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Healthy Christmas Snack Mix: Easy Kid-Approved Nutty Treat

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A quick and easy healthy Christmas snack mix with cranberries and nuts that comes together in under 10 minutes. Perfect for holiday parties, school events, or gifting, this crowd-pleasing blend of salty nuts, tart cranberries, and sweet chocolate is both delicious and nutritious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups raw almonds (whole or slivered)
  • 2 cups raw pecans (halved or whole)
  • 1 cup raw walnuts (broken into pieces)
  • 1 cup raw cashews (or roasted unsalted)
  • 1 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened or reduced sugar preferred)
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cacao)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted; or butter)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated or pre-ground)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the almonds, pecans, walnuts, and cashews. Toss to mix.
  3. In a small saucepan over low heat (or microwave in 20-second bursts), melt the coconut oil. Whisk in the honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt until smooth.
  4. Pour the warm coating mixture over the nuts. Toss until every nut is lightly coated.
  5. Spread the coated nuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through (at the 6-minute mark). Nuts should be fragrant and lightly golden.
  7. Remove from the oven and let cool on the pan for 5 minutes. Sprinkle dried cranberries and dark chocolate chips over the warm nuts. Add coconut flakes if using.
  8. Let the mix cool completely on the pan, about 30-40 minutes (or refrigerate for 15 minutes to speed up).
  9. Once fully cooled, break the mix into clusters. Transfer to an airtight container or serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t overbake the nuts—they continue cooking after removal. Let the mix cool completely for the coating to set. Use fresh nuts to avoid rancidity. Customize sweetness to taste. This mix can be made ahead and actually tastes better after a day or two. For nut-free version, replace nuts with roasted chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and coconut flakes.

Nutrition

Keywords: healthy Christmas snack mix, holiday snack mix, nutty treat, cranberry nut mix, easy snack mix, kid-approved snack, gluten-free snack, vegan snack mix

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/healthy-christmas-snack-mix-easy-kid-approved-nutty-treat/