Christmas Caramel Corn Snack Mix – Sweet, Crunchy, and Perfect for Gifting

This Christmas Caramel Corn Snack Mix is the ultimate sweet and salty holiday treat. It combines buttery caramel corn, pretzels, pecans, Chex cereal, and cashews into one irresistible, crunchy mix. Coated in a homemade caramel glaze and baked until golden, every bite is perfectly crisp, buttery, and addictive.

It’s easy to make, keeps beautifully, and makes a wonderful edible gift for friends, neighbors, and family. Whether you’re serving it at a Christmas party or packaging it up for gifts, this mix brings festive joy in every handful.

What Is Christmas Caramel Corn Snack Mix

Christmas Caramel Corn Snack Mix is a combination of caramel popcorn, crunchy cereal, pretzels, and nuts all tossed in a buttery caramel sauce and baked to perfection. The caramel hardens into a glossy coating that keeps everything crunchy and delicious.

It’s a cross between caramel corn and a sweet snack mix, with the perfect balance of salty pretzels and rich caramel sweetness.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this festive snack mix because it’s:

• Perfectly crunchy and caramelized
• Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
• Great for holiday gifting and parties
• A fun mix of sweet, salty, and buttery flavors
• Customizable with your favorite add-ins

It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone grabs by the handful — crunchy, golden, and just the right amount of sweet.

How Does It Taste

Every bite has layers of flavor and texture. The caramel is buttery and slightly crisp, the pretzels add salt and crunch, the pecans and cashews bring richness, and the popcorn keeps it light.

It’s festive, addictive, and tastes like Christmas in a bowl.

Health & Ingredient Benefits

This mix uses whole grain cereal and popcorn for extra crunch and fiber. Nuts add protein and healthy fats, while the caramel brings that indulgent holiday sweetness. The recipe makes a big batch, perfect for sharing or gifting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 8 cups popped popcorn (about 1/3 cup unpopped kernels)
• 3 cups Rice or Corn Chex cereal
• 2 cups small pretzels
• 1 cup pecan halves
• 1 cup roasted cashews or peanuts
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup light corn syrup or honey
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Saucepan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Two large baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Optional Add-Ins & Variations

• Holiday touch: Add red and green M&Ms after baking.
• Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate for a festive look.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne to the caramel for sweet heat.
• Nut-free version: Use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
• Extra crunch: Mix in pretzel sticks or honey-roasted peanuts.

How to Make

1. Preheat oven: Set oven to 250°F (120°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix base: In a large bowl, combine popcorn, Chex cereal, pretzels, pecans, and cashews.
3. Make caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 4–5 minutes without stirring.
4. Finish caramel: Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla. The mixture will bubble slightly.
5. Coat mix: Pour caramel over the popcorn mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
6. Bake: Spread onto baking sheets and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes for even coating.
7. Cool and serve: Let cool completely. Break apart into clusters and store in airtight containers.

What to Serve With

Serve this Christmas Caramel Corn Snack Mix alongside hot cocoa, apple cider, or coffee for a cozy holiday snack. It’s also great as a movie night treat or packed into jars or bags for homemade holiday gifts.

Why It’s Perfect for the Holidays

This recipe makes a big batch that’s perfect for sharing. It’s budget-friendly, looks beautiful when packaged, and fills your home with the smell of buttery caramel while it bakes. It’s a classic holiday favorite that never goes out of style.

Tips for Success

• Use freshly popped popcorn for the best crunch.
• Don’t skip stirring while baking to ensure even coating.
• Allow it to cool completely before storing to keep it crisp.
• Store in airtight containers to prevent moisture.
• Add candies or drizzle chocolate after it cools.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking caramel: It can burn quickly, so remove it as soon as it turns golden.
• Skipping the baking step: Baking helps the caramel harden and stay crunchy.
• Adding candy too early: Wait until after baking so chocolate doesn’t melt.
• Not stirring enough: Stirring ensures everything gets evenly coated.

How to Store & Gift

Store in airtight containers or resealable bags for up to 2 weeks. For gifting, package in festive tins, mason jars, or clear treat bags tied with ribbon. It stays fresh and crisp for days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without nuts?
Yes. Simply replace nuts with extra pretzels or popcorn.

Can I make it in the microwave?
You can make the caramel on the stove, then microwave the mix for 2–3 rounds of 2 minutes, stirring between each.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Homemade caramel gives the best texture and flavor, but store-bought can work in a pinch if heated and poured immediately.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use two large baking sheets and rotate them halfway through baking.

Nutritional Info (approximate per 1 cup serving)

Calories: 280 | Fat: 16g | Carbs: 32g | Protein: 4g | Sugar: 19g | Sodium: 150mg

Conclusion

This Christmas Caramel Corn Snack Mix is the perfect combination of sweet, salty, buttery, and crunchy. It’s simple to make, fun to share, and guaranteed to become a holiday tradition.

Whether you serve it at your Christmas party, gift it to neighbors, or enjoy it with family by the fire, this festive mix brings all the cozy holiday joy in one delicious handful.

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November 8, 2025 by Melissa