cool for 20 to 30 minutes or until set.

7. Combine and Serve:

Break the cereal mixture into bite-size pieces and transfer to a large serving bowl. Carefully break apart the pretzels and cookies, if necessary. Add them to the bowl and stir in the holiday chocolate candies.

💡 Tips for Success

• Use Waxed Paper: Makes removing the coated mix super easy.
• Microwave in Intervals: Prevents overheating or seizing.
• Cool Completely: Avoids sticking and clumping.
• Airtight Storage: Keeps everything crisp.

🆘 Snack Mix Troubleshooting Guide

Problem: The vanilla coating is clumpy or seized.

Likely Cause: The chips were overheated or came into contact with water/steam.
Solution: Melt slowly in short intervals. If seized, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening.

Problem: The cereal mix is sticking to the pan.

Likely Cause: Pan not lined, or coating too thick.
Solution: Always line with waxed/parchment paper. Reduce coating amount slightly if needed.

Problem: The pretzels and wafers are breaking when combining.

Likely Cause: Not fully cooled or handled too roughly.
Solution: Let cool completely; break gently.

👩‍🍳 Pro Chef Tips

• Gifting Idea: Package in clear cellophane bags with festive ribbon.
• Flavor Variation: Add peppermint extract for a minty twist.
• Alternative Candies: Try mini marshmallows, themed sprinkles, or white chocolate pretzels.

☕ Perfect Pairings: What to Enjoy with Your Elf Chex Party Mix

• Hot Chocolate: Cozy and classic.
• Eggnog: Creamy and festive.
• Sparkling Cider: Bubbly and refreshing.
• Coffee: Balances sweetness perfectly.

📦 How to Store

Airtight Container: Store at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain crispness.

This comprehensive guide ensures you’ll create perfect Elf Chex Party Mix every time, making your holiday snacking delightful and delicious!

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