Pin it A crunchy, sweet-and-savory snack mix inspired by the shape and flavors of pine cones—perfect for holiday gatherings or winter celebrations.
This festive pine cone snack mix is a favorite at our holiday parties and always disappears quickly!
Ingredients
- Base: 3 cups mini pretzel twists, 2 cups rice cereal squares (such as Chex), 1 cup roasted almonds, 1 cup honey-roasted peanuts
- Coating: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/3 cup brown sugar packed, 1/4 cup honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Garnish: 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pretzel twists, rice cereal squares, almonds, and honey-roasted peanuts.
- Step 3:
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, honey, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is slightly thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Step 4:
- Pour the warm coating evenly over the snack mix. Gently toss until everything is well coated.
- Step 5:
- Spread the mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Step 6:
- Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the slightly cooled mix so they stick but don't melt completely.
- Step 7:
- Once completely cool, dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
- Step 8:
- Serve in a large bowl or portion into small cups for individual servings.
Pin it Sharing this snack has created many joyful moments with family during the holidays.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, saucepan, wooden spoon or spatula, baking sheet, parchment paper
Allergen Information
Contains tree nuts (almonds), peanuts, dairy (butter), gluten (pretzels cereal). May contain soy (check chocolate chips and cereal labels). Always verify ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 270, Total Fat 13 g, Carbohydrates 34 g, Protein 5 g
Pin it This snack mix is a festive treat that combines sweet and savory perfectly.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients give this snack its crunch?
The combination of mini pretzel twists, rice cereal squares, and roasted nuts creates a satisfying crunchy texture.
- → How is the sweet coating prepared?
Butter is melted and mixed with brown sugar, honey, vanilla, and cinnamon, then simmered briefly to dissolve sugar before being poured over the snack mix.
- → Can I replace nuts for allergies?
You can substitute nuts with pumpkin seeds to make it suitable for nut-free preferences.
- → What gives the snack its snowy appearance?
A final dusting of powdered sugar is added once cooled, giving a festive snowy effect on top of the chocolate chips.
- → How should this snack be served?
Serve the mix in a large bowl or portion it into small cups for easy sharing at gatherings.
- → Any suggestions to vary flavors?
Adding dried cranberries lends a tart twist, and pairing with hot cocoa or mulled cider enhances the festive experience.