Hot Chocolate Snack Mix
There’s nothing quite like cozying up with a bowl of Hot Chocolate Snack Mix during the chilly winter months. Imagine this: a snowy evening, the fireplace crackling softly, and the delightful aroma of chocolate wafting through the air. That’s when I first decided to whip up this irresistible treat for a gathering of friends. The idea was simple; I wanted something that captured the essence of hot chocolate but in a snackable form. As I mixed the rich chocolate flavors with crunchy cereal, I instantly knew I was onto something special. This mix is not just a snack; it’s a celebration of warmth, comfort, and sweet indulgence. You’ll find that the combination of textures and flavors creates a party in your mouth, making it perfect for movie nights, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy evening at home. So, grab a bowl and join me in enjoying this delightful creation!
Recipe Snapshot
20 mins
20 mins
0 mins
Medium
250 kcal
2 g
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP
10 g
Large sheet pan (15″ x 21″), Silicone baking mat or parchment paper
The Appeal of This Hot Chocolate Snack Mix
It’s All About the Chocolate
What makes Hot Chocolate Snack Mix truly stand out is its chocolatey goodness. With rich milk chocolate and creamy white chocolate, each bite brings a taste of your favorite hot cocoa. The melted chocolate coats the cereal perfectly, ensuring that every crunchy piece is deliciously chocolatey.
Customizable and Fun
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences by adding different toppings or flavors. Want a bit more crunch? Toss in some nuts. Looking for a fruity twist? Add dried fruit. The possibilities are endless, making it a fun project for everyone!
Perfect for Sharing
Gathering with friends or family? Hot Chocolate Snack Mix is a fantastic option for sharing. You can prepare a big batch and serve it in a large bowl, allowing everyone to dig in. It’s a great way to spark conversations and create memories around the snack table.
Great for Any Occasion
This snack mix is not just for winter; although it shines brightest during the colder months, it can be enjoyed year-round. Whether it’s a birthday party, movie night, or holiday celebration, this mix fits right in. It’s even a great choice for a casual get-together or a cozy night in.
Kid-Friendly and Easy to Make
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. Kids can help! They’ll love pouring the chocolate over the cereal and shaking the bag to coat everything. It’s a fun way to get them involved in the kitchen, and they’ll be excited to enjoy their creation afterward.
Storage Made Easy
If you have any leftovers, which is rare, Hot Chocolate Snack Mix stores beautifully in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for longer-lasting enjoyment, allowing you to have a sweet treat at your fingertips at any time.
What Goes Into Hot Chocolate Snack Mix

The ingredients for Hot Chocolate Snack Mix are all about creating a deliciously sweet and crunchy experience. Each component plays a vital role in delivering that cozy chocolate flavor we all love. From the crunchy cereal to the rich chocolates, these key players come together to make your snack time unforgettable.
- 8 cups Chocolate Chex cereal: The base of this mix, bringing a satisfying crunch and a hint of chocolate.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delightful coating.
- 1/3 cup hot chocolate mix with marshmallows: Infuses the mix with rich chocolate flavor and a hint of nostalgia.
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips: This melted chocolate creates a creamy layer that binds everything together.
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil: Used for melting the chocolate smoothly, enhancing the overall flavor.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips: Offers a sweet contrast to the milk chocolate.
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil: Helps the white chocolate melt evenly.
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows: Adds a fun, chewy texture that mimics the marshmallows in hot cocoa.
- Optional additions: Consider adding 1/2 cup dehydrated marshmallows, 1 cup Sno-Cap candies, or 1 cup coarsely broken-up pirouette cookies for extra flair and flavor!
Directions for Hot Chocolate Snack Mix

Creating Hot Chocolate Snack Mix is a fun and straightforward process. Each step is designed to ensure you get that perfect mix of flavors and textures. Let’s dive into these simple directions!
- Start by lining a large sheet pan with either a silicone liner or parchment paper. This will prevent the mix from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Set this aside for later.
- Gather your tools: a large (2-gallon) freezer bag and a very large bowl. This will help you mix everything evenly.
- Measure out 8 cups of Chocolate Chex cereal and pour it into the large bowl. This cereal will be the star of your mix, so be generous with it.
- In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup of hot cocoa mix and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Stir them together until well mixed, then pour this mixture into the prepared freezer bag.
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, add 2 cups of milk chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Microwave this mixture in bursts of 15 seconds, stirring between each until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. This melting technique helps prevent any burning.
- Once your chocolate is melted and creamy, pour it over the cereal in the large bowl. Gently stir to ensure that each piece is generously coated in the melted chocolate, creating a delightful blend of flavors.
- Next, transfer the coated cereal into the bag containing the powdered sugar and hot cocoa mix. Seal the bag tightly, making sure not to squeeze out the air. Then, shake the bag until the cereal is beautifully coated in the mix. This step is crucial for achieving that sweet, chocolatey flavor throughout.
- Once everything is well coated, pour the cereal back into the large bowl or a serving bowl. Set aside while you prepare the white chocolate marshmallows.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of white chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Melt this mixture just like you did with the milk chocolate, in bursts of 15 seconds, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in 2 cups of miniature marshmallows into the melted white chocolate until they are well coated. This adds that fantastic chewy texture to your mix.
- Spread the marshmallow mixture onto the prepared pan and let it cool. You can refrigerate it for about 10 minutes or let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes until the chocolate is fully set.
- Once set, gently break apart the marshmallows and add them to the bowl with the cereal mixture. If you want to get fancy, feel free to add any other toppings you like, such as dehydrated marshmallows or broken-up cookies.
- Give everything a good mix to ensure even distribution, and your Hot Chocolate Snack Mix is ready to enjoy!
Things Worth Knowing
- Chocolate Quality: Use high-quality chocolate for melting. It makes a significant difference in flavor and texture.
- Mixing Techniques: Be gentle when mixing the cereal with the chocolate to prevent crushing the pieces.
- Cooling Time: Allow enough time for the melted chocolate to set; this ensures a better texture once cooled.
- Serving Ideas: This mix can be served in individual treat bags for parties or as holiday gifts.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavored chocolates to switch up the taste!
Customization Ideas

