Hot Chocolate Snack Mix brings all the cozy warmth of your favorite winter beverage into a delightfully crunchy and sweet treat. Imagine chocolate-coated Chex® cereal tossed with a decadent hot cocoa blend, interspersed with fluffy white chocolate marshmallows and generous chocolate chips. It’s an unforgettable snack that captures the essence of a chilly evening by the fireplace.

Hot Chocolate Snack Mix: The Perfect Blend of Cozy & Delicious

If you’re anything like us, you cherish those moments of cozy comfort, especially during the colder months. And what better way to evoke that feeling than with a snack inspired by a classic cup of hot chocolate? While my family, like many others, is absolutely obsessed with traditional Muddy Buddies, I love experimenting with fun variations to keep things exciting. This particular snack mix, a delightful twist on the beloved original, directly channels the rich, comforting flavors of hot cocoa. We even incorporate a packet of hot chocolate mix directly into the coating for an authentic, deep cocoa flavor!

This Hot Chocolate Snack Mix isn’t just incredibly delicious; it’s also ridiculously easy to prepare. You can have it ready to serve in no time, making it an ideal last-minute treat for unexpected guests or a spontaneous movie night. Its festive appeal makes it a standout at holiday events, family gatherings, or any celebration where a sweet, shareable treat is desired. Get ready to delight your taste buds and impress your friends and family with this wonderfully simple yet sophisticated snack.

Key Ingredients for Your Hot Chocolate Snack Mix

Crafting the perfect Hot Chocolate Snack Mix starts with selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that signature cozy flavor and delightful texture:

• Chocolate Chex Cereal: This forms the crunchy base of our snack mix. Using Chocolate Chex adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness right from the start. For the best crunch and freshest taste, always opt for a new box of cereal. Its sturdy texture holds up beautifully to the coatings without getting soggy.
• Powdered Sugar: Essential for creating that classic “muddy buddies” coating, powdered sugar provides a fine, sweet finish that adheres perfectly to the cereal. It also helps to distribute the hot cocoa flavor evenly, ensuring every bite is consistently delicious.
• Hot Cocoa Mix: This is where the hot chocolate magic truly happens! A good quality hot cocoa mix infuses the snack with that distinctive comforting flavor. For an added delightful surprise and a boost of marshmallow texture, we highly recommend using a mix that already includes mini marshmallows.
• Milk Chocolate Chips: The primary chocolate coating for our Chex cereal. Opt for high-quality milk chocolate chips for a smoother melt and richer, more indulgent flavor. The better the chocolate, the more luxurious your snack mix will taste.
• Coconut Oil: A crucial ingredient for achieving a smooth, glossy, and perfectly melted chocolate coating. Coconut oil helps the chocolate spread easily over the cereal and ensures a beautiful, appealing finish without imparting a strong coconut flavor (unless you use unrefined coconut oil, which can add a subtle tropical note).
• White Chocolate Chips: Used to coat the mini marshmallows, white chocolate adds a lovely creamy sweetness and a beautiful visual contrast to the milk chocolate-coated cereal. Like with milk chocolate, choose good quality white chocolate chips for the best melting consistency and flavor.
• Mini Marshmallows: These soft, chewy morsels are integral to the “hot chocolate” experience. When coated in white chocolate, they add a delightful textural contrast and a burst of sweet, pillowy goodness that truly elevates the snack mix.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Hot Chocolate Snack Mix

