Introduction

This Cranberry Bliss Party Mix is a festive and irresistible treat perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a sweet, crunchy snack. Combining white chocolate, tart dried cranberries, and spicy ginger cookies, it’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will keep everyone coming back for more.

A close-up top view of a large round white plate filled with a layered snack mix that includes pale beige square cereal pieces dusted with white powder, scattered dark red dried cranberries, small golden-brown crunchy chunks, and thin white candy drizzles spread unevenly across the dish. In the lower right corner, a woman's hand is gently picking up a small amount of the mix, showing the texture and layers of the ingredients. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 (12-oz.) box Rice or Corn Chex Cereal
1 tbsp. kosher salt

16 oz. (453 g) white chocolate chips or wafers, divided
1 tbsp. finely grated orange zest

1 1/2 c. (170 g) confectioners’ sugar, divided
1 1/2 c. dried cranberries

4 1/2 oz. ginger cookies (such as Tate’s Bake Shop Ginger Zingers) or gingersnaps, broken into small pieces

Instructions

Step 1: Pour the cereal into a large bowl. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the kosher salt and 12 oz. of white chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until the chocolate is just melted and smooth, about 90 seconds total. Be careful not to overheat to avoid seizing.
Step 2: Pour the melted chocolate over the cereal. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold until the cereal is evenly coated. Add the orange zest and toss again to combine.

Step 3: Pour 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar into a 2-gallon zip-top bag (or divide into two 1-gallon bags). Add the coated cereal mixture, then pour 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar on top. Seal the bag with some air inside and gently shake until all pieces are coated with confectioners’ sugar. Add more sugar if needed for your desired coating.
Step 4: Spread the coated cereal mixture in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, allowing the chocolate to firm up and become crisp.
Step 5: Meanwhile, microwave the remaining 4 oz. of white chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until melted and smooth, approximately 1 minute.

Step 6: Gently fold the dried cranberries and broken ginger cookies into the cereal mixture until evenly combined.
Step 7: Transfer the melted chocolate to a plastic or piping bag with a small corner snipped off, and drizzle the chocolate over the party mix to finish.

Tips & Variations

Use a gentle folding motion to prevent breaking the cereal pieces.

For a citrus twist, try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest along with the orange zest.
Substitute the ginger cookies with speculoos or shortbread for a different flavor.
Store the mix in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.

Storage

Store the Cranberry Bliss Party Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If your kitchen is warm, keep it in a cool, dry place. To refresh the chocolate drizzle’s crisp texture, let the mix sit uncovered for a few minutes before serving. Avoid refrigeration as it can cause the cereal to lose crunch.

How to Serve

A large pile of snack mix is shown on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The mix has several visible layers and textures: light-colored crispy cereal squares covered in white powder, small pieces of dried cranberries with deep red color, golden brown crunchy bits, and thin strands of off-white pretzels or sticks scattered throughout. Some pieces are falling down from above, mid-air, creating a sense of motion with powder dust spreading around. The background is simple with a soft gradient from light to darker gray. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute dark or milk chocolate chips, but keep in mind the flavor profile will change. White chocolate’s sweetness and creaminess complement the tart cranberries and spices best.

How can I prevent the white chocolate from seizing when melting?

Microwave the chocolate in short 30-second bursts, stirring well between each. Avoid overheating and moisture exposure, as even a small amount of water can cause the chocolate to seize.