Welcome to the world of holiday snacking bliss! This delightful Sugar Cookie Snack Mix is a festive concoction that brilliantly captures the buttery, sweet essence of a classic Christmas cookie, transforming it into an utterly addicting and crunchy treat. Perfect for festive gatherings, a cozy night by the fire, or a thoughtful homemade gift, this snack mix promises to be a memorable addition to your holiday repertoire.

Irresistible Sugar Cookie Snack Mix: A Holiday Essential

The inspiration for this phenomenal Sugar Cookie Snack Mix blossomed from a love for two holiday favorites: classic soft sugar cookies and the ever-popular Christmas Snack Mix. It was only natural to combine these beloved elements into one show-stopping festive creation!

The idea truly came to life during a stroll through the grocery store’s holiday aisle. There, nestled among the seasonal candies, were the magical Sugar Cookie M&M’s. I immediately knew these were the missing piece to my snack mix puzzle. I grabbed several bags, eager to test my theory. And oh, the delight! These M&M’s genuinely taste like miniature sugar cookies, providing the perfect foundation for this unique and delicious snack mix. It’s a game-changer for anyone seeking a truly festive and easy-to-make holiday treat.

Crafting Your Own Sugar Cookie Snack Mix: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delightful Sugar Cookie Snack Mix is a straightforward process that yields incredibly rewarding results. Follow these simple steps to bring this festive treat to life:

• Prepare Your Baking Tray: Begin by lining a large baking tray (or two smaller ones) with foil, parchment paper, or a Silpat® liner. This crucial step prevents the sticky mix from adhering to the pan, making cleanup a breeze. Lightly grease your chosen liner with cooking spray. Once lined, spread your chosen cereal (Rice Chex works best!) in an even, single layer across the prepared surface.
• Whip Up the Syrup: In a sturdy, medium-sized pot, combine unsalted butter (cut into pieces for quicker melting), light brown sugar, and light corn syrup. Place the pot over medium to medium-high heat. Stir continuously as the mixture melts and comes to a rapid, rolling boil. Allow it to boil for precisely one minute, maintaining constant stirring. Immediately remove from heat and stir in the baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined.
• Coat the Cereal: Swiftly pour the warm, prepared syrup over the cereal spread on your baking tray. Working very quickly, use a spatula to toss and stir the cereal until every piece is thoroughly coated in the sweet, sugary mixture. Speed is key here to ensure even coverage before the syrup begins to set.
• Add Granulated Sugar: Evenly sprinkle granulated white sugar over the syrup-coated cereal. Do not toss it at this stage; simply sprinkle for a delicate, crystalline outer layer. This adds to the “sugar cookie” texture and appearance.
• Bake to Perfection: Transfer the tray to a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven, gently toss the mix with a metal spatula to loosen and redistribute, then spread it back into an even layer. Return to the oven and bake for another 4 minutes. Remove again and toss. Let it cool on the tray for about 15 minutes. The mixture will be soft initially but will firm up as it cools.
• Toss with Powdered Sugar: Once slightly cooled (it should still be a bit warm but not hot), transfer the snack mix to a large 2-gallon zip-top bag. Add the powdered sugar, then seal the bag, making sure to leave some air inside. Shake vigorously until the cereal is generously coated. Don’t be discouraged if it seems like there isn’t enough powdered sugar at first; continued shaking will distribute it evenly.
• Incorporate Sugar Cookie M&M’s: Pour the powdered-sugar-coated cereal back onto the baking tray, spreading it into a single, even layer. Generously sprinkle the Sugar Cookie M&M’s right on top, distributing them throughout the mix.
• Drizzle with White Chocolate: Melt your white chocolate chips with a touch of coconut oil until smooth. Transfer the melted chocolate to a small resealable plastic bag, snip off a tiny corner, and artfully drizzle it over the entire snack mix. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful visual appeal.
• Decorate and Set: If using, immediately sprinkle Christmas nonpareil sprinkles over the still-wet white chocolate. Work quickly, as white chocolate hardens fast! Once decorated, allow the mix to set completely at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour until the white chocolate and cereal are firm.

