Gingerbread Party Mix Snack

This irresistible gingerbread party mix is that sweetly spiced snack everyone hovers over during winter gatherings. The crunchy cereal and pretzels hold a cozy gingerbread glaze, and every batch disappears as quickly as it cools. The combination of gingersnap pieces and a drizzle of white chocolate makes it just festive enough for a holiday movie night or homemade food gift.

You would not believe how fast this gets devoured when friends drop by I started making it for neighborhood cookie swaps and now I quadruple the batch every December

Ingredients

• Corn Chex: Choose fresh whole grain cereal for extra crunch
• Cinnamon Chex: Brings a mild sweet warmth and complements the spices
• Mini pretzels: Go for crisp and salty ones to offset all the sweetness
• Butter: Use real unsalted butter for richer flavor and even toasting
• Packed brown sugar: Lends deeper sweetness and a molasses-like caramel note dark brown works best
• Molasses: Unsulphured dark molasses gives that traditional gingerbread flavor avoid blackstrap for less bitterness
• Ground cinnamon: Pick freshly opened cinnamon for the boldest spice hit
• Ground ginger: Make sure it is fragrant for that zippy warmth
• Cloves: Adds intense spiciness use a light hand as it is potent
• Gingersnap cookies: Crunchy is key so they do not get soggy in the mix
• White chocolate melting wafers: They melt smoothly and create a candy shell regular chips can clump
• Sprinkles: Optional but perfect for a pop of color and texture

Instructions

Prep the Base:

Combine the Corn Chex Cinnamon Chex and mini pretzels in a large mixing bowl Use your hands and a broad spatula to gently toss everything so pieces mix evenly This ensures every handful has a good mix of crunch and flavor

Make the Gingerbread Glaze:

In a small microwave-safe bowl add the butter brown sugar molasses cinnamon ginger and cloves Microwave uncovered for one to one and a half minutes Stir briskly after the first minute to melt the butter and dissolve the sugars The mixture should look glossy and smooth and smell intensely spiced

Coat the Mix:

Pour the hot spiced glaze over the cereal mixture immediately Toss with a rubber spatula lifting from the bottom so each piece gets a shiny coating Work quickly before the mix cools or the syrup can pool at the bottom

Bake for Crunch:

Turn the coated mixture onto a parchment lined baking sheet and spread it out evenly Bake at 250 degrees F for 10 minutes and stir well at the halfway mark Stay close to the oven because the mix browns fast and burning can happen in minutes

Cool and Add Cookies:

Remove from the oven and let the party mix cool completely Add the gingersnap cookie pieces by hand and toss gently so cookies do not crumble or lose their crisp

White Chocolate Drizzle:

Melt the white chocolate wafers in a clean microwave safe bowl using 30 second bursts Stir until perfectly smooth Pour into a piping bag or ziptop plastic bag Snip a tiny end and drizzle in quick zigzags back and forth across the cooled party mix

Decorate and Set:

Immediately add sprinkles if using The chocolate sets fast Once everything is set and dry break the party mix apart carefully and transfer to jars or resealable bags for storage

My favorite part of this recipe is the way the gingersnap cookies punch up the old-fashioned nostalgia My kids love crushing the cookies and the bits hidden throughout are always a sweet surprise Last year my niece helped with the chocolate drizzle and now it is her special job each holiday bake

Storage Tips

Once the party mix is dry and broken up store it in airtight containers at room temperature to keep everything crunchy It stays fresh at least five days but I rarely have any left that long Moisture is the enemy so do not refrigerate or it can get soft

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a nutty twist use honey nut or vanilla Chex instead of cinnamon Chex Gluten-free pretzels work well too If you do not have gingersnap cookies try graham crackers with extra cinnamon Use good quality dark chocolate for the drizzle if white is not your thing

Serving Suggestions

This snack mix travels beautifully for road trips holiday movie marathons or school parties I have layered it in clear treat bags tied with ribbon for thoughtful handmade gifts It is also a hit on cheese boards alongside salty nuts and apple chips

Cultural Context

Gingerbread flavors have centuries-old roots in European winter festivals where spiced honey cakes were a symbol of warmth in cold months This party mix captures that same comfort in a form everyone can grab by the handful

Seasonal Adaptations

Omit sprinkles and use chopped dried cranberries or pistachios for autumn Add red and green sprinkles or mini candy canes for extra holiday color Swap white chocolate for dark and add orange zest for a grownup twist

This gingerbread party mix is the kind of festive snack that will become a new holiday classic. Whip up a batch and see how quickly it disappears from the snack table.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different types of cereal?

Yes, you can substitute Corn Chex and Cinnamon Chex with other crunchy cereals you have on hand.

→ Do I need to use white chocolate?

No, but the melted white chocolate adds sweetness and helps hold the mix together. You can skip it or use milk or dark chocolate as an alternative.

→ How should I store this snack mix?

Once the mix has cooled and chocolate is set, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can this be made ahead for parties?

Absolutely. Prepare a day or two in advance for easy serving at gatherings or as edible gifts.

→ Are there nut-free options?

This mix contains no nuts as written. Double-check ingredients to ensure safety if making for those with allergies.