Gingerbread Snack Mix
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If you love gingerbread, our gingerbread snack mix recipe packs all the warm spice flavors you crave in bite-sized pieces. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Who says holiday treats have to be complicated? And more importantly, who has time to make complex recipes this time of year?
Meet your new favorite party mix. With the perfect blend of several Chex cereal flavors, warm gingerbread spices, and creamy white chocolate, this addictive snack is a holiday season staple.
Whether you’re snuggling up for a holiday movie or need a quick gift idea, this Chex mix delivers festive flavors that are sure to impress at your holiday party. For more fun holiday snack recipes, be sure to check out our reindeer snack mix, Christmas crunch mix, and Grinch snack mix recipes.
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We’re sharing tips to help you get the best results with this recipe. If you don’t need the tips, scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and a printable recipe card.
Picture this: bits of cinnamon cereal and gingersnap cookie pieces are mixed with warm spices and drizzled with melted vanilla almond bark to create a burst of gingerbread flavor in every bite. Try our gingerbread blondies with cream cheese frosting for another tasty holiday treat.
But the best part is you can whip up a batch in about 20 minutes. And you won’t need to dirty a pan because this recipe uses the microwave for easy preparation. So get ready to enjoy gingerbread party mix all week long (if you don’t finish it before).
What is Gingerbread Snack Mix?
This irresistible holiday treat combines the warm flavors of gingerbread with the crunchy texture of a classic snack mix. We combined gingerbread cookies with three kinds of cereals and coated them with a sweet, spiced glaze—it’s like a holiday in a bowl! Perfect for parties or just a cozy night in, this mix brings a festive twist to your snack time.
Gingerbread Snack Mix Ingredients
- Chex cereal– you’ll need three flavors of cereal (cinnamon, corn and rice Chex) for flavor and texture.
- Unsalted butter – helps to create the sauce.
- Light brown sugar – gives the mix its rich caramel flavor.
- Molasses – adds depth to the flavors.
- Spices/seasonings – we’re using cinnamon, ground ginger and nutmeg for the typical gingerbread flavors.
- Gingersnap cookies – we used store bought cookies.
- White chocolate almond bark – brings a silky sweetness to the party mix.
- Chocolate coated candy – look for the holiday-themed bag.
- Optional holiday sprinkles – adds festive colors and extra sweetness.
Get the complete ingredients & directions in the recipe card below.
How to Make Gingerbread Party Mix
Cover a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and set it aside for later.
Add the cereal to a large bowl and keep it aside for now.
In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, molasses, and spices. Microwave for one minute, stirring midway, until the sugar dissolves and the butter is melted. Mix well.
Pour the butter mixture over the cereal and gently toss until everything is coated. Microwave the cereal mix for 2 to 2½ minutes. Stir every 60 seconds until the cereal is covered and shiny.
Take the bowl out carefully and stir in the cookie pieces. Spread the cereal mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Put the chocolate bark in a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat for one minute, then stir. Continue heating in 10 to 20-second intervals, stirring each time, until the chocolate is almost melted. Once done, stir until smooth.
Drizzle the melted chocolate over the snack mix using a spoon or a piping bag. Quickly sprinkle the candy and sprinkles on top before the chocolate sets up.
Let the mix sit for at least 15 minutes before breaking it apart.
Tips for making holiday Chex mix
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Don’t go overboard with wet ingredients or the mix will be soggy.
- Toss the mix gently but thoroughly to avoid breaking up the cereal and cookies.
- This recipe can be easily be doubled or tripled if needed.
Recipe Substitutions & Variations
- For a sweeter version, add creamy white chocolate chips or dark chocolate morsels.
- Swap out some of the cereal for mini marshmallows for a gooey texture.
- For a nutty crunch, add pecan halves – they pair beautifully with the warm gingerbread spices.
- Add mini pretzel twists for a salty kick.
- Change up the mix of cereals, like using Honey Chex or Cinnamon Toast Crunch in place of the Cinnamon Chex. Just make sure you use a total of 6 cups of cereal.
- Use your favorite candies in place of the M&Ms.
- Use pumpkin pie spice in place of the gingerbread spices for a flavorful fall version.
Can I make this snack mix ahead of time?
You can make it up to a week in advance. Just make sure you store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.
Fun Ways to Serve Gingerbread Chex Mix
- Hot Chocolate Bar Accompaniment: the sweet and spicy flavors complement the richness of the chocolate and add a crunchy element to the cocoa bar. We love setting up a bar with hot chocolate bombs with marshmallows.
- Holiday Snack Boards: include a bowl of gingerbread Chex mix along with items like chocolate-dipped pretzels, seasonal fruits like dried cranberries, and festive gingerbread cake pops.
- Mix-in for Ice Cream: Crumble some gingerbread Chex mix over gingerbread ice cream or vanilla ice cream for a crunchy, holiday-flavored topping. It adds texture and a festive flair to your dessert.
- Edible Party Favors: this holiday treat makes an easy and tasty gift from your kitchen. Simple fill Mason jars or festive cello bags with the mix, tie them with ribbon, and add a holiday-themed tag.
How to Store Snack Mix
For best results, you’ll want to place the white chocolate gingerbread Chex mix in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature. It should keep for up to a week if stored properly in a cool, dry place.
More easy Christmas treats…
Gingerbread Snack Mix
Ingredients
- 2 cups cinnamon Chex cereal
- 2 cups rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups corn Chex cereal
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, ½ stick
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 12 gingersnap cookies, broken into pieces
- 4 blocks white chocolate almond bark
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles
- 1/2 cup holiday candy, we used candy coated chocolates
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside.
- Place cereal in a large microwave-safe bowl and set aside.
- Add butter, brown sugar, molasses and spices to a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute, or until the sugar is dissolved, stirring after 30 seconds. Stir until the butter is completely melted.
- Pour the mixture over the cereal and gently mix until it’s well coated.
- Heat the cereal mixture in the microwave for 2-2 ½ minutes, stirring after every 60 second interval, until the cereal is coated and glazed.
- Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and stir in the cookie pieces.
- Transfer the snack mix onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly.
- Place the chocolate bark in a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute then stir. Continue heating for 10-20 second intervals until the chocolate is almost melted, stirring after each heating cycle. Remove chocolate from the microwave and stir until it’s completely smooth.
- Transfer the melted chocolate to a disposable piping bag or use a spoon to drizzle it over the snack mix.
- Immediately add the candy and sprinkles. Allow the mix to set for at least 15 minutes before breaking apart.
Notes
- We used an equal combination of the Chex cereals but feel free to change that up – just make sure you’re using a total of 6 cups of cereal.
- Store the mix in an airtight container on the counter top for up to 1 week.
- This mix makes a tasty gift for neighbors and friends – package it up in cello bag and tie it off with a holiday ribbon.
- Recipe makes 8 cups of snack mix.
Nutritional Estimate
Nutritional information is provided as a reference, using an online calculator. We recommend verifying the information independently for accuracy.