Chocolate Snack Mix Sweet

The rain was coming down hard last Sunday when my teenage nephew wandered into the kitchen, looking bored and slightly hungry. We raided the pantry together, pulling out bags of snacks that had been sitting there for weeks, and somehow ended up creating this chocolatey masterpiece. Now it's the first thing he asks for whenever he comes over, especially when we're planning a movie marathon.

I made a massive batch for my sister's baby shower last month, and honestly, I was worried it was too simple. Within an hour of setting it out on the snack table, the bowl was completely empty and three different people had asked me for the recipe. Something about the mix of textures and flavors just makes people keep reaching back in for more.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mini pretzels: These provide the perfect salty crunch that balances all the sweet elements, plus their twisted shape holds onto other ingredients
• 1 cup rice cereal squares: Adds light, crispy texture that prevents the mix from feeling too heavy or dense
• 1/2 cup roasted salted almonds: Their satisfying crunch pairs beautifully with chocolate, and the salt enhances all the flavors
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts: Classic nutty flavor that reminds me of ballpark snacks and casual gatherings
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips: Use semi-sweet for that sophisticated dark chocolate depth or milk chocolate for pure nostalgia
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows: These little pillows of sweetness add soft texture and look like tiny snowflakes in the mix
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Tart and chewy, they cut through all the sugar and add beautiful ruby color
• 1/4 cup candy-coated chocolates: The pop of color makes this feel festive, and they're surprisingly addictive

Instructions

Combine the crunchy base:

In your largest mixing bowl, toss together the pretzels, rice cereal, almonds, and peanuts until they're evenly distributed. The sound of everything hitting the bowl together is surprisingly satisfying.

Add the sweet treasures:

pour in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, dried cranberries, and candy-coated chocolates. Try to add them in different sections so they don't all clump together.

Mix with gentle hands:

Use a wooden spoon or your clean hands to gently fold everything together. Go slowly and carefully so the marshmallows don't get crushed and the candy pieces stay intact.

Serve or store:

This tastes best right away when everything is at its freshest, but it keeps beautifully in an airtight container for up to a week. Just try not to eat it all in one sitting.

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My dad always said the best snacks are the ones you can eat while talking without looking down at your hands, and this mix proves him right every time. We've had it at family game nights, road trips, and even tucked into lunchboxes as a special surprise.

Making It Your Own

The beauty of this recipe is how forgiving and adaptable it is, which is perfect when you're working with whatever you have in the pantry. I've swapped in sunflower seeds for nuts, added coconut flakes for tropical vibes, and even used white chocolate chips when that's what I found in the back of the cupboard.

Serving Suggestions

Beyond just eating it straight from the bowl, this mix makes an excellent topping for vanilla ice cream or folded into your favorite cookie dough. I've also layered it in clear mason jars with ribbon tied around the top for instant, impressive gifts that people actually want to receive.

Party Prep Secrets

When I'm hosting, I double or triple the recipe because it disappears faster than you'd expect, especially once people start grazing and talking. Set it out near the drinks station or coffee bar and watch how quickly it becomes a conversation starter.

• Make the mix the day before your event so flavors have time to mingle
• Use mini cupcake liners to portion it out for individual servings
• Keep an extra batch hidden away for emergency late-night snacking

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There's something wonderfully simple about a snack that brings people together without requiring any actual cooking, and this mix has become my go-to for exactly those moments. Hope it becomes a staple in your house too.

Recipe FAQs

→ What are the main ingredients in this snack mix?

Pretzels, rice cereal squares, roasted almonds, peanuts, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, dried cranberries, and candy-coated chocolates are combined for a flavorful mix.

→ How long does it take to prepare?

Preparation takes approximately 10 minutes with no cooking required, making it a quick and easy option.

→ Can this mix be stored for later?

Yes, it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week without losing crunch.

→ Are there alternatives for nut allergies?

Sunflower or pumpkin seeds can replace nuts to make a nut-free version of the mix.

→ What variations can enhance the flavor?

Adding coconut flakes, banana chips, or colored candies can add festive colors and extra taste dimensions.