Quick Tip: When making the sugar syrup, ensure it reaches a full, rolling boil for a full minute before removing it from the heat. Don’t start your timer until it’s bubbling vigorously, not just simmering, to achieve the perfect consistency.

Ingredient Tip: If you find yourself unable to locate Sugar Cookie M&M’s, or if you’re craving this incredible snack mix outside of the holiday season, don’t despair! White chocolate chips or white chocolate crispearls make fantastic substitutes, offering a similar sweet crunch that complements the sugar cookie flavor profile beautifully.

Expert Tips for the Best Sugar Cookie Snack Mix

Achieving snack mix perfection is easy with these insider tips:

• Choose the Right Pan: For optimal results and even baking, utilize an extra-large sheet pan (approximately 15×21 inches) or opt for two standard large sheet pans. This prevents overcrowding, ensuring every piece gets perfectly crunchy.
• Cereal Choice Matters: While other cereals can be used, I highly recommend Rice Chex® cereal for this particular snack mix. Its light, crisp texture and neutral flavor beautifully absorb the sugar cookie essence without overpowering it. Corn Chex cereal can work, but I find it slightly detracts from the delicate sugar cookie taste.
• Invest in a Quality Pot: Use a heavy-duty nonstick pot with a thick bottom. This is crucial for making the sugar syrup mixture, as a heavy bottom distributes heat more evenly and prevents the syrup from scorching or burning, which can ruin the flavor.
• Mind the Syrup Expansion: Always choose a pot that is larger than you think you’ll need for the syrup. When baking soda is added, the mixture will expand and bubble significantly. Using a larger pot prevents it from overflowing. Also, ensure you’re using fresh baking soda for proper chemical reaction.
• Allow Ample Setting Time: Patience is a virtue, especially with this snack mix! The coated cereal needs adequate time to set up and harden completely. While it might be tempting to dig in right out of the oven, it will be soft and chewy. Allow at least an hour at room temperature for the cereal to become perfectly firm and crunchy.

Beyond these general tips, mastering the white chocolate drizzle is key to the aesthetic and flavor profile of your Sugar Cookie Snack Mix. Let’s dive into some specific advice for working with white chocolate effectively.

Mastering the White Chocolate Drizzle

A beautiful white chocolate drizzle not only adds a rich layer of flavor but also elevates the visual appeal of your Sugar Cookie Snack Mix. Here’s how to achieve a perfectly smooth and shiny finish:

• Choose High-Quality Chocolate: The quality of your white chocolate directly impacts both the melt and the taste. For the best results, always opt for high-quality white chocolate chips or bars. My personal favorites for smooth melting and superior flavor are Ghirardelli® and Guittard®.
• Microwave with Care: White chocolate is delicate and can burn easily if overheated. To prevent this, melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts of 30 seconds at a time. After each burst, stir the chocolate vigorously for at least 20-25 seconds. This is crucial because chocolate continues to melt even after it’s removed from the microwave due to residual heat. Continue this process until the chocolate is completely smooth and free of lumps.
• Act Quickly: Once melted, white chocolate hardens surprisingly fast. Have your snack mix ready on the tray before you start melting the chocolate. As soon as it’s smooth, immediately transfer it and begin drizzling. If you’re adding sprinkles, apply them right after the chocolate drizzle, while it’s still wet, to ensure they stick properly.
• The Piping Bag Hack: While you can certainly use a spoon to drizzle the white chocolate, I find that piping it offers much better control and creates a more even, professional-looking coating. No fancy piping bags? No problem! Simply transfer the melted white chocolate to a small, clean resealable plastic bag. Push the chocolate into one corner, then snip off a tiny piece of the very tip with scissors. Voila – an instant piping bag! This method allows for neat, consistent lines of chocolate over your irresistible snack mix.

