Hot Chocolate Snack Mix Recipe
Hot Chocolate Snack Mix is a delightful and cozy treat combining crunchy Chocolate Chex cereal coated in a sweet cocoa and powdered sugar mix, creamy melted milk chocolate, and indulgent white chocolate-coated marshmallows. Perfect as a shareable snack or festive party mix, it delivers a deliciously chocolaty flavor with varied textures and optional fun additions like Sno-Cap candies and broken pirouette cookies.
- Author: lea
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling and setting time)
- Yield: 10 servings (as a snack/shared treat) 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Snack Mix
- 8 cups Chocolate Chex cereal
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup hot chocolate mix with marshmallows (about 1½ 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
- ½ cup dehydrated marshmallows
- 1 cup Sno-Cap candies
- 1 cup coarsely broken pirouette cookies
- 1 cup miniature chocolate chips
- Prepare the setup: Line a large sheet pan with silicone baking mat or parchment paper and set aside. Set out a large 2-gallon freezer bag and a very large mixing bowl.
- Measure cereal: Pour the 8 cups of Chocolate Chex cereal into the large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Combine coating mixture: In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup powdered sugar and 1/3 cup hot chocolate mix with marshmallows until evenly combined. Pour this mixture into the prepared freezer bag.
- Melt milk chocolate coating: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, add 2 cups milk chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons coconut oil. Microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring well after each burst, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Coat cereal: Pour the melted milk chocolate over the cereal in the large bowl. Gently stir the cereal to evenly coat all pieces with chocolate.
- Mix coated cereal with sugar mixture: Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into the freezer bag containing the powdered sugar and hot cocoa mixture. Seal the bag without squeezing out air, then shake thoroughly to coat the cereal evenly.
- Set coated cereal aside: Once coated, pour the cereal back into the large mixing or serving bowl and set aside.
- Melt white chocolate for marshmallows: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon coconut oil. Microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
- Coat marshmallows: Stir 2 cups miniature marshmallows into the melted white chocolate until well coated.
- Set marshmallows: Spread the white chocolate-coated marshmallows evenly on the prepared sheet pan. Chill in the fridge or freezer for about 10 minutes, or let stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes, until the chocolate is set. Once firm, gently break apart into bite-sized clusters.
- Combine all components: Add the marshmallow clusters into the bowl with the coated cereal. If desired, mix in optional additions such as dehydrated marshmallows, Sno-Cap candies, broken pirouette cookies, or extra miniature chocolate chips for variety.
- Serve or store: Enjoy the snack mix immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness. For longer storage, freeze mix without marshmallows up to 3 months.
Notes
- Use fresh Chocolate Chex cereal for maximum crunchiness.
- Choose high-quality chocolate chips like Ghirardelli or Guittard for the best melting and flavor.
- Melt chocolate in microwave-safe glass bowls, avoiding plastic.
- Use fresh, soft miniature marshmallows for the best texture in the mix.
- To reduce sweetness, swap milk chocolate chips for semi-sweet or dark chocolate and use Rice Chex instead of Chocolate Chex cereal.
- Optional additions include dehydrated marshmallows, Sno-Cap candies, broken pirouette cookies, or extra miniature chocolate chips to customize texture and flavor.
- Store the mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to one week; it’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days.
- Freeze leftovers (without marshmallows) up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before eating.
- Because of the marshmallows, the mix is best eaten the same day it is made for optimal texture.
Keywords: hot chocolate snack mix, chocolate Chex snack, festive snack mix, holiday snack, marshmallow snack mix, sweet snack mix, chocolate snack mix