This recipe captures the deep, comforting flavors of cocoa, sugar, and marshmallow in a highly addictive and richly textured Hot Chocolate Snack Mix. It’s an expert-level treat perfect for the holiday season.
4 cups rice or corn square cereal
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 cup (6 ounces) milk chocolate chips
1 tablespoon unsalted butter or coconut oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup confectioners’ powdered sugar
2 packets hot cocoa mix (or 1/3 cup)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup candy-coated chocolate pieces
1. Place the cereal and salt into a very large bowl. Combine chocolate chips and butter/oil in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in thirty-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each one, until the chocolate is fully melted and perfectly smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
2. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal. Using a heatproof spatula, gently fold and stir the cereal until every piece is uniformly coated.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, hot cocoa mix, and cinnamon. Sprinkle half of this cocoa mixture over the coated cereal and gently toss. Repeat with the remaining mixture until the cereal is evenly dusted and no longer sticky.
4. Spread the fully coated and dusted cereal in a single, thin layer onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow the mixture to set completely at room temperature for at least twenty minutes until dry to the touch.
5. Once the coating is dry, transfer the mix back to the large bowl. Stir in the mini marshmallows and candy-coated chocolate pieces. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Do not refrigerate the mix while setting, as this can introduce moisture and cause stickiness.
If the mix is sticky, toss it with an additional quarter cup of powdered sugar and one packet of hot cocoa mix.
For a peppermint twist, use one teaspoon of peppermint extract instead of vanilla.
Find it online: https://www.flavourrecipe.com/hot-chocolate-snack-mix/