Buddy the Elf Snack Mix
Sweet and Salty Buddy the Elf Snack Mix is the perfect holiday treat that kids will love especially when enjoying their favorite holiday movie! A mixture of Chex cereal, Bugles, popcorn, chow mein, M&Ms and much more tossed in a white chocolate. The perfect holiday snack mix.
During the holidays we love sweet and salty snack mixes – reindeer chow is another you’ll have to try, too!

Why You Will Love This Easy Christmas Snack Mix!
- If you love the movie “Elf” like we do, this is the perfect snack to make when you watch it! It has all kinds of Buddy-approved sweet and salty snacks all mixed up together.
- It’s so easy to make, too. All you need to do is melt chocolate in the microwave and then mix everything. Let it set and it’s ready to serve!
- It makes a fun gift or just make a batch with the kids to have on hand during the holiday season. Everyone will love it!

Ingredients for Christmas Snack Mix
- Rice Chex cereal – Or, choose another Chex flavor that you like! There are quite a few to choose from that will work in this recipe.
- Bugles – Look for these in the snack aisle. We like the original flavor, but there are others you could try, too!
- Kettle popcorn – No need to pop your own. Look for kettle popcorn at the grocery store.
- Powdered sugar – If it’s a Buddy the elf snack mix, it has to have powdered sugar!
- White chocolate chips – Or you can use chopped white chocolate or white almond bark.
- Chow mein noodles – These add tons of crunch. Look for them in the Asian foods section at the grocery store.
- Mini marshmallows – We use plain ones but I think fruit-flavored mini marshmallows would work well, too.
- Peanut M&Ms – Use red and green ones to make it festive. Or, swap them for other holiday M&Ms that you like.
- Holiday sprinkles – There are tons of options!
Helpful Tools
- Measuring cups and spoon
- Large mixing bowl
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Silicone spatula
- Parchment paper
- Large baking sheet



How to Make Christmas Party Mix
Mix: Place the cereal, Bugles, and popcorn in a large bowl and mix to combine.
Melt: Place the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and warm it in the microwave. Stir and continue warming it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is smooth.
Combine: Pour the melted white chocolate over the snack mixture in the bowl. Gently fold the chocolate in so it’s evenly coating all of the mixture.
Cool: Spread the mixture on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Let it cool at room temperature or you can refrigerate it to speed up the process.
Add the finishing touches! Once the mixture is cool, break it into pieces and place them in a large bowl. Add the sugar and toss to combine. Add the chow mein, marshmallows, candy, and sprinkles. Gently stir to combine and it’s ready to serve.



What’s the best way to store it?
Store the snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep well for up to two weeks at room temperature.
For a fun gift, divide the mix among large mason jars or holiday food bags. Seal them up, add a tag, and give them away to family and friends.
Tips for the Best Christmas Snack Mix
- Have fun with this recipe! As long as you stick to the amounts, you can easily swap ingredients to change it up. Try different flavored cereal, bugles, popcorn, or change up the candy.
- When you melt the white chocolate be careful not to scorch it. This is easy to do in the microwave, so only melt it in 30-second increments and stir between each. Also, don’t get any liquid in the chocolate or it will seize up.
- White almond bark is a good substitute because it’s very easy to melt. It won’t taste like white chocolate but it will still be good!
- Stir gently when you mix the snack mix so you don’t break the the cereal and bugle pieces.

This Buddy the Elf snack mix is easy to make and perfect for the holiday season. Don’t miss out and give it a try this year!
More Christmas Movie Night Snacks!
- Make a batch of Grinch Cupcakes for a sweet movie night treat.
- Or, sip on some Grinch Punch to get everyone in the grinchy mood!
- Have a Rudolph night planned? Make Reindeer Pretzels or Reindeer Oreo Pops!
- Along with Buddy snack mix, make some amazing Buddy the Elf Cookies!
If you take a picture and share it Instagram make sure to #kidsactivityzone or tag us @kidsactivityzoneblog so we can see them!

Buddy the Elf Snack Mix
Ingredients
- 3 cups of Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup of Bugles
- 1 cup of kettle popcorn
- ½ cup of powdered sugar
- 11 ounces of white chocolate chips
- 1 cup of chow mein noodles
- 1 cup of mini marshmallows
- 1 cup peanut m&m’s green and red
- 1 tablespoon of holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- In a large bowl mix together mix 3 cups of Rice Chex, 1 cup of Bugles, and 1 cup of popcorn. Set aside.
- Next, melt 11 ounces of white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute. Stir and heat in additional 30 seconds increments until all the chips are melted. Be careful not to scorch!
- Once melted, pour the white chocolate over your prepared snack bowl. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the mixture until it’s completely coated.
- Line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper. Then spread the white chocolate-coated mixture onto the cookie sheet. Allow the mixture to cool and dry for at least one hour or refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Once the mixture is dry, gently break it apart and place it in a large bowl. Add ½ cup powdered sugar and toss until coated.
- Finally, add 1 cup of chow mein noodles, 1 cup of mini marshmallows, 1 cup of peanut M&M’s, and 1 tablespoon of holiday sprinkles. Gently stir just until combined.
Notes
- Store the snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep well for up to two weeks at room temperature.
- For a fun gift, divide the mix among large mason jars or holiday food bags. Seal them up, add a tag, and give them away to family and friends.
- Have fun with this recipe! As long as you stick to the amounts, you can easily swap ingredients to change it up. Try different flavored cereal, bugles, popcorn, or change up the candy.
- When you melt the white chocolate be careful not to scorch it. This is easy to do in the microwave, so only melt it in 30-second increments and stir between each. Also, don't get any liquid in the chocolate or it will seize up.
- White almond bark is a good substitute because it's very easy to melt. It won't taste like white chocolate but it will still be good!
- Stir gently when you mix the snack mix so you don't break the the cereal and bugle pieces.