This festive blend features crisp cereal squares, crunchy pretzels, roasted almonds, sweet marshmallows, and colorful candy-coated chocolates coated in melted white chocolate. Finished with shredded coconut and sprinkles, the mix offers a snowy, crunchy texture perfect for holiday gatherings. No baking required, just simple melting and tossing for a quick, flavorful snack.
Discovering this Snowy Evergreen Mix was like stumbling upon a little winter magic in my own kitchen—each crunchy bite brought the feeling of a quiet snowy forest right to my fingertips.
I remember the first time I whipped this up when unexpected guests arrived—it turned any gathering into a festive celebration instantly, with everyone reaching for more.
Ingredients
- Rice or corn cereal squares: I always choose rice cereal for its light crunch but corn cereal works just as well
- Pretzel twists: Small twists add just the right salty crunch that balances the sweetness
- Roasted, unsalted almonds: Adds a gentle nutty flavor and extra texture, but you can swap them for sunflower seeds if needed
- Mini marshmallows: Little pops of softness that melt slightly with the chocolate coating
- Green candy-coated chocolates: These bring a festive pop of color and a playful crunch
- White chocolate chips: Choose good-quality chips for smooth melting and rich flavor
- Coconut oil (optional): I add this to help the white chocolate melt evenly and coat everything perfectly
- Sweetened shredded coconut: Sprinkled on top, it looks just like fresh snow
- Edible silver or pearl sprinkles (optional): For that extra festive sparkle
Instructions
- Get Everything Ready:
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper while you gather your mix ingredients so everything stays neat and sets nicely.
- Mix It Up:
- In a big bowl, combine the cereal, pretzels, almonds, marshmallows, and green candy-coated chocolates, letting the colors and textures swirl together invitingly.
- Melt the Magic:
- Microwave your white chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-second bursts, stirring each time until smooth and glossy, smelling that sweet vanilla aroma fill your kitchen.
- Coat Every Crunch:
- Pour that creamy melted chocolate over your snack mix, then gently fold with a spatula, making sure every piece gets that yummy white chocolate hug.
- Spread It Out:
- Transfer the coated mix onto your baking sheet in one even layer, ready for its snowy makeover.
- Snow It Up:
- Sprinkle shredded coconut and optional silver or pearl sprinkles all over to mimic a fresh blanket of snow.
- Let It Set:
- Allow your festive creation to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes until the chocolate hardens and everything clumps into tasty clusters.
- Break and Store:
- Once set, break into bite-sized clusters and keep them fresh in an airtight container for snacking pleasure.
This snack went from a fun experiment to a holiday tradition, bringing warmth and joy to cold winter nights and family gatherings alike.
Keeping It Fresh
Store your clusters in an airtight container at room temperature, and they'll keep their crisp texture for up to a week, perfect for nibbling throughout the season.
When You're Missing Something
If you find yourself short on any ingredients, pine nuts or pecans make great stand-ins for almonds, and dried cranberries add a lovely festive tartness that pairs perfectly with the white chocolate.
Serving Ideas That Clicked
Try serving this mix alongside hot cocoa or spiced cider for an extra cozy treat that everyone will love.
- Don't forget to share a few extra clusters as party favors—everyone will ask for your recipe
- Oh wait, one more thing: the shredded coconut really brings the snow effect, so don't skimp on it
- Keep a batch in the freezer for an unexpected snack emergency
Thanks for spending time in the kitchen with me—may this snack always add a special sparkle to your gatherings and your winter days.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this mix nut-free?
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Yes, simply replace almonds with sunflower seeds or omit them to avoid nuts entirely.
- → How do I melt the white chocolate smoothly?
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Heat the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring each time until fully melted and smooth.
- → What is the best way to store the snack mix?
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Keep the clusters in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crunch and freshness.
- → Can I add dried fruit to this mix?
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Dried cranberries or yogurt-covered raisins can be stirred in for a sweet and fruity twist.
- → What gives the mix its snowy appearance?
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Shredded sweetened coconut and optional edible silver or pearl sprinkles create the snowy forest effect.