Making this indulgent Hot Chocolate Snack Mix is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by lining a large baking sheet (approximately 15″ x 21″) with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Next, get out a very large bowl for the cereal and a large (2-gallon) plastic zip-top bag for coating.
2. Combine Dry Coating Mix: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and hot cocoa mix until thoroughly combined. Pour this mixture into your prepared zip-top bag and set it aside.
3. Melt Milk Chocolate for Cereal: Place the Chocolate Chex cereal into the large bowl. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Microwave on high in 15-second intervals, stirring vigorously for 15 seconds after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. This gradual melting prevents scorching.
4. Coat the Cereal: Pour the smooth, melted milk chocolate mixture over the Chocolate Chex cereal in the large bowl. Gently fold and stir with a spatula until every piece of cereal is generously coated in chocolate. Work quickly but carefully to ensure even coverage.
5. Shake to Powder-Coat: Transfer all of the chocolate-coated cereal into the zip-top bag containing the powdered sugar and hot cocoa mix. Seal the bag tightly, making sure to leave some air inside (don’t squeeze it out). Vigorously shake the bag until the cereal pieces are thoroughly coated with the powdered sugar and hot cocoa mixture. This step creates that classic “dusty” finish. Once coated, pour the cereal back into a large bowl or directly into your serving bowl. Set aside.
6. Create White Chocolate Marshmallows: In another small microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Repeat the microwave melting process: heat in 15-second bursts, stirring well after each, until the white chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
7. Coat and Set Marshmallows: Add the mini marshmallows to the melted white chocolate. Stir gently until all the marshmallows are well coated. Immediately spread the coated marshmallows in a single layer onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator or freezer for about 10 minutes, or allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, until the white chocolate coating has set and hardened. Once set, gently break the marshmallow clusters apart and add them to the bowl with the coated cereal.
8. Final Mix and Serve: Combine the chocolate-coated cereal and the white chocolate marshmallows in the large serving bowl. If you’re adding any optional mix-ins (see “Favorite Additions” below), now is the time to fold them in gently. Serve immediately and enjoy, or store for later!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Hot Chocolate Snack Mix

To ensure your Hot Chocolate Snack Mix turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Choose High-Quality Chocolate: The flavor of your snack mix heavily relies on the quality of your chocolate. Brands like Ghirardelli® or Guittard® are excellent choices as they melt more smoothly and offer a superior, richer chocolate flavor that truly elevates the overall taste of your mix.
• Opt for Glass Bowls for Melting: When melting chocolate, always use glass or ceramic bowls over plastic. Plastic bowls can retain odors and oils, which can cause chocolate to seize or not melt smoothly. Glass provides a neutral surface, ensuring a perfect melt every time.
• Fresh Marshmallows are Key: For the best texture in your white chocolate marshmallows, use fresh, soft miniature marshmallows. Stale or hardened marshmallows won’t coat as evenly and will result in a less pleasant chewy texture.
• Adjust Sweetness to Your Liking: If you prefer a less sweet snack mix, you have a couple of options. You can swap out the Chocolate Chex for Rice Chex cereal, which has a milder flavor. Additionally, consider using semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a deeper, less sugary profile.
• Don’t Overheat Chocolate: When melting chocolate, use short intervals and stir frequently. Overheating can cause chocolate to seize (become thick and clumpy) or burn, rendering it unusable. Patience is key!
• Seal the Bag Well: When shaking the cereal with the powdered sugar mix, ensure the zip-top bag is securely sealed. This prevents a powdery mess and ensures the cereal gets evenly coated.

Unleash Your Creativity: Favorite Additions & Variations

While the combination of white chocolate marshmallows and cocoa-dusted cereal is already a match made in heaven, there are countless ways to customize and “jazz up” your Hot Chocolate Snack Mix. Here are some of our favorite additions to make this treat even more special:

• Add in 1/2 cup of dehydrated marshmallows for an extra pop of marshmallow flavor and texture, reminiscent of instant hot cocoa.
• Stir in 1 cup of classic Sno-Cap® candies or Chocolate Nonpareils. The tiny white sprinkles on Sno-Caps mimic snowflakes, adding a lovely wintery touch.
• For a sophisticated crunch, coarsely break up about 1 cup of Pirouette® cookies and fold them into the mix. Their delicate crispness and creamy filling are a wonderful addition.
• Boost the chocolate factor with an extra 1 cup of miniature chocolate chips. These tiny chips distribute throughout the mix perfectly, ensuring a chocolatey bite every time. Here’s how the mix looks with these added in – utterly irresistible!
• Consider adding a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an earthy crunch that complements the sweet chocolate.
• For a hint of minty freshness, incorporate some crushed peppermint candies or candy canes, especially during the festive season.

