Buddy the Elf Snack Mix

This Elf Snack Mix is a sweet-and-salty holiday treat packed with crunchy cereal, popcorn, pretzels, and festive candies—all tossed in a quick candy coating. Whip it up in minutes for movie night, classroom parties, or edible gifts!

I don’t know who loves Buddy the Elf snack mix more – the kids or the adults! We usually double up this recipe so there is plenty to go around. Sweet and salty flavors combine in each bite to make this a snack mix that is a hit year after year. Kids can make this with little to no help, as long as they are old enough to safely use the microwave, so keep the supplies on hand once the snow starts flying. Our first batch of this delicious mix usually comes the first time we notice the Christmas colored M&Ms are out in stores, and then all bets are off, it’s a staple around here all season long. The kids even love to make it for teacher gifts before the school break.

This is also a great elf food recipe if your house has an Elf on the Shelf. Whether you are trying to lure the Elf to a trap or just kindly offering something to eat, this is the mix you need!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• 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 together.
• It’s so easy to make. 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. You can also use any other cereal you may have on hand like corn puffs or toasted oats.
• Bugles – Look for these in the snack aisle. We like the original flavor, but there are others you can try, too.
• Kettle popcorn – Look for kettle popcorn at the grocery store or if you don’t want to make a trip out, Stovetop Popcorn is great!
• Powdered sugar – If it’s a Buddy the Elf Chex mix, it has to have powdered sugar!
• White chocolate chips – Or you can use chopped white chocolate or white almond bark, which is really easy to melt.
• 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! Our local bulk foods store always has the most fun selection.

What Else Can I Add To Buddy The Elf Snack Mix?

Check your cupboards and toss it all in!

• Animal Crackers
• Teddy Grahams
• Pretzels
• Nuts
• Dried fruit
• Coconut chips

How To Make Christmas Party Mix

Combine cereal, Bugles, and popcorn in a large bowl.

Place the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and warm it in the microwave. Stir and continue warming in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is smooth.

Pour the melted white chocolate over the snack mixture. Gently fold the chocolate in so it’s evenly coating all of the mixture.

Spread the mixture on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Let it cool at room temperature or refrigerate it to speed up the process.

Once the mixture is cool, break it into pieces and place them in a large bowl. Add powdered sugar and toss to combine.

Add chow mein, marshmallows, M&M candy, and sprinkles. Gently stir to combine and it’s ready to serve.

Pro Tips

• 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.
• Stir gently when you mix the snack mix so you don’t break the the cereal and bugle pieces.
• 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.

During the holidays we love sweet and salty snack mixes. This Buddy the Elf snack mix is easy to make and perfect during the festive season – Reindeer Chow is another you’ll have to try, too!

If you take a picture and share it Instagram make sure to #kidsactivityzone or tag us @kidsactivityzoneblog so we can see them!

Storage

Store the snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep well for up to two weeks at room temperature.

Freezer: You can also freeze this sweet and salty snack mix to serve later on. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes or eat right from frozen!

More Christmas Movie Night Snacks

• Make a batch of Grinch Cupcakes for a sweet movie night treat. Topped with Grinch green icing and heart sprinkles, these are great for the kids to help decorate before they devour them.
• Sip on some Grinch Punch to get everyone in the Grinchy mood. A red sugar rim feels fancy while the combination of Hawaiian Punch, sherbet, pineapple juice, and lemon-lime soda make a flavor like no other.
• Have a Rudolph night planned? Make Reindeer Pretzels or Reindeer Oreo Pops. The kids will love decorating these treats just as much as they will love eating them!
• Along with Buddy snack mix, stick with the theme and make some amazing Buddy the Elf Cookies.