Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Salty Chex

This Cinnamon Sugar Sweet and Salty Chex Mix is my go-to snack for parties and holidays whenever I want to impress a crowd with minimal effort. The combination of crunchy cereals and nuts tossed in a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating makes it absolutely irresistible for both kids and adults. I love how quickly it comes together and how easily it disappears at family gatherings.

This mix became an instant favorite when I needed something quick for a last-minute potluck. Now no event feels complete without it and everyone asks for the recipe.

Ingredients

• Corn Chex: gives a light crispy texture choose a fresh box for best crunch
• Cheerios: round out the flavor and add their own signature bite honey or plain types both work
• Wheat Chex: add earthy depth and a sturdy crunch check for intact squares with no stale scent
• Saltine crackers: mini or round for salty notes and crispiness pick those with minimal breakage
• Unsalted whole cashews: bring richness and protein always use fresh and unsalted for best flavor
• Pretzel sticks: offer a salty snappy contrast look for sticks rather than twists for even baking
• Butter: adds richness and helps everything stick use real butter for flavor no substitutes
• Vanilla extract: brings warmth and roundness pure extract is worth it for a true flavor pop
• Kosher salt: brightens and balances taste use fresh coarse kosher salt for even flavor
• Honey: ups the sweetness and helps coating stick try local varieties for added complexity
• Granulated sugar: for sparkling sweetness opt for bright white sugar to keep the coating vibrant
• Ground cinnamon: offers cozy spice go for a fresh fragrant jar for best results

Instructions

Prepare the Pan:

Preheat oven to two hundred seventy five F. Line a half sheet pan with a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup or use two smaller pans if needed.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

Combine Corn Chex Cheerios Wheat Chex saltine crackers cashews and pretzel sticks in a very large mixing bowl toss them lightly with your hands to mix evenly.

Melt Butter and Add Flavors:

In a microwave safe bowl melt the butter in thirty second increments until fully liquid but not boiling. Stir in the vanilla extract honey and kosher salt making sure the mixture is thoroughly blended.

Coat the Mix:

Pour the honey butter mixture slowly over your bowl of cereal pretzels crackers and nuts. Toss and stir with a spatula or wide spoon to ensure every piece is lightly coated.

Spread and Bake:

Transfer the coated mix to your lined baking sheet spread it in one even layer without crowding. Bake in the oven for fifteen minutes.

First Stir and Bake Again:

After fifteen minutes remove the pan carefully and stir the mixture to make sure it cooks evenly. Return to the oven for another fifteen minutes.

Second Stir and Partial Bake:

Stir again after the first half hour then bake for another ten minutes. This helps everything crisp up without burning.

Add Cinnamon Sugar:

While baking mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together in a small bowl. After baking sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mix evenly over the hot snack mix tossing to coat every piece well.

Final Bake:

Return to the oven for the last ten minutes. This sets the sugar coating so it is crisp not sticky.

Cool and Store:

Allow the Chex mix to cool completely on the pan before transferring to an airtight container. It continues to crisp as it cools so be patient.

I am especially fond of the cashews in this mix they toast up so buttery and crunchy after time in the oven they are the pieces my family always fights over There was one year my sister picked out nearly all the cashews before anyone else even got to the bowl and it is now a running joke

Storage Tips

Store your Chex mix in an airtight container at room temperature and it stays crisp for at least a week Do not refrigerate as that introduces moisture and can make the mix go stale For longer storage you can freeze portions in heavy duty zip-top bags

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of cashews try whole almonds pecans or peanuts Avoid roasted and salted nuts as they can overpower the cinnamon sugar balance Gluten free options are easy just swap saltine crackers and pretzels for gluten free brands Add dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy twist

Serving Suggestions

Pour into a big bowl for parties or split into cellophane bags with ribbons for homemade gifts Kids love grabbing handfuls for lunch box snacks and it is even tasty sprinkled over vanilla yogurt for breakfast

Cultural and Seasonal Context

Homemade snack mixes have been American potluck favorites since the fifties This cinnamon sugar version gives a festive spin that is just as welcome at a summer party as during winter holidays When fall baking spices are in season I often add a hint of nutmeg or ginger

Seasonal Adaptations

Warm spices like clove or cardamom for the holidays Crushed freeze dried apples or dried cranberries for a fall twist A pinch of chili powder for a sweet and spicy summer snack

Success Stories

I have handed this recipe out so many times at family reunions and school events everyone is amazed at how a few simple steps turn familiar cereals into something special Friends of mine made giant batches for their wedding welcome bags and told me it was the first snack to disappear

Freezer Meal Conversion

This mix freezes beautifully Spread on a sheet tray to freeze then store in bags That way you can pull out a handful whenever you want a treat No need to thaw just let it sit at room temp for five minutes

This is a snack everyone asks for at every event. Make a double batch—you will not regret it.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What makes this Chex mix sweet and salty?

Granulated sugar and honey bring sweetness, while pretzels, saltine crackers, and kosher salt provide a salty counterbalance.

→ Can I substitute the cashews with another nut?

Yes, swap in your favorite whole nuts like almonds, pecans, or peanuts, or add extra cereal for a nut-free option.

→ How do I keep the mix crunchy?

Bake the mix at a low temperature and stir regularly. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container to maintain crunch.

→ Is there a way to make this ahead?

Absolutely! Prepare, bake, and cool the mix fully, then keep it stored airtight for up to a week.

→ Can I adjust the cinnamon or sugar levels?

Yes, tweak cinnamon and sugar amounts to match your taste, from light dusting to a more robust coating.

→ What kind of pretzels work best?

Pretzel sticks are ideal, but twists or small shapes can be used without changing the flavor or texture.