One of the joys of making Hot Chocolate Snack Mix is how easy it is to customize. You can adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand or to match your taste preferences.
- Add nuts: Consider adding 1 cup of mixed nuts for an extra crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Use different cereals: Feel free to swap Chocolate Chex for other types of cereal, like Rice Krispies or Cheerios.
- Experiment with chocolates: Use dark chocolate or even flavored chocolates, like mint, for a unique twist.
- Add spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavors and add warmth.
- Incorporate dried fruits: Toss in 1 cup of dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity contrast.
- Make it festive: During holidays, add festive sprinkles or colored chocolate to make it more visually appealing.
- Gift it: Package it nicely in mason jars as gifts for friends or family.
Perfect Pairings for Hot Chocolate Snack Mix
While Hot Chocolate Snack Mix is a delightful treat on its own, there are plenty of ways to enjoy it alongside other accompaniments. Let’s explore some perfect pairings.
- Cozy Beverages: Pair it with a warm cup of cocoa or a rich hot chocolate for a double chocolate experience.
- Movie Nights: This mix makes for the perfect movie snack; serve it alongside classic films or family movie nights.
- Parties and Gatherings: Offer it as a fun snack option during parties, giving guests a sweet treat to munch on.
- Seasonal Celebrations: Serve during winter holidays as a festive addition to your dessert table.
- Lunch Box Treat: Pack some in lunch boxes for a sweet surprise during the day.
- Picnics: It’s also a great snack to bring along for picnics, offering a sweet bite outdoors.
- Gift Idea: Package it in decorative jars with a ribbon as a charming gift for neighbors or friends.
FAQ
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hot Chocolate Snack Mix is the perfect blend of sweet, chocolatey goodness and crunch that makes it a versatile snack for any occasion. Its easy preparation and customizable nature mean you can make it your own. I encourage you to try making this delightful mix yourself for your next gathering or cozy night in. It’s sure to be a hit!

Hot Chocolate Snack Mix
Equipment
- Large sheet pan (15″ x 21″)
- Silicone baking mat or parchment paper
Ingredients
- 8 cups Chocolate Chex cereal
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup Hot chocolate mix with marshmallows
- 2 cups Milk chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons Coconut oil
- 1 cup White chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon Coconut oil
- 2 cups Miniature marshmallows
- Optional additions Consider adding 1/2 cup dehydrated marshmallows, 1 cup Sno-Cap candies, or 1 cup coarsely broken up pirouette cookies.
Instructions
- Start by lining a large sheet pan with either a silicone liner or parchment paper. This will prevent the mix from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Set this aside for later.
- Gather your tools: a large (2-gallon) freezer bag and a very large bowl. This will help you mix everything evenly.
- Measure out 8 cups of Chocolate Chex cereal and pour it into the large bowl. This cereal will be the star of your mix, so be generous with it.
- In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup of hot cocoa mix and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Stir them together until well mixed, then pour this mixture into the prepared freezer bag.
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, add 2 cups of milk chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Microwave this mixture in bursts of 15 seconds, stirring between each until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. This melting technique helps prevent any burning.
- Once your chocolate is melted and creamy, pour it over the cereal in the large bowl. Gently stir to ensure that each piece is generously coated in the melted chocolate, creating a delightful blend of flavors.
- Next, transfer the coated cereal into the bag containing the powdered sugar and hot cocoa mix. Seal the bag tightly, making sure not to squeeze out the air. Then, shake the bag until the cereal is beautifully coated in the mix. This step is crucial for achieving that sweet, chocolatey flavor throughout.
- Once everything is well coated, pour the cereal back into the large bowl or a serving bowl. Set aside while you prepare the white chocolate marshmallows.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of white chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Melt this mixture just like you did with the milk chocolate, in bursts of 15 seconds, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in 2 cups of miniature marshmallows into the melted white chocolate until they are well coated. This adds that fantastic chewy texture to your mix.
- Spread the marshmallow mixture onto the prepared pan and let it cool. You can refrigerate it for about 10 minutes or let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes until the chocolate is fully set.
- Once set, gently break apart the marshmallows and add them to the bowl with the cereal mixture. If you want to get fancy, feel free to add any other toppings you like, such as dehydrated marshmallows or broken-up cookies.
- Give everything a good mix to ensure even distribution, and your Hot Chocolate Snack Mix is ready to enjoy!
Notes
- Optional additions: Consider adding 1/2 cup dehydrated marshmallows, 1 cup Sno-Cap candies, or 1 cup coarsely broken up pirouette cookies.
- Nutritional information: This information is for approximately one-cup servings.
- Storage: Because of the marshmallows in this mix, it is best enjoyed the same day it is made. Without marshmallows, it can last up to a week stored at room temperature in airtight containers.
- Freezing: Leftover snack mix can be frozen in an airtight container or plastic bag for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature.


