Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix is an addictive party snack mix with a crunchy and sweet cinnamon coating. Made with three varieties of Chex cereal, pretzels, and nuts, this homemade Chex mix is great for gift giving, party favors, game day, or anytime snacking!

For more snacking ideas, don’t miss our Hot Buttered Cheerios, Reindeer Chow, or Holiday Muddy Buddies.

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Sweet & Salty Homemade Chex Mix Recipe

Is a party really a party without some Homemade Chex mix? It’s always one of my go-to party snack ideas when it comes to feeding a crowd. It’s so easy to whip up and usually makes a lot.

This cinnamon sugar Chex mix is without chocolate and a bit more evergreen and traditional than some holiday mixes, though still sweet. The sweetness comes from the cinnamon sugar butter mixture and crunchy topping instead of chocolate and provides a nice contrast to the salty pretzels and cereals. While it does have a holiday feel thanks to the cinnamon sugar, this version isn’t exclusively for Christmas and can be enjoyed anytime.

This cinnamon sugar Chex mix makes an excellent holiday gift, as well as a party favor to give away. Or just serve it up in a big bowl at your next holiday party and watch it disappear!

Overhead view of a bowl of cinnamon sugar chex mix

Ingredients Needed

This party snack mix is made with several types of Chex cereal and fun add-ins like pretzels and pecans.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)

Chex cereal – Rice, corn, and wheat Chex are all added to this party snack mix for a variety in flavor and texture.
Pretzels – I used both mini pretzels and butter snap pretzels.
Pecan halves – Toast them first if desired.
Butter – Helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the mixture.
Sugar – Both dark brown sugar and granulated sugar are used to sweeten the mix. If you don’t have dark brown sugar on hand, you can use light brown sugar. The dark brown sugar just adds a little depth of flavor.
Cinnamon – Mixed with the sugar to create a warm flavor.

Other Add-In Ideas

If you don’t like one or more of the ingredients, that is fine. Just add something else you enjoy! This Chex Mix recipe is so easy to customize to your taste. Just make sure you keep the same ratios so the sauce and topping amounts aren’t too much or too little.

Here are a few ideas for other sweet Chex Mix add-ins:

Whole nuts such as almonds, pistachios, or peanuts.
Cereals such as Cheerios, Cornflakes, or Crispix. Pretty much any crunchy cereal works!
Any pretzels you like, but make sure they are bite-sized for easier snacking.
Marshmallows.
Bugles chips are a fun, crunchy add-in as well.
Add some chocolate chips after the mixture cools completely (semi-sweet, white, and dark chocolate would all be great!)

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix

This homemade Chex mix recipe is super easy to make. I think the hardest part is not sneaking any pieces while it cools!
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)

Combine the snack mix ingredients. Add all of the Chex cereals, pretzels, and pecans to a large bowl.
Make the cinnamon sugar mixture. Melt the butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in the brown sugar, sugar, and cinnamon. Cook until the sugars dissolve. Pour over the Chex mix ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Bake. Transfer the coated Chex mix to a sheet tray lined with parchment paper. Bake at 275F for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
Add the topping. Cool the Chex mix for 15 minutes. At the same time, combine the topping ingredients in a small bowl. Return the slightly cooled Chex mix to the large bowl, add the topping mixture, and stir to combine.
Enjoy. Enjoy warm or allow it to cool completely first.

Tips for Success

Here are a few suggestions for making this sweet & salty Chex mix.

Use an extra large bowl. This makes quite a large amount of Chex mix and to make sure everything is combined evenly, you’ll want to use the largest bowl you have to stir everything together.
Don’t burn the cinnamon sugar sauce. Be sure to whisk the sugar mixture frequently to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pan.
Allow it to cool a bit before adding the topping. It’s important to let the Chex mix cool a bit before adding the cinnamon sugar topping. It can still be warm but shouldn’t be super hot. Otherwise, it will just melt the sugar.

Storage & Gift Giving

Storing leftovers. This cinnamon sugar Chex mix stores super well. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks, as long as it’s stored in an airtight container or ziploc bag.
Gift giving. This makes an easy and delicious edible gift, especially during the holidays, as a hostess present, something for your mailman, your child’s teacher or bus driver, or anyone else you want to give a little something to. I’ve also given it as party favors as well.
Can I freeze homemade Chex mix? Yes! Cinnamon sugar Chex mix freezes well. If one batch makes too much for you, you can just throw any extras in the freezer until you need them. Just allow the mixture to cool completely, then transfer to airtight, freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw on the counter and enjoy!

More Edible Gift Ideas:

I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!