Storage Solutions: Keeping Your Hot Chocolate Snack Mix Fresh

More Delightful Holiday Treats to Explore

If you’ve enjoyed making this Hot Chocolate Snack Mix, you’ll love these other festive and easy-to-make treats, perfect for sharing during the holidays or any special occasion:

• Christmas Snack Mix with vibrant Christmas M&M’s for a truly festive crunch.
• Decadent Toffee, richly buttery and topped with crunchy sugared almonds.
• Four different delightful variations of Christmas Oreo Pops, fun for both making and eating.
• Classic Honeycomb Candy, featuring a delicate chocolate coating and irresistible airy texture.
• Rich and fudgy Brigadeiros, a type of Brazilian chocolate truffle that melts in your mouth.

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Hot Chocolate Snack Mix

By Chelsea Lords

Hot Chocolate Snack Mix transforms Chocolate Chex into a chocolaty treat with a cocoa-powdered sugar coating, white-chocolate marshmallows, and chocolate chips—a cozy snack you’ll love! It’s an easy, no-bake recipe perfect for sharing.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Setting Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 10 as a snack/shared treat

Video Overview

A video guide is available to walk you through the process of making this delightful Hot Chocolate Snack Mix. You can find the full video demonstration (ID: o9JtFBE8) to visually assist you with each step, ensuring perfect results.

Equipment

• Large sheet pan (15″ x 21″)
• Silicone baking mat or parchment paper
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium microwave-safe bowl
• Small microwave-safe bowl
• 2-gallon zip-top bag
• Spatula or large spoon

Ingredients

Snack Mix

• 8 cups Chocolate Chex cereal
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup Hot chocolate mix with marshmallows (approximately 1 and 1/2 packets)
• 2 cups milk chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

White Chocolate Marshmallows

• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 2 cups miniature marshmallows
• Optional additions (see note 1 below for ideas)

Instructions

1. Line a large sheet pan with a silicone liner or parchment paper and set aside. Prepare a large (2-gallon) freezer bag and a very large mixing bowl.
2. Measure out the Chocolate Chex cereal into the large mixing bowl and set aside.
3. In a small bowl, combine the hot cocoa mix and powdered sugar. Stir well until thoroughly mixed. Pour this dry mixture into the prepared freezer bag.
4. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, add the milk chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring for 15 seconds between each burst, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Once melted, pour it over the measured cereal in the large bowl. Gently stir with a spatula to generously coat all the cereal pieces in the melted chocolate.
5. Carefully pour the chocolate-coated cereal into the freezer bag on top of the powdered sugar and hot cocoa mix. Seal the bag tightly (do not squeeze air out). Shake the bag vigorously until the cereal is generously coated in the powdered mixture. Once coated, pour the snack mix back into a large bowl or your serving bowl. Set aside.
6. White Chocolate Marshmallows: In a separate small microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Melt in 15-second bursts, stirring for 15 seconds after each burst, until the white chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Stir the miniature marshmallows into the white chocolate until they are well coated.
7. Spread the coated marshmallows onto the prepared parchment-lined sheet pan in a single layer. Place the pan in the fridge or freezer for approximately 10 minutes, or allow it to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes, until the chocolate has set and hardened. Gently break apart any clumped marshmallows and add them to the serving bowl with the cereal mixture.
8. If desired, now is the time to add any other toppings or additions such as dehydrated marshmallows, Sno-Cap candies, or coarsely broken up pirouette cookies, gently folding them into the mix. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Optional additions include 1/2 cup dehydrated marshmallows, 1 cup Sno-Cap candies, or 1 cup coarsely broken up pirouette cookies. Feel free to customize with your favorite extras!

Nutrition Note: Nutritional information provided is an approximation for one-cup servings.

Storage: Due to the marshmallows, this mix is best enjoyed on the same day it’s made for optimal freshness and texture. Without marshmallows, it can last up to a week when stored at room temperature in airtight containers. Leftover snack mix (without marshmallows) can be frozen in an airtight container or plastic bag for up to 3 months; simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 1091 kcal | Carbohydrates: 238g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 1205mg | Potassium: 766mg | Fiber: 24g | Sugar: 89g | Vitamin A: 2021IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 460mg | Iron: 58mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.