The holiday season always puts me in the mood for two things: spreading joy and snacking on something sweet, crunchy, and undeniably festive. And friends, this Jolly Jingle Mix checks every single box. It’s cheerful, colorful, RIDIC-ULICIOUS, and so easy to whip together that you’ll be wondering why you haven’t made it every holiday season.
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This mix has the perfect blend of sweetness and crunch. You get that nostalgic bite of Captain Crunch cereal (honestly… who doesn’t love Captain Crunch?!), the pop of red and green holiday M&M’s, and the salty satisfaction of tiny pretzel balls. Then, everything gets covered—generously—in silky melted white chocolate. It’s the kind of treat that disappears fast at parties, cookie exchanges, and holiday movie nights.
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Jolly Jingle Mix
There are so many reasons this cheerful snack belongs in your holiday rotation:
- Super easy to make — No baking, no fuss, just mix and drizzle.
- Perfectly sweet and salty — A little chocolate, a little crunch, a little salt… it hits every craving.
- Festive & colorful — The red and green M&M’s bring instant holiday spirit.
- A great edible gift — Scoop it into bags, jars, or tins for the cutest homemade treat.
- Kid-friendly — Kids love helping with this one, especially the mixing part!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this merry little mix:
To create this merry mix, all you need are three key ingredients:
- Captain Crunch Cereal: The star of the show! It brings a nostalgic crunch with a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with white chocolate.
- Red and Green M&M’s: These colorful chocolate candies not only contribute to the festive appearance but also provide bursts of chocolatey goodness.
- Tiny Pretzel Balls or itsy bitsy pretzel twists: They add the perfect salty balance and extra crunch to break up the sweetness.
- White Chocolate: Melted and drizzled all over the mix, it ties everything together into one irresistible holiday snack.
How to Melt White Chocolate
You can melt white chocolate two simple ways, and both work beautifully:
Microwave Method
- Place white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted and smooth.
Double Boiler Method
Add the white chocolate to the top pot and stir gently until melted and silky.
Set up a double boiler with simmering water in the bottom pot.
How to Make Jolly Jingle Mix
Once your chocolate is smooth and glossy, the fun begins!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Captain Crunch, holiday M&M’s, and pretzel balls or twists.
- Pour the melted white chocolate over the top.
- Gently fold everything together until every piece is coated in sweet, creamy goodness.
- Spread the mixture evenly onto two parchment-lined sheet trays.
- Let the mix cool completely so the chocolate can set.
- Break it into clusters and enjoy!
Storage Tips
To keep your Jolly Jingle Mix crunchy and fresh:
- Store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
- It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
- Avoid refrigerating it — cold temps can make the cereal and pretzels soften and lose their crunch.
Ways to Serve It
Sprinkle some over ice cream (trust me… RIDIC-ULICIOUS!).
Add it to your cookie trays for extra holiday flair.
Bag it up for teacher gifts, neighbor treats, or stocking stuffers.
Bring it to your holiday party for an easy crowd-pleaser.
More Holiday Ideas:
FAQ
Can I use different cereals in this mix?
Yes! While Captain Crunch gives the best crunch and sweetness, you can swap in Cheerios, Chex, Kix, or a mix of cereals. Just be sure they are sturdy enough to hold up under the melted chocolate.
Can I make this Jolly Jingle Mix ahead of time?
Absolutely. This mix stays fresh for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container. It’s the perfect make-ahead treat for gifting or holiday parties.
What kind of white chocolate works best?
White chocolate melting wafers melt the most smoothly, but white chocolate chips or almond bark also work. If using chips, adding 1 teaspoon of coconut oil can help them melt silkier.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Of course! Peanuts, cashews, crushed candy canes, or mini marshmallows are great additions. Just keep the total amount of dry ingredients the same so the chocolate coats everything evenly.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love mixing this together—just help them with the melted chocolate step. It also makes an adorable stocking stuffer or teacher gift.
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Jolly Jingle Mix
Ingredients
- 6 cups Captain Crunch cereal
- 1 ½ cups M&M’s red and green
- 2 cups tiny pretzel balls or itsy bitsy pretzel twists
- 16 oz white chocolate chips or white chocolate melting wafers
Instructions
- Add the Captain Crunch, holiday M&M’s, and tiny pretzel balls to a large mixing bowl.
- Microwave Method: Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
- Double Boiler Method: Place chocolate in a heat-safe bowl over simmering water and stir continuously until melted and silky.
- Pour the melted white chocolate over the cereal mixture. Gently fold until everything is evenly coated.
- Divide the mix between two parchment-lined sheet trays. Spread into an even layer and let it cool at room temperature until the chocolate has completely set.
- Once hardened, break the mix into clusters and transfer to a serving bowl or airtight container.