Storing Your Sugar Cookie Snack Mix for Lasting Freshness

To keep your delicious Sugar Cookie Snack Mix at its best, proper storage is essential. Follow these guidelines to enjoy your homemade treat for days, or even months:

• Room Temperature Storage: For immediate enjoyment, store the snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature. It will maintain its delightful crunch and flavor for up to a week. However, we’ve found that it tastes freshest and best within the first 3-4 days after preparation.
• Freezing for Extended Freshness: If you’ve made a large batch or wish to prepare ahead for future events, this snack mix freezes well. Transfer it to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, ensuring as much air as possible is removed to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the mix at room temperature. Be aware that freezing may result in a slight, subtle loss of flavor intensity and a minor change in texture, but it will still be delicious!

More Festive Christmas Treats to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with the festive spirit of this Sugar Cookie Snack Mix, you’ll adore these other holiday delights, perfect for adding more cheer to your season:

• Toffee with Sugared Almond Topping: A classic rich, buttery toffee made even more decadent with a crunchy sugared almond layer.
• Charming Santa Cookies: Adorable and delicious sugar cookies adorned with festive red and green candies, bringing joy to every bite.
• DIY Christmas Sugar Cookie Kits: Fun and engaging kits featuring delightful sprinkle-filled ornaments, perfect for a holiday activity or gift.
• Decadent Honeycomb Candy: Light, airy, and brittle honeycomb candy finished with a luscious chocolate topping.
• Cozy Hot Chocolate Snack Mix: A comforting blend of sweet and savory elements, complete with white chocolate-covered marshmallows, evoking the warmth of a hot cocoa mug.

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5 from 2 votes

Sugar Cookie Snack Mix

By
Chelsea Lords

This festive Sugar Cookie Snack Mix brings all the sweet, buttery flavors of a Christmas cookie into a crunchy, irresistible treat. It’s perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or just munching by the handful!

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
10 minutes

Setting up time:
1 hour

Total Time:
1 hour 30 minutes

Servings:
12 servings

Equipment

• Large sheet pan (15″ x 21″)
• Parchment paper (or aluminum foil or a silicone baking mat)
• Medium pot

Ingredients

• 8 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into 1 tablespoon pieces
• 1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 bag Sugar Cookie M&M’s
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons Christmas nonpareil sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15×21-inch sheet pan (or 2 smaller ones) with foil, parchment paper, or a silicone baking mat and generously grease with cooking spray.
2. Add Rice Chex cereal to the lined tray and spread in an even layer.
3. In a heavy, medium pot, add butter (cut into tablespoons), brown sugar, and corn syrup. Place over medium to medium-high heat and stir constantly until the mixture comes to a rapid boil. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly, then remove from heat. Add baking soda and salt. Add vanilla extract and stir to combine. Pour over cereal on the sheet pan and, working quickly, stir until cereal is evenly coated in the syrup mixture.
4. Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the syrup-coated cereal. Do not toss to coat.
5. Bake for 5 minutes, remove from oven, and toss using a metal spatula. Spread the mixture again in an even layer. Return to oven and bake for 4 more minutes. Remove from oven and toss again. Spread in an even layer and let cool for 15 minutes.
6. Transfer snack mix into a 2-gallon sized resealable plastic bag. Add powdered sugar. Seal the bag (do not squeeze air out), then shake to coat the cereal in the mix. It may seem like not enough powdered sugar, but keep shaking; it will coat the cereal. Once the cereal is generously coated, pour it back on the sheet pan in a single layer. Sprinkle M&M’s evenly over the coated cereal.
7. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon coconut oil. Melt in bursts of 15 seconds, stirring between each burst for 15 seconds, or until the white chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Transfer melted chocolate to a small resealable plastic bag and seal without any air. Cut off the very tip with scissors and pipe evenly over the snack mix until all the mix is coated. Immediately add sprinkles if using. Let stand 30 minutes to an hour to harden.

Recipe Notes

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. It’s best enjoyed within 3–4 days. You can freeze it in an airtight container/bag for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature. There is a slight flavor and texture loss after freezing.

Nutrition

Calories: 948kcal |
Carbohydrates: 190g |
Protein: 12g |
Fat: 17g |
Saturated Fat: 10g |
Cholesterol: 25mg |
Sodium: 1515mg |
Potassium: 341mg |
Fiber: 7g |
Sugar: 69g |
Vitamin A: 3173IU |
Vitamin C: 35mg |
Calcium: 642mg |
Iron: 53mg

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