Jingle Jangle Chocolate Mix

This chocolate snack mix is the ultimate sweet and salty treat for holiday gatherings and edible gifting. Inspired by the beloved Trader Joe’s Jingle Jangle Holiday Mix, it layers crisp pretzels, caramel corn, cookies, mini peanut butter cups, and bursts of M and M’s in a glossy chocolate drizzle. Every bite is packed with texture and that classic party mix nostalgia. It comes together quickly and makes a generous batch for crowd-pleasing cheer.

My family asks for this mix every December. I first made it to use up a few extra ingredient bags but instantly everyone was hooked. We now make it for cookie exchanges and it never lasts more than a night.

Ingredients

• Mini Pretzels: The backbone for crunch and saltiness Look for a sturdy brand like Snyder’s so they hold up to chocolate coating
• Caramel Corn: Brings sweetness and a chewy caramel bite Fresh bagged caramel corn stays crispiness best
• Oreo Cookies or Peppermint Jo Jo’s: Oreo’s cream blends beautifully when coated Choose a cookie that stays firm after mixing
• Mini Peanut Butter Cups: The classic chocolate peanut butter combo I go for the individually unwrapped type for convenience
• Holiday M and M’s: These add color and a pop of chocolate Use regular or peanut versions
• Chocolate or Ghirardelli Melting Wafers: The star of the mix Choose good quality melting chocolate for a shiny even coat
• White Chocolate Melting Wafers: Drizzled on top for contrast and extra sweetness Opt for real cocoa butter content for better flavor

Instructions

Prep the Dry Ingredients:

Separate the pretzels, caramel corn, and cookies into three bowls This makes it easy to coat each evenly and keeps textures distinct

Melt the Chocolate:

Break your chocolate into pieces and microwave at fifty percent power for thirty seconds at a time stirring each go Add a small splash of oil if using chocolate bars or chips to keep it shiny and smooth Melt until completely silky

Coat the Pretzels Caramel Corn and Cookies:

Pour melted chocolate over the pretzels first stir thoroughly to coat Repeat with caramel corn and cookies in their own bowls Add more melted chocolate as needed so every piece gets a thick even coverage

Set the Chocolate:

Spread each coated item onto parchment paper in single layers Let them set at room temperature This prevents sticking and clumping

Drizzle with White Chocolate:

Melt your white chocolate using the same gentle microwave method Use a spoon to lightly drizzle it over the pretzels and caramel corn for a festive look Let set again until dry to the touch

Assemble the Mix:

Once the chocolate has set toss everything together in a large bowl Add in the mini peanut butter cups and the M and M’s to finish Give one last gentle mix and serve or store

Store for Freshness:

Keep your chocolate snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature It will stay crisp and fresh for several days

Using Ghirardelli Melting Wafers makes the biggest difference in turning out a professional looking mix Every year I let my kids pick their favorite holiday M and M’s colors We have a tradition of mixing it all together on snowy afternoons by the tree

Storage Tips

I keep leftovers in a cookie tin lined with parchment or wax paper The mix stays fresh for about one week but for longer storage you can freeze portions in zip top bags and thaw at room temperature before serving If you are making ahead for gifting avoid extra humid or warm places so the chocolate does not get sticky

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe is endlessly flexible Try chocolate covered graham crackers instead of cookies or swap mini pretzel sticks for twists Dried cranberries or crushed peppermint candy make great seasonal add ins If allergy concerns swap peanut butter cups for caramel bites

Serving Suggestions

A big bowl is always a hit on the dessert table alongside fruit or nuts For gifting I scoop servings into clear bags and tie with ribbon For extra charm sprinkle crushed peppermint or edible glitter on top before setting

Cultural and Holiday Joy

Jingle Jangle mix became a viral favorite thanks to Trader Joe’s creative holiday lineup The homemade version lets you personalize flavors and control what goes in so you can add your favorite treats or accommodate dietary needs

Seasonal Adaptations

Try pastel M and M’s or robin’s egg candies for spring Peppermint bark in the mix feels festive for Christmas Chopped toffee bits make a cozy winter option

Success Stories

This snack mix is a runaway hit at cookie swaps and office parties Friends still remember when I handed out jars filled with our signature blend a few years ago My kids started asking in summer if we could make a summer version with freeze dried strawberries

Freezer Meal Conversion

Spread the assembled mix flat on baking sheets and freeze until solid Once frozen transfer to containers or bags and store for up to two months Let warm to room temp before sharing or snacking Freezing keeps everything crisp and you can gift as needed all season

This festive chocolate snack mix looks beautiful and tastes even better. Make a batch and share the joy throughout the holiday season.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of chocolate melts best for this mix?

Ghirardelli Melting Wafers are ideal for a silky finish, but chocolate bars or chips with a bit of oil work well too.

→ How should I store the finished snack mix?

Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and texture.

→ Can I use different cookies or candies?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite cookies and candies to match your taste or the holiday theme.

→ Is it possible to make the mix in advance?

Yes, this mix stays fresh for several days when stored properly, making it perfect for gifting and gatherings.

→ What shortcuts can make this mix even easier?

Use pre-dipped chocolate pretzels or caramel corn to cut down on preparation time without sacrificing flavor.