White Chocolate Peppermint Chex Mix Holiday Snack

A festive sweet snack that transforms ordinary Chex cereal into a holiday treat with smooth white chocolate coating and crunchy crushed peppermint candy canes. Perfect for holiday parties, gift giving, or family movie nights. The combination of crispy cereal, creamy chocolate, and refreshing peppermint creates an addictive texture contrast that appeals to both kids and adults. This version uses candy melts for easier melting and Crisco for smooth coating.
Ingredients
- 6 cups Chex cereal, corn or rice
- 12 ounces white chocolate candy meltswhite chocolate chips1:1
may need extra shortening for smooth melting
- 1 tablespoon Crisco shorteningcoconut oil1:1vegan
use solid coconut oil at room temperature
- 5 6-inch peppermint candy canescrushed peppermint candies1:1
any hard peppermint candy works
Instructions
- 1
Unwrap candy canes and place in freezer bag, crush with rolling pin or meat mallet
- 2
Place waxed paper or parchment on counter
- 3
Microwave white chocolate in medium bowl at 30-second intervals, stirring until melted and smooth
- 4
Pour melted chocolate over cereal in large bowl, stir with spatula until coated
- 5
Pour onto waxed paper and spread out, working quickly
- 6
Sprinkle crushed peppermint over chocolate before it cools
- 7
Allow chocolate to cool and harden
Tips
Work quickly when coating and spreading as white chocolate sets fast
Crush candy canes while still in wrapper to prevent pieces from flying
Use parchment paper for easier cleanup and removal
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for 5-6 days
Can be made up to 1 week ahead, store in airtight container
Serve at room temperature in bowls or small bags for gifting
Common Mistakes
Add shortening to prevent thick, clumpy chocolate coating
Work quickly to avoid chocolate hardening before spreading
Crush candy canes completely to avoid large sharp pieces
Substitutions
Vegan Options
General Alternatives
any hard peppermint candy works
FAQ
Can I use regular white chocolate instead of candy melts?
Yes, but add extra shortening or coconut oil since regular chocolate is thicker and may not coat as smoothly as candy melts.
How long does this keep fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 5-6 days. The chocolate may develop white bloom after that but is still safe to eat.
Can I freeze this mix?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving, though texture may be slightly different.