Introduction

Cranberry Bliss Party Mix is a festive and flavorful snack that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a sweet and crunchy treat. This mix combines the tartness of dried cranberries, the warmth of ginger cookies, and the sweetness of white chocolate for an irresistible combination.

A large white round plate full of a mix of cereal squares coated in powdered sugar, golden brown cookie chunks, dried red cranberries, and thin white chocolate drizzles scattered on top. A woman's hand is picking up a small pile of the mix from the bottom right of the plate. 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 (or more as needed)
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 prevent the chocolate from seizing.
Step 2: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the cereal until evenly coated. Add the finely grated orange zest and toss to combine.
Step 3: Pour 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar into a 2-gallon zip-top bag (or divide between two 1-gallon bags). Add the coated cereal mixture, then sprinkle 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar on top. Seal the bag, leaving some air inside, and gently shake until the cereal is coated with confectioners’ sugar. Add more confectioners’ sugar if needed to reach your preferred level of coating.
Step 4: Spread the coated cereal in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it sit at room temperature until the chocolate firms and the mix develops a crisp texture, about 30 minutes.
Step 5: While the cereal rests, melt the remaining 4 oz. of white chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted, about 1 minute total.
Step 6: Gently fold the dried cranberries and broken ginger cookies into the cereal mixture until evenly distributed.
Step 7: Transfer the melted chocolate into a plastic or piping bag with a small corner snipped off. Drizzle the chocolate over the party mix for a finishing touch. Allow the drizzle to set before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use orange zest from a fresh orange for the best citrus flavor and aroma.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of confectioners’ sugar or use semi-sweet chocolate instead of white chocolate.
For a nutty crunch, add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts along with the cranberries and cookies.
To make the mix gluten-free, substitute the ginger cookies with gluten-free ginger snaps or omit them entirely.

Storage

Store the party mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. When ready to enjoy, bring to room temperature to soften the chocolate drizzle slightly. Avoid storing in humid environments to maintain the crisp texture.

How to Serve

A large pile of square and small oblong cereal pieces dusted with powdered sugar, mixed with thin stringy white cheese and scattered dried red berries, all seen mid-air as if being tossed up above a white marbled surface. The cereal pieces have a mix of soft white and light brown colors with a textured, crunchy look, while the powdered sugar floats around like fine dust. The scene captures the motion and lightness of the ingredients falling and mixing, with no plate or bowl visible in the frame. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cereal?

Yes, Rice Chex and Corn Chex are recommended for their light texture, but you can substitute with other cereals such as Wheat Chex or crispy rice cereal depending on your preference.

What can I use instead of dried cranberries?

Dried cherries or raisins are great alternatives if you want a similar tart and chewy element in the mix. Adjust the quantity to your taste.