Christmas Trail Mix: 5 Magical Recipes to Delight You

November 27, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Oh, the holidays! There’s just something magical about this time of year that brings everyone together. I remember as a kid, my family would gather in the kitchen, laughter filling the air while we whipped up all sorts of festive treats. One of my absolute favorites was our homemade *Christmas trail mix*! It’s such a delightful blend of nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate that perfectly captures the spirit of the season. The sweet and salty flavors are a match made in heaven, and it’s so easy to throw together. Whether you’re snacking by the fire or gifting it to friends, this mix is sure to spread some holiday cheer!

Ingredients List

2 cups mixed nuts (chopped if large for easy snacking)
1 cup dried cranberries (these add a lovely tartness)
1 cup chocolate chips (use semi-sweet or dark for richness)
1 cup pretzel pieces (broken into smaller bits for that perfect crunch)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (this will bring all the cozy flavors together)

How to Prepare Christmas Trail Mix

Making this *Christmas trail mix* is as simple as it gets, and I promise, the joy it brings is worth every second! Let’s dive into the steps so you can whip this up in no time.

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

First up, grab a large mixing bowl. You’ll want to start by tossing in those 2 cups of mixed nuts, 1 cup of dried cranberries, 1 cup of chocolate chips, and 1 cup of pretzel pieces. I love using a mix of nuts for a delightful crunch and flavor! Just give it a gentle stir with a big spoon or your hands—trust me, it’s way more fun that way. Make sure everything gets well combined, so each handful has a little bit of everything!

Step 2: Add Flavor

Now it’s time to sprinkle in that delicious 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This is where the magic happens! Stir the mixture again, making sure the cinnamon is evenly distributed. You want that warm, cozy flavor to touch every bite. Feel free to do a little taste test—it’s totally encouraged at this point!

Step 3: Storage Instructions

Once you’ve got your mix all ready, it’s important to store it properly. Grab an airtight container and pour the trail mix in. This will keep it fresh for about two weeks, though I doubt it’ll last that long once your family gets a hold of it! For serving, I love to put it in festive bowls at holiday gatherings or in cute little bags for gifting. Enjoy every crunchy, sweet bite!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the numbers! This *Christmas trail mix* is not just a treat for your taste buds, but it’s also packed with some good stuff. Here’s a quick breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving, which is about 1/4 cup. Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on standard ingredient measurements:

Calories: 200
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Sugar: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg

This mix is a great source of energy, especially during those busy holiday days! Plus, with a lovely combination of nuts and dried fruits, you’re getting some fiber and healthy fats too. So, indulge a bit—your taste buds will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It comes together in just about 15 minutes, making it a quick and easy holiday treat!
The festive colors and flavors really capture the spirit of the season, perfect for any holiday gathering.
It’s a versatile snack—great for munching on during movie nights or as a sweet addition to a holiday charcuterie board.
Pack it up in cute bags for a thoughtful homemade gift that friends and family will adore.
With its delightful mix of sweet, salty, and crunchy, it pleases everyone’s taste buds.
This trail mix is easily customizable—feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or dried fruits!

Tips for Success

Adjust to Your Taste: Don’t hesitate to swap out the nuts or dried fruits for your favorites! Try adding almonds, walnuts, or even some dried apricots for a twist.
Mix It Up: For a little extra flair, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt or a dash of nutmeg. It adds a nice depth of flavor that’s perfect for the holidays!
Storage Savvy: Keep your trail mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If you want it to last even longer, pop it in the fridge! It’ll stay fresh for about three weeks this way.
Serving Suggestions: Serve your *Christmas trail mix* in cute, festive bowls or small mason jars for a charming presentation. It’s also great as a topping for yogurt or mixed into oatmeal!
Gift-Worthy: If you’re gifting this mix, consider layering the ingredients in a jar for a beautiful, homemade gift. Just attach a little note with the recipe for an extra personal touch!

Variations on Christmas Trail Mix

One of the best things about this *Christmas trail mix* is how easily you can customize it to suit your tastes! Here are some fun variations that will keep the festive spirit alive while adding your own twist:

Nutty Delight: Swap out the mixed nuts for your favorites! Almonds, pecans, or even pistachios can bring a whole new flavor profile. I love using a mix of spicy and sweet nuts for an exciting crunch!
Fruit Fusion: Try adding different dried fruits like apricots, mangoes, or raisins. Dried cherries are especially festive and pair beautifully with chocolate!
Spice It Up: Get creative with spices! A pinch of nutmeg or a dash of ginger can add a warm, holiday flavor. You could even drizzle a little maple syrup over the mix for a sweet twist!
Chocolate Lovers: For a richer treat, use different types of chocolate chips like white chocolate or dark chocolate. You could also throw in some chocolate-covered pretzels for extra indulgence!
Sweet and Salty: Add some popcorn for a fun crunch! I love tossing in a handful of caramel popcorn for that sweet and salty combo that’s just irresistible!
Festive Sprinkles: For an extra touch of holiday flair, toss in some festive sprinkles or candy-coated chocolates. They not only look adorable but add a pop of color and fun to the mix!

So go ahead and let your creativity shine! The beauty of this recipe is that it’s all about what you love. Mix and match these ideas to create your perfect *Christmas trail mix*—the sky’s the limit!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve whipped up this delightful *Christmas trail mix*, let’s talk about how to serve it up in style! This mix is so versatile, and there are endless ways to incorporate it into your holiday festivities.

Festive Bowls: Pour your trail mix into beautiful, colorful bowls for a cheerful centerpiece. It adds a cozy touch to your holiday snack table!
Gift Bags: For a charming gift idea, scoop the mix into small treat bags or mason jars, tie with a festive ribbon, and voilà—a thoughtful homemade gift everyone will appreciate!
Movie Night Snack: Set out bowls of *Christmas trail mix* for a cozy movie night with family or friends. It’s the perfect munching companion for all those holiday classics!
Charcuterie Board: Incorporate it into your holiday charcuterie board for a sweet and salty contrast to cheeses and meats. It adds a lovely pop of color and flavor!
Breakfast Boost: Sprinkle some over yogurt or oatmeal for a festive breakfast treat. It adds crunch and flavor that will make your mornings feel special!
Party Favors: Send guests home with small bags of your *Christmas trail mix* as a party favor. It’s a sweet reminder of the fun they had while indulging in your festive creation!

With these serving suggestions, you’ll be able to share the joy of your *Christmas trail mix* in every delightful way possible. Enjoy spreading holiday cheer, one crunchy bite at a time!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your *Christmas trail mix* is super easy, and trust me, you’ll want to keep it fresh so you can enjoy it for days to come! Once you’ve mixed everything together, just grab an airtight container—this is key to keeping all those delightful flavors intact. I usually use a large glass jar or a resealable plastic bag, depending on what I have on hand.

When stored properly, your trail mix will stay fresh for about two weeks. If you want to extend its life, you can pop it in the fridge, and it’ll last up to three weeks! Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving; nobody wants a chilly snack, right?

Now, here’s the best part—there’s no need to reheat this mix! It’s perfect at room temperature, and that crunchiness is part of what makes it so enjoyable. Just scoop out a handful whenever the craving hits, and you’re good to go! Enjoy your festive snacking without the fuss!