Introduction

This Hot Chocolate Snack Mix is a delightful and cozy treat perfect for chilly days or holiday gatherings. Combining chocolate-coated cereal with marshmallows and a dusting of hot cocoa mix, it delivers a sweet, crunchy, and comforting snack that everyone will love.

A large round wooden bowl is filled with a mix of small, square, chocolate brown cereal pieces as the base layer. Scattered on top are tiny white mini marshmallows and small dark chocolate chips, adding a mix of white and dark brown colors and smooth textures. Light brown rolled wafer sticks with darker stripes are spread throughout, some broken, giving a crunchy texture on the surface. Dollops of creamy white substance, likely yogurt or cream, are placed unevenly on top, adding a soft and smooth contrast to the mix. The bowl is set on a white marbled texture with some marshmallows, chocolate chips, and wafer sticks casually scattered around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 cups Chocolate Chex cereal
1 cup powdered sugar
1/3 cup hot chocolate mix (with marshmallows, about 1 and 1/2 packets)
2 cups milk chocolate chips
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil
2 cups miniature marshmallows
Optional additions: dehydrated marshmallows, Sno-Cap candies, broken up pirouette cookies

Instructions

Step 1: Line a large sheet pan with a silicone liner or parchment paper and set aside. Prepare a large (2-gallon) freezer bag and a very large bowl.
Step 2: Measure the Chocolate Chex cereal into the large bowl and set aside.
Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the hot chocolate mix and powdered sugar, then pour the mixture into the prepared freezer bag.
Step 4: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the milk chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring for 15 seconds between each, until smooth and fully melted.
Step 5: Pour the melted milk chocolate over the cereal and gently stir to thoroughly coat the cereal.
Step 6: Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into the freezer bag with the powdered sugar and hot cocoa mix. Seal the bag without squeezing out the air and shake well to coat the cereal evenly. Pour the coated cereal back into a large serving bowl.
Step 7: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon coconut oil following the same method as before until smooth.
Step 8: Stir the miniature marshmallows into the melted white chocolate until well coated. Spread them evenly on the prepared sheet pan.
Step 9: Chill the marshmallows in the fridge or freezer for about 10 minutes, or let them set at room temperature for 30 minutes until the chocolate hardens. Break them gently apart and add to the serving bowl with the cereal.
Step 10: If desired, mix in optional toppings such as dehydrated marshmallows, Sno-Cap candies, or broken pirouette cookies for added texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

For a richer chocolate flavor, try using dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.
Use organic or homemade hot cocoa mix for a more natural and customizable taste.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the hot cocoa mix for a subtle spicy kick.
If you’re allergic to coconut oil, substitute with unsalted butter or a neutral oil like vegetable oil.
To make this snack mix gluten-free, confirm that the cereal and additions are certified gluten-free.

Storage

Store the snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keep it away from heat and humidity to prevent the chocolate from melting or becoming sticky. If the chocolate softens, let the mix cool in the fridge briefly before serving. This mix is best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen for up to a month—thaw at room temperature before eating.

How to Serve

A white cup filled with a mix of square-shaped cereal pieces in light brown and dark brown colors, combined with small white marshmallows scattered throughout. The cereal pieces have a rough, waffle-like texture, and the marshmallows have a soft, smooth surface. Some cereal and marshmallows spill outside the cup onto a white marbled textured background, creating a casual and inviting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cereal for this snack mix?

Yes, you can substitute Chocolate Chex with other cereals like Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or even plain crunchy cereals to change the texture and flavor, but the chocolate coating works best on sturdy, crispy cereals.

What is the best way to melt chocolate without burning it?

Melting chocolate in short bursts of 15 seconds in the microwave with stirring in between helps prevent burning. Alternatively, use a double boiler on the stove with low heat and stir frequently until smooth.

Hot Chocolate Snack Mix Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 56 reviews

This Hot Chocolate Snack Mix is a delightful treat perfect for cozying up during chilly days. Combining crunchy Chocolate Chex cereal coated in melted milk chocolate and powdered hot cocoa mix with sweetened white chocolate-coated miniature marshmallows, this snack offers a perfect balance of chocolatey richness and marshmallow sweetness. Easy to prepare and customizable with optional add-ins, it’s ideal for parties, gift-giving, or satisfying chocolate cravings.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Approximately 10 cups 1x
Category: Snack
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Snack Mix

8 cups Chocolate Chex cereal
1 cup powdered sugar
⅓ cup hot chocolate mix (with marshmallows, about 1½ packets)

Milk Chocolate Coating

2 cups milk chocolate chips
2 tablespoons coconut oil

White Chocolate Coating for Marshmallows

1 cup white chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil

Marshmallows and Optional Add-ins

2 cups miniature marshmallows
Optional additions such as dehydrated marshmallows, Sno-Cap candies, or broken-up pirouette cookies

Instructions

Prepare: Line a large sheet pan with a silicone liner or parchment paper and set aside. Also, set out a large 2-gallon freezer bag and a very large bowl for mixing.
Measure Cereal: Pour the 8 cups of Chocolate Chex cereal into the large bowl and set it aside.
Combine Powdered Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the hot chocolate mix and powdered sugar until well combined. Pour this mixture into the prepared freezer bag.
Melt Milk Chocolate: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring thoroughly between bursts, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
Coat Cereal: Pour the melted milk chocolate mixture over the cereal in the large bowl. Gently stir to generously coat all the cereal pieces.
Mix Cereal with Powdered Mix: Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into the freezer bag containing the powdered sugar and hot cocoa mixture. Seal the bag without squeezing out the air and shake well to coat the cereal evenly. Pour the coated cereal back into a large serving bowl and set aside.
Coat Marshmallows with White Chocolate: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil using 15-second microwave bursts, stirring between each until smooth. Stir the miniature marshmallows into the melted white chocolate until they are well coated.
Set Marshmallows: Spread the white chocolate-coated marshmallows evenly on the prepared sheet pan. Refrigerate or freeze for about 10 minutes, or allow to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes until the white chocolate has fully set. Once set, gently break apart the marshmallows and add them to the serving bowl with the coated cereal.
Finish: If desired, add any optional toppings such as dehydrated marshmallows, Sno-Cap candies, or broken-up pirouette cookies to enhance texture and flavor.

Notes

Optional additions like dehydrated marshmallows, Sno-Cap candies, or broken pirouette cookies add extra texture and flavor but are not necessary.
To achieve smooth melted chocolate, microwave melts in short bursts and stir well to prevent scorching.
This snack mix can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Use silicone liners or parchment paper on the sheet pan to prevent sticking while setting the coated marshmallows.
Adjust the amount of hot chocolate mix to control the cocoa flavor intensity in the cereal coating.

Keywords: hot chocolate snack mix, chocolate chex mix, marshmallow snack, holiday snack, chocolate snack, easy snack mix