Save A festive, sweet-and-savory snack mix featuring gold and black ingredients—perfect for ringing in the New Year with style and crunch.
This cozy chicken stew is a warming and satisfying dish that I love to share with friends and family on chilly nights.
Ingredients
- Crunchy Base: 3 cups black cocoa cereal (e.g., Oreo Os or similar), 2 cups mini pretzel twists, 1 cup caramel popcorn
- Gold & Black Accents: 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips, 1/2 cup chocolate-covered espresso beans (optional for adults), 1/2 cup gold candy-coated chocolates (e.g., gold M&Ms), 1/2 cup gold star sprinkles or edible glitter
- Sweet & Savory Coating: 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons honey, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine black cocoa cereal, pretzel twists, and caramel popcorn.
- Step 3:
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in honey and sea salt until smooth.
- Step 4:
- Drizzle the butter mixture evenly over the snack mix. Toss gently to coat.
- Step 5:
- Spread the coated mix in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until fragrant and just beginning to crisp.
- Step 6:
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Step 7:
- Once cooled, transfer the mix to a large bowl. Add chocolate chips, chocolate-covered espresso beans, gold candy-coated chocolates, and gold star sprinkles. Toss gently to combine.
- Step 8:
- Serve in bowls or fill festive bags for guests to take home.
Save This recipe is a holiday favorite in our family; we love sharing it during New Year celebrations and watching everyone enjoy the crunchy mix.
Notes
Espresso beans add a sophisticated touch—omit for a kid-friendly version. Pair with sparkling wine or a festive mocktail for a perfect NYE treat.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, Small saucepan, Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Spatula
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (butter), gluten (pretzels, some cereals), and soy (chocolate). May contain nuts (if added or present in chocolates). Double-check candy and cereal labels for allergens.
Save This vibrant snack mix will bring festive cheer and a perfect balance of sweet and savory to your celebration.
Recipe FAQ
- → What ingredients create the crunchy texture?
Black cocoa cereal, mini pretzels, and caramel popcorn provide a satisfying crunchy base for the mix.
- → How is the sweet and savory coating made?
A blend of unsalted butter, honey, and sea salt is melted and drizzled over the mix before baking for a balanced flavor and crispness.
- → Can the espresso beans be omitted?
Yes, the chocolate-covered espresso beans are optional and can be left out for a milder, kid-friendly version.
- → Is this mix suitable for gluten-free diets?
It can be made gluten-free by selecting gluten-free pretzels and popcorn varieties.
- → What festive elements add visual appeal?
Gold candy-coated chocolates and edible gold star sprinkles or glitter give the mix its signature celebratory look.