This sticky sweet and salty Chex mix has been my holiday lifesaver for years. I first made it the winter I decided to bring something irresistible to a neighborhood cookie swap and, predictably, it vanished before I could snap a decent photo. It earned the affectionate name "Christmas Crack" in our family because once you start, you simply cannot stop. The contrast between warm buttery caramel, crunchy cereal, and salty nuts creates the kind of flavor rush that makes gatherings feel festive and indulgent.

I discovered the balance for this mix after several tries: enough butter and corn syrup to create a glossy coating that adheres to every piece, but not so much that the mix turns into a rigid brittle. The texture is a little sticky, the crunch of the Chex gives way to tender but firm nuts, and the M&Ms add melty chocolate pockets and holiday color. I love making a double batch to gift in wide-mouth mason jars tied with red ribbon. It travels well, keeps its charm for several days, and remains a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether served at a party or packed into a lunchbox for a small holiday treat.

Ingredients

• Unsalted or Salted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks). I use salted butter for a more pronounced savory edge, but unsalted works if you prefer controlling the salt yourself. European-style butter will add a richer flavor.
• Light Corn Syrup: 1 1/2 cups. This is the backbone of the glossy, sticky coating. Light corn syrup gives neutral sweetness and keeps the mix pliable rather than brittle.
• Granulated Sugar: 1 1/2 cups. Adds caramelization and body to the syrup. Use regular granulated sugar; superfine will dissolve quicker but is not essential.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons. Adds depth and rounds out the caramel notes — do not substitute imitation vanilla if you can help it.
• Salted Cashews and/or Peanuts: 1 1/2 cups, or to taste. I prefer a mix of cashews and peanuts for contrast. If using unsalted nuts, add a pinch of flaky sea salt to taste.
• Corn Chex Cereal: 8 cups. This quantity equals roughly two 12-ounce boxes measured to 8 cups. Use Corn Chex for a light, airy crunch; wheat Chex will be denser.
• Christmas M&Ms (Optional): 1 to 1 1/2 cups. Add after the mixture cools slightly so the candy shells do not split and chocolate does not melt throughout.

Instructions

Melt the Butter: Place 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Allow the butter to melt completely and begin to bubble gently so you have an even heating surface. Watch carefully to prevent browning; you want liquid butter as the base for the syrup. Add Sugar and Corn Syrup: Stir in 1 1/2 cups light corn syrup and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar. Bring the mixture to a steady boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar. When the surface is covered in bubbles, begin a 3-minute timer and stir intermittently so the caramel cooks evenly without scorching. Caramelize and Finish: After 3 minutes of boiling, the syrup should have thickened into a caramel consistency. Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Stir briskly to incorporate and stop any further cooking from residual heat. Coat the Nuts: Add 1 1/2 cups salted cashews and/or peanuts to the hot caramel and stir to coat thoroughly. Coating the nuts first helps them distribute flavor through the cereal when combined and prevents them from sinking or clumping later. Toss with Cereal: Grease a large mixing bowl and a large baking sheet with nonstick spray. Place 8 cups corn Chex into the greased bowl. Pour the hot syrup-and-nut mixture over the cereal and gently fold with a spatula or wooden spoon until pieces are evenly coated. Work quickly but carefully — the syrup will be hot. Add M&Ms and Cool: Allow the coated cereal to cool for several minutes in the bowl until it is warm but not hot; this prevents the candy shells from splitting. When the mix is slightly cooled, fold in 1 to 1 1/2 cups Christmas M&Ms. Spread the mixture across the greased baking sheet in a thin layer and let cool completely. The mix will set but remain pleasantly sticky.

Storage Tips

Store cooled mix in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 5 days. Use wide-mouth jars or gallon ziplock bags to avoid crushing. If you need longer storage, freeze portions in resealable bags for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature when ready to serve. To refresh slightly stale pieces, spread the mix on a baking sheet and warm in a 250 degrees F oven for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring once, then cool before serving to re-crisp without melting the M&Ms.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a different nut profile swap the cashews and peanuts for chopped almonds or walnuts at a 1:1 ratio. For a nut-free version, increase the cereal to 10 cups and add 1 cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch. To avoid corn syrup, make a baked caramel using butter and brown sugar on low heat, but know that texture will be slightly firmer and you will lose some of the characteristic chewiness that corn syrup provides.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this as a party snack in decorative bowls, or portion into small treat bags tied with ribbon for gifts. It pairs beautifully with hot cocoa or mulled cider during cold-weather gatherings. For a plated dessert, sprinkle several tablespoons over vanilla ice cream and add a drizzle of warmed caramel for a festive sundae. Garnish with a few whole nuts or extra M&Ms for color.

Cultural Background

Sweet and salty snack mixes are a staple in American holiday traditions, often appearing at potlucks and family gatherings. This version borrows from the classic American practice of candying nuts and pairing them with cereal for textural contrast. The name "Christmas Crack" references the addictive quality of many holiday confections and reflects how such snacks become part of seasonal rituals and neighborly gift exchanges.

Seasonal Adaptations

For Thanksgiving, swap in autumn-colored candies and a pinch of cinnamon. At Valentine’s Day, use pink and red candy-coated chocolates. Summer picnics benefit from omitting M&Ms to avoid melting, and adding dried fruit like cherries or cranberries after the mix cools for a tart counterpoint. Adjust nut types and candy colors to match the season or occasion.

Meal Prep Tips

Make a double batch and portion into 8-ounce containers for grab-and-go snacks through the week. For holiday gifting, measure 2-cup portions into wide-mouth mason jars, pressing lightly to compact, then seal and add decorative labels. Label jars with storage instructions and allergy notes. If preparing well in advance, freeze finished jars and thaw a day before gifting to ensure freshness.

Every time I make this mix someone asks for the recipe and a jar to take home. It’s simple, flexible, and reliably adored — the best kind of treat to keep on hand through the holiday season. Try it once and you’ll see why it’s a family tradition.