Christmas Trail Mix Recipes to Spice Up Your Holiday Snacks

Looking for a fun, festive snack to share at your next Christmas gathering? Christmas trail mix is the perfect way to bring together sweet, salty, and crunchy treats. Whether you’re hosting or just need a snack for yourself, these five recipes are both delicious and easy to make. Here’s how to elevate your holiday snacking game with a few simple ingredients and a dash of holiday spirit!

1. Classic Holiday Mix

The classic trail mix never goes out of style, especially during the holidays. Combine roasted almonds, salted cashews, dark chocolate chips, and dried cranberries for a sweet-and-salty balance that everyone loves. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for that extra holiday touch!

How to Make It

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of roasted almonds, 1 cup of salted cashews, and 1 cup of dried cranberries.
2. Add 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips (or more if you want it extra chocolatey!) and 1/4 cup of mini pretzels.
3. Sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon, and gently toss everything together until it’s evenly mixed.
4. For extra flavor, lightly toast the nuts in a skillet for 3-5 minutes before adding them to the mix.
5. Once mixed, transfer to clear jars or festive bowls for serving. Add some red and green M&Ms or foil-wrapped chocolates to make it even more holiday-themed.

How to Make It Look Festive
To give your holiday trail mix an extra festive flair, place it in clear glass jars or decorative bowls. Add red and green M&Ms for a pop of holiday color, and consider using gold and silver foil-wrapped chocolate pieces for a touch of luxury. Sprinkle the mix with a bit of edible glitter or powdered sugar for a snow-like effect, giving it a winter wonderland feel!

Shopping List

• Roasted Almonds
• Dried Cranberries
• Salted Cashews
• Pretzels

Dos & Don’ts

• Do mix sweet and salty for a balanced flavor.
• Don’t overload with too many sugary ingredients.
• Do use roasted nuts for added crunch.
• Don’t forget to add a pinch of sea salt for contrast.

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2. Sweet and Spicy Peppermint Crunch

For something with a bit of a kick, combine pretzels, white chocolate, peppermint bark, and a hint of cayenne pepper. The result is a sweet, spicy, and minty holiday crunch that’s perfect for sharing.

Shopping List

• Pretzels
• White Chocolate Chips
• Peppermint Bark
• Cayenne Pepper

How to Make It

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of mini pretzels, 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips, and 1/2 cup of peppermint bark, broken into small pieces.
2. Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (you can adjust this based on your spice preference).
3. Gently toss the ingredients together until well combined.
4. Spread the mix on a parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle with melted white chocolate for extra sweetness.
5. Chill for 30 minutes to allow the white chocolate to set, then transfer to a serving dish.

How to Make It Look Festive
For a truly festive look, serve the trail mix in glass jars adorned with ribbons or in holiday-themed bowls. You can even add a sprinkle of red and green sugar crystals to make it extra bright. For a snow-like effect, dust with powdered sugar before serving, giving it a frosty, winter feel!

Dos & Don’ts

• Do adjust the cayenne pepper to your spice preference.
• Don’t overdo it with peppermint bark—let the other ingredients shine.
• Do chill the mix to let the chocolate set properly.
• Don’t skip the white chocolate drizzle—it adds the perfect creamy touch.

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3. Spiced Winter Wonderland Mix

Bring the cozy vibes of winter into your trail mix with a spiced twist. Combine cashews, dried apples, and cinnamon-roasted pecans for a warm, comforting base. Add a few chocolate-covered espresso beans for an unexpected burst of energy. This version is like having a warm cup of cider, but in snack form!

Shopping List

• Cinnamon-Roasted Pecans
• Dried Apples
• Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans
• Cashews

How to Make It

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of cinnamon-roasted pecans, 1 cup of dried apples (sliced), and 1/2 cup of cashews.
2. Add 1/4 cup of chocolate-covered espresso beans for that energizing kick.
3. Gently toss all ingredients together until well combined.
4. For an extra festive touch, drizzle the mix with a little melted dark chocolate and let it set in the fridge for 20 minutes.
5. Transfer to clear jars or decorative bowls for a chic, holiday-ready presentation.

How to Make It Look Festive
To make your trail mix look extra special, serve it in clear glass jars adorned with holiday ribbons or in gold and silver bowls. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a snowy effect, or use holiday-themed napkins for added charm. You can even place small sprigs of fresh rosemary in the mix for a festive, piney touch!

Dos & Don’ts

• Do use fresh cinnamon-roasted pecans for extra flavor.
• Don’t go overboard with chocolate—let the other ingredients shine.
• Do lightly drizzle the mix with dark chocolate for a glossy finish.
• Don’t forget to store the mix in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

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4. Vegan Holiday Trail Mix

This vegan-friendly version doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture. Start with a base of crunchy almonds and cashews, then add dried figs and raisins for a natural sweetness. Toss in some cacao nibs for that rich chocolatey flavor without the dairy. Finally, a sprinkle of coconut flakes gives it a tropical vibe that’s perfect for the holidays.

Shopping List

• Cacao Nibs
• Dried Figs
• Raisins
• Almonds

How to Make It

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of almonds, 1 cup of cashews, and 1/2 cup of dried figs (chopped).
2. Add 1/4 cup of raisins and 2 tablespoons of cacao nibs for a chocolatey crunch.
3. Gently mix everything together until evenly distributed.
4. For added flavor, lightly toast the almonds and cashews in a skillet for 3-5 minutes.
5. Transfer the mix to a decorative bowl or glass jars for a festive presentation.

How to Make It Look Festive
For an added holiday touch, serve the trail mix in clear glass containers with colorful ribbons or holiday-themed jars. You can also sprinkle some coconut flakes on top for a snow-like effect or even add small red and green holiday candies to brighten it up.

Dos & Don’ts

• Do use organic ingredients for a cleaner taste.
• Don’t overload with dried fruit—keep it balanced.
• Do add a dash of cinnamon for extra warmth.
• Don’t skip the coconut flakes—they’re essential for that festive look.

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5. Choco-Mint Fantasy Mix

For those who love the combination of chocolate and mint, this trail mix is a dream come true. Start with a dark chocolate base and add in some crunchy minty candies. Top it off with some roasted almonds and a handful of dried peppermint for that refreshing holiday taste. This sweet and minty combo is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any party.

Shopping List

• Dark Chocolate
• Peppermint Candies
• Roasted Almonds
• Dried Peppermint

How to Make It

1. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of roasted almonds, 1/2 cup of peppermint candies (chopped), and 1/2 cup of dried peppermint leaves.
2. Add 1 cup of dark chocolate chips (or roughly chopped dark chocolate bars).
3. Gently toss all ingredients together, making sure everything is coated and evenly distributed.
4. If desired, melt a small amount of dark chocolate and drizzle over the mix for a glossy finish.
5. Chill for 15-20 minutes to let the chocolate firm up before serving.

How to Make It Look Festive
To enhance the festive vibe, serve the mix in clear glass bowls with a sprinkle of edible glitter for a frosty look. You can also add red and green candies to give it that extra holiday pop. For a touch of elegance, wrap it in clear gift bags tied with a holiday ribbon to make it a perfect giftable snack!

Dos & Don’ts

• Do use high-quality dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
• Don’t use too many minty candies—keep the mint flavor subtle.
• Do add a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
• Don’t skip the chilling step—it helps the chocolate set properly.