When December arrives, there’s a gentle shift in the air. Lights begin glowing in windows, quiet snow settles on rooftops, and even the simplest foods become more comforting, more nostalgic, and somehow more magical. This Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Chex Mix captures that feeling perfectly. It’s warm, sweet, lightly spiced, and unbelievably addictive — the kind of snack that feels like being wrapped in a soft blanket while sitting beside a glowing holiday tree.
This recipe was created with the warmth of December in mind. There’s no peppermint, no overly strong flavors — just the classic cozy notes of cinnamon, butter, vanilla, and brown sugar coating crispy Chex cereal, tiny pretzel rounds, and crunchy pecans. The whole mixture is tossed in a snowy layer of powdered sugar to give it that dreamy “fresh snowfall” look.
It’s quick to make (just 15 minutes!), perfect for gifting, ideal for parties, and absolutely irresistible for snacking while watching holiday movies, wrapping presents, hosting friends, or enjoying a quiet night at home. And unlike peppermint-based holiday treats, this recipe gives you that seasonal flavor without being overpowering or minty — a warm, comforting blend of cinnamon sugar and buttery crunch.
This post is written with richness and detail so you can enjoy the atmosphere as much as the recipe itself. If you’re making this snack during December, let this be a moment to slow down, breathe in the season, and enjoy the small joys that make this time of year so special. The glow of candles, the hush of winter evenings, the sparkle of holiday décor, and the comforting scent of cinnamon drifting through your kitchen all come together in this recipe.
Imagine pouring this warm mixture onto a tray, the butter glistening over the cereal and nuts while the cinnamon blooms in the heat. As you toss everything in powdered sugar, it transforms — every piece becomes a soft, snowy bite that looks like it was dusted in magic. Kids love it, adults love it, and it’s one of the easiest things you can serve at a December gathering.
You can also customize this mix endlessly, though the version I’m giving you here is balanced, flavorful, and perfect for the holidays as-is. If you want to add holiday M&Ms, you can. If you want to swap nuts or add a drizzle of white chocolate, it works beautifully. But this version is simple, classic, and beautifully cozy.
Whether you’re giving edible gifts, building a dessert board, or preparing treats for guests, this mix fits every scenario — and people will absolutely ask you for the recipe. It smells like December, tastes like a holiday dream, and comes together in less time than it takes to watch the opening scene of a Christmas movie.
Below you’ll find a detailed recipe, nutritional info, and a long section explaining exactly why this snack works, how it fits into the December mood, and how you can use it for parties, gifting, or self-care nights. I wanted this post to feel like a full holiday experience — like a warm cup of comfort turned into words. So pour yourself a warm drink, settle in, and enjoy this special December snack recipe.
Recipe Time
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 1 cup small pretzel rounds or twists
- 1 cup pecan halves (or almonds)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Add Chex cereal, pretzels, and pecans to a large bowl.
- In a pot, melt butter with brown sugar and cinnamon over medium heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- Pour the warm mixture over the bowl of cereal and nuts.
- Gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer mixture into a large bag or container and add powdered sugar.
- Shake until every piece is covered in the snowy coating. Let cool and enjoy.
Calories (Approx.)
- Cereal (6 cups total): 660 calories
- Pretzels (1 cup): 110 calories
- Pecans (1 cup): 780 calories
- Butter (1/2 cup): 800 calories
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): 415 calories
- Powdered sugar (1 1/4 cups): 600 calories
Total: ~3,365 calories
Calories per serving (6–8 servings): ~420–560 calories per serving
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cozy December snack brings everything you want from a holiday treat without being overly sweet or heavy. The cinnamon gives it warmth, the powdered sugar gives it that snowy holiday look, and the buttery brown sugar coating ties it all together with a caramel-like richness. It’s extremely simple to make, yet it feels special — like something you’d serve at a holiday gathering or put in pretty jars for gifting.
This mix stays fresh for days, works beautifully in lunchboxes, and can be doubled or tripled for parties. It’s also incredibly versatile: add dried cranberries, holiday sprinkles, different nuts, or a drizzle of white chocolate. But the base recipe is already perfect for December — warm, comforting, lightly spiced, crunchy, and absolutely irresistible.
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