Description
Christmas Chex Mix is a sweet and crunchy no-bake holiday treat made with Rice Chex cereal, chocolate, creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and festive candies. This easy Christmas Muddy Buddies recipe is perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, Christmas movie nights, and homemade edible gifts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 7 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup holiday candies, such as red and green M&Ms and mini Reese’s Cups (optional)
- 1 cup pretzel pieces (optional)
Instructions
- Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave at 50% power for 1 minute and stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
- Stir the vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture.
- Place half of the chocolate mixture in a large bowl, add half of the Rice Chex cereal, and repeat with the remaining chocolate mixture and cereal. Gently stir until all the cereal pieces are evenly coated.
- Transfer half of the chocolate-coated cereal to a large resealable bag. Add half of the powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake gently until the cereal is thoroughly coated.
- Transfer the coated cereal to a serving bowl or parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining cereal and powdered sugar.
- Stir in the holiday candies and pretzel pieces, if using. Allow the mixture to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Melt the chocolate at 50% microwave power to help prevent scorching and clumping.
- Alternatively, melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently.
- Coat the cereal with powdered sugar in batches for more even coverage.
- Stir in holiday candies and pretzels after coating the cereal with powdered sugar.
- Let the Christmas Chex Mix cool completely before storing to maintain its crunchy texture.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days for best freshness, or refrigerate if your kitchen is warm.
- Freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the sealed container before serving.
- For a nut-free alternative, use sunflower seed butter and check all ingredient labels for potential allergen cross-contact.
- For variations, try white chocolate, crushed candy canes, Christmas sprinkles, or additional crunchy snacks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/18 of the recipe)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 9 mg