Festive Pine Cone Snack Mix

Featured in: Snack Time Heroes

This festive mix combines crunchy pretzels, rice cereal, roasted almonds, and honey-roasted peanuts, coated in a warm blend of butter, brown sugar, honey, vanilla, and cinnamon. After baking, the mix is garnished with mini chocolate chips and a dusting of powdered sugar, creating a sweet and savory treat with a snowy finish. Nut-free substitutions and additional mix-ins like dried cranberries can be added for variety. Perfect for sharing at holiday parties or cozy winter gatherings.

Updated on Sat, 29 Nov 2025 13:17:00 GMT
Golden-brown Festive Pine Cone Snack Mix piled high and ready for serving with holiday cheer. Save
Golden-brown Festive Pine Cone Snack Mix piled high and ready for serving with holiday cheer. | collationspot.com

A crunchy, sweet-and-savory snack mix inspired by the shape and flavors of pine cones—perfect for holiday gatherings or winter celebrations.

This festive snack mix has become a holiday favorite in our family's celebrations and always impresses guests.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups mini pretzel twists
  • 2 cups rice cereal squares (such as Chex)
  • 1 cup roasted almonds
  • 1 cup honey-roasted peanuts
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1:
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl combine pretzel twists rice cereal squares almonds and honey-roasted peanuts.
Step 3:
In a small saucepan melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar honey vanilla extract and cinnamon. Bring to a gentle simmer stirring until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is slightly thickened (about 2 minutes).
Step 4:
Pour the warm coating evenly over the snack mix. Gently toss until everything is well coated.
Step 5:
Spread the mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Allow to cool for 5 10 minutes.
Step 6:
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the slightly cooled mix so they stick but dont melt completely.
Step 7:
Once completely cool dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
Step 8:
Serve in a large bowl or portion into small cups for individual servings.
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Our family loves making this snack mix together each holiday season and sharing it with neighbors and friends.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl saucepan wooden spoon or spatula baking sheet parchment paper

Allergen Information

Contains tree nuts (almonds) peanuts dairy (butter) gluten (pretzels cereal) May contain soy (check chocolate chips and cereal labels) Always verify ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories 270 Total Fat 13 g Carbohydrates 34 g Protein 5 g per serving

Close-up of the delicious Festive Pine Cone Snack Mix, with visible chocolate chips and texture, perfect for sharing. Save
Close-up of the delicious Festive Pine Cone Snack Mix, with visible chocolate chips and texture, perfect for sharing. | collationspot.com

This festive mix adds joy and flavor to any holiday gathering making snack time special and memorable.

Recipe Help

What nuts are included in this snack mix?

Roasted almonds and honey-roasted peanuts provide a crunchy, flavorful base.

Can this mix be made nut-free?

Yes, substitute nuts with pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option without losing crunch.

What is the coating made of?

A buttery blend of brown sugar, honey, vanilla extract, and cinnamon creates the warm, sweet coating.

How is the chocolate added without melting?

Mini chocolate chips are sprinkled onto the slightly cooled mix so they stick without melting fully.

Are there suggestions for additional ingredients?

Dried cranberries add a tart twist, and baked corn snacks offer extra crunch to customize the mix.

What occasions suit this snack best?

It's ideal for holiday gatherings, winter celebrations, or paired with hot cocoa and mulled cider.

Festive Pine Cone Snack Mix

Crunchy sweet and savory mix with pretzels, nuts, and honey coating for festive winter occasions.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
5 min
Overall Time
20 min
Created by Chloe Martin


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 8 Portions

Special Diets Vegetarian

What You’ll Need

Base

01 3 cups mini pretzel twists
02 2 cups rice cereal squares (e.g., Chex)
03 1 cup roasted almonds
04 1 cup honey-roasted peanuts

Coating

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter
02 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
03 1/4 cup honey
04 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Garnish

01 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
02 1/4 cup powdered sugar

How-To

Step 01

Prepare baking sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 02

Combine base ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine pretzel twists, rice cereal squares, roasted almonds, and honey-roasted peanuts.

Step 03

Make coating mixture: Melt unsalted butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Stir in brown sugar, honey, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Simmer gently for about 2 minutes until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens slightly.

Step 04

Coat snack mix: Pour the warm coating evenly over the snack base. Toss gently until all pieces are thoroughly coated.

Step 05

Set on baking sheet: Spread the coated mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 06

Add chocolate chips: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the slightly cooled mix to allow them to adhere without melting completely.

Step 07

Finish with powdered sugar: Once fully cooled, dust the snack mix with powdered sugar for a festive, snowy appearance.

Step 08

Serve: Serve the snack mix in a large bowl or portion into individual cups for easy sharing.

Gear Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Details

Review every item for allergens and connect with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains tree nuts (almonds), peanuts, dairy (butter), and gluten (pretzels, cereal).
  • May contain soy; verify labels of chocolate chips and cereal products.

Nutrition Breakdown (each serving)

Info for reference only—don’t take this as expert medical guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 270
  • Lipids: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Proteins: 5 g