This Holiday Spice Chex Mix is the perfect snack to bring a touch of festive warmth to your gatherings. Combining crunchy textures with a sweet and spicy kick, it’s a treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. It’s a breeze to make and even more fun to share.
Corn Chex and Rice Chex provide the crunchy base that soaks up all the delicious flavors. The mix of textures between the two adds interest. Mini pretzels bring a salty contrast that balances the sweetness. Mixed nuts add richness and a satisfying crunch. Dried cranberries introduce a chewy, tart element that brightens the mix. White chocolate chips are added at the end for creamy, sweet bursts.
The butter and brown sugar create a caramel-like coating that binds everything together. Vanilla extract enhances the sweetness and adds depth. The holiday spices — cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves — are what give this mix its festive charm, making it smell and taste like the holidays.
This Holiday Spice Chex Mix makes a delightful snack on its own, but you can also serve it in festive bowls as a party appetizer. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of mulled wine or apple cider, enhancing the seasonal flavors. For a fun touch, consider packaging small portions in decorative bags as party favors.
Start by preheating your oven to 250°F — this low temperature ensures the mix toasts evenly without burning. In a large bowl, combine the Corn Chex, Rice Chex, mini pretzels, mixed nuts, and dried cranberries. This is your crunchy base, so make sure everything is mixed evenly.
Next, in a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. As it melts, stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves, then add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Keep stirring until everything is well combined and the aroma of spices fills your kitchen.
Pour this buttery mix over the dry ingredients in the bowl, and gently toss everything together until every piece is coated. This step is crucial for flavor distribution, so take your time to ensure an even coating.
Spread the mixture onto a large baking sheet, creating an even layer. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even toasting. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet.
Once cooled, sprinkle in the white chocolate chips and give it another mix. This final touch adds a creamy sweetness that complements the spices beautifully.
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