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This chocolate and peanut butter Christmas snack mix is the easiest way to bring festive flavor to your holiday snack trays. With only four ingredients and no baking at all you can whip up a big bowl in just five minutes. The sweet salty combo makes it perfect for sharing at parties or wrapping up for edible gifts.
The first time I made this for a holiday movie night the bowl disappeared in a flash and now it is my most requested snack every December.
Ingredients
- Bugles: Their cone shape holds just the right amount of flavor and they add a satisfying crunch Check for freshness by giving the bag a little squeeze before you buy
- Chocolate Chex Mix: Brings chocolatey undertones and varied snacking textures I look for bags with plenty of chocolate clusters
- Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets: These nuggets deliver bold peanut butter flavor wrapped in a salty crunchy pretzel shell Make sure the nuggets are not cracked since you want that burst of peanut butter inside
- Peanut M and Ms: Classic candy shell with roasted peanut center for color and a salty sweet bite I try to get the holiday colored bags for extra cheer
- Milk Chocolate M and Ms: Smooth chocolate candy rounds out the mix and gives it that signature candy coated look Always scan for the brightest colored bags
Instructions
- Prepare the Snack Base:
- Pour the Bugles Chocolate Chex Mix and peanut butter pretzel nuggets into a large clean mixing bowl Make sure your bowl is oversized because mixing is easier without spills
- Add the Candy:
- Open both types of M and Ms Carefully shake them into the bowl on top of the snack base so the candy distributes evenly
- Mix Thoroughly:
- Use clean hands or a big silicone spatula to gently toss everything together Scoop from the bottom so every handful has a good mix of each item Take your time for best distribution
- Taste and Adjust:
- Grab a small handful to taste Check if you have the right ratio of salty to sweet You can add more M and Ms or Bugles depending on your preference Mix again to combine
- Serve or Store:
- Pour the finished mix into a serving bowl for immediate snacking Or transfer it to an airtight container or festive gift bags to keep it crisp and fresh
The peanut butter pretzel nuggets are my favorite touch They were my grandma’s pantry staple and I still remember sneaking a handful whenever I visited during the holidays This mix always brings back those sweet memories
Storage Tips
Store the snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week For big holiday parties I make it a day ahead to keep the flavors fresh Avoid storing it in the fridge as Chex and Bugles can soften from moisture
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap out the Chex Mix for plain Chex cereal if you want less sweetness or add caramel corn for another layer of flavor Use almond M and Ms for a nutty twist or add pretzel sticks if you cannot find the filled nuggets
Serving Suggestions
Pile it high in a big festive bowl with a scoop for parties Divvy it into clear treat bags and tie with ribbon for quick edible gifts Set out alongside hot cocoa or eggnog for an extra cozy snack bar
Cultural Holiday Connection
Snack mixes like this have roots in old fashioned holiday gatherings where families created their own snack blends to munch on while playing games or trimming the tree I love that this recipe feels both retro and modern and every family ends up with their own signature combination
Seasonal Adaptations
Use pastel M and Ms and swap Bugles for mini pretzel twists for a spring themed mix At Halloween add candy corn instead of peanut M and Ms For a winter snow day try white chocolate covered pretzels in place of regular ones This recipe travels well so it is perfect for cookie swaps or neighbor drop offs It is naturally vegetarian and can be nut free if you pick appropriate brands Great activity for kids to make and mix by hand
Success Stories
Friends who swore off party mixes have come back for a second helping of this blend The balance of salty pretzel nuggets with melty chocolate and crisp Bugles hits every pleasure point My nephew once brought a full bag on a ski trip and claimed he did not even miss the cookies
Freezer Meal Conversion
While this snack mix does not require freezing you can stash premeasured bags of the dry ingredients in the freezer then mix them up with fresh candies before serving This little trick saves time during a busy holiday week and keeps everything extra crisp
This easy sweet salty snack mix always brings smiles and disappears fast. Make it ahead for instant holiday cheer or quick gifting anytime.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute different candies or cereals in this snack mix?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in other bite-sized candies or cereals based on personal taste or availability. Pretzel pieces, holiday-themed chocolates, or caramel corn work well too.
- → How should I store the snack mix to keep it fresh?
Keep the mix in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for up to one week, making it ideal for prepping in advance.
- → Can this mix be made ahead for parties or as gifts?
Yes, prepare it a few days before your event and portion into gift bags or jars for easy, festive presents or party favors.
- → Is this snack mix suitable for kids?
Definitely! Both the chocolate and peanut butter flavors are popular with kids, but be mindful of allergies when serving groups.
- → How can I make the mix more festive for the holidays?
Try using red and green candies, adding holiday sprinkles, or including themed pretzels for a playful and seasonal touch.