It may not be the most important aspect of the holiday season, but it’s hard to imagine having a properly festive Christmas without Christmas treats. Where would we be without recipes like crockpot hot chocolate, sour cream cookies, hot chocolate bombs, gingerbread houses (and their easier cousin, graham cracker houses), fudge brownies — I could go on and on!

While some of my favorite holiday treats are classics like sugar cookies and peppermint bark, I’ve also expanded my collection of recipes for tasty holiday snacks over the past few years! We just can’t get enough of these addictive Christmas treats, so I thought I’d share 3 Christmas goodie recipes with you here that not only would make fabulous snacks for Christmas, but wonderful gifts for family and friends, too!
The fact that all 3 recipes are easy Christmas treats is the icing on the cake (or the cream cheese frosting on the Christmas cake, so to speak!) In addition to being quick and easy holiday snacks, they’d make great Christmas party desserts or prizes for Christmas party games!
If you have a favorite Christmas treat that other OGT readers should know about, please share it in a comment at the bottom of this post!
Look for the video at the end of this post to see step-by-step instructions in action!
My 3 Favorite Christmas Treat Recipes

1. Ritz Cracker Toffee
This is the recipe most often associated with the name “Christmas Crack,” and for good reason! It’s hard not to be hooked on this crunchy, chocolatey bark from the very first bite. Consider making a double batch of this easy holiday treat, because it will disappear before your eyes! It’s one of my very favorite Christmas treat recipes, and makes a fun Christmas dessert, too.

Ingredients:
- 20 Ritz crackers or similar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- Pinch sea salt (optional)
- Crushed candy cane, to garnish (optional)

Directions:
Start by lining an 8×8″ pan with parchment paper, then arrange an even layer of Ritz crackers so that it covers the bottom of the pan.

Next, combine butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan and heat until melted. Boil the mixture for 2-3 minutes — WITHOUT stirring — then immediately pour the caramel over the crackers, using a spatula to spread it into an even layer.

Place the pan in a 425 degree oven for 5 minutes to help set the caramel layer. Remove the pan from the oven, sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the caramel, then put the pan back in the hot oven for 1-2 more minutes to melt the chocolate chips.

Immediately after removing the pan from the oven, spread the melted chips into an even layer, then sprinkle crushed peppermints or candy canes over the chocolate to give it a fun, festive look. Let the pan cool completely before breaking the finished toffee into snack-sized pieces.
Mix It Up!
- Instead of peppermint, sprinkle crushed pecans or walnuts on top, or add some Christmas cookie sprinkles.
- Use dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chip, or even butterscotch chips (or a mix!)
- Sprinkle crushed pretzels on top to give it even more of a sweet and salty flair.

2. “Pigeon Mix” (Christmas Chex Mix)
This recipe was shared with me by our long-time neighbors (and my daughter Britta’s in-laws) the Hopkins, who call it by the name “Pigeon Mix” (though I’m sure it’s known by other names, as Christmas Chex mixes often are!) This sweet, crunchy, buttery snack mix is as easy to make as it is hard to put down! If your family is anything like mine, you won’t be able to get enough of it.

Ingredients:
- 1/2 box Corn Chex
- 1/2 box Golden Grahams cereal
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup white corn syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup butter

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the Chex, Golden Grahams, slivered almonds, and shredded coconut, then set the bowl aside.

To a saucepan, add the corn syrup, sugar, and butter, then place it on your stovetop over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Pour the liquid over the cereal mixture and stir to combine, then spread the mixture out onto a lined baking sheet. Allow it to cool before breaking it up and storing it in ziplock bags.

3. Snowstorm Popcorn
I made this soft and chewy popcorn treat one year while were stuck inside during a snowstorm, and that’s how it earned its moniker. Snacking on a big bowl of this popcorn while watching a Christmas movie in the glow of the lights of your Christmas tree sounds the perfect way to spend time with those you love around the holidays. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and goes great with a steaming mug of hot cocoa!

Ingredients:
- 3 bags microwave popcorn, popped
- 2 sticks butter
- 16 oz marshmallows
- 1 cup brown sugar

Directions:
Start by picking out any unpopped kernels from the popcorn and discarding them, then place the popped popcorn in a large bowl.

In a separate, microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, marshmallows, and brown sugar, then and microwave it for 2 minutes. Remove the bowl, stir, then microwave again for 1-2 minutes. Stir again, repeating until the mixture is thin enough to pour.

Pour the buttery marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and stir well with a spatula to ensure the popcorn gets coated evenly. Let cool and serve.

BONUS: Packaging Treats For Quick And Easy Holiday Gifts
These Christmas treats are fun and easy to make with your kids, and would make great gifts to boot! Here are a few ideas for packaging your delicious Christmas goodies to make them extra festive:
- Mold the popcorn into balls and wrap them in wax paper or plastic wrap. Use a fun Christmas sticker to secure the paper or plastic.
- Scoop Pigeon Mix into cellophane bags or holiday ziplock bag to give to coworkers, mail delivery people, neighbors, etc.
- Break the toffee into bite-size pieces, pile them into a cellophane bag, then tie the bag closed with red and green ribbon.
- Scoop any of these festive holiday treats into a mason jar for a delicious (and practical) gift!
What are your favorite Christmas treats to make during the holidays?

Ritz Cracker Toffee Recipe
Ingredients
- 20 Ritz Crackers
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 pinch sea salt optional topping
- crushed candy cane optional topping
Instructions
- Line an 8×8" pan with parchment paper.
- Place Ritz crackers in an even layer covering the bottom of the pan.
- Combine butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan and heat until melted. Boil the mixture for 2-3 minutes WITHOUT stirring.
- Immediately pour the caramel mixture over the Ritz crackers and spread it into an even layetr with a spatula.
- Bake at 425 degrees F for 5 minutes to thicken and set the caramel.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the caramel, then bake for 2-3 more minutes to melt the chocolate chips.
- Remove the pan from the oven and immediately spread the melted chocolate into an even layer.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt or crushed candy cane bits on top, then let the pan cool for about 2 hours before breaking the toffee into snack-sized pieces.
Nutrition

Pigeon Mix Recipe (AKA Christmas Chex Mix)
Ingredients
- 6 ounces Corn Chex about half a box
- 6 ounces Golden Grahams about half a box
- ½ cup slivered almonds
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup white corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup butter
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the Chex, Golden Grahams, slivered almonds, and shredded coconut. Set the bowl aside.
- Combine the corn syrup, sugar, and butter into a saucepan and place it on your stove over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour the liquid over the cereal mixture and stir to combine. Spread out on a lined cookie sheet and let it cool before storing in airtight container.
Nutrition

Marshmallow Popcorn Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 bags microwave popcorn
- 2 sticks butter
- 16 oz marshmallows
- 1 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Pop the popcorn, discard any unpopped kernels, and place in a large bowl.
- Place the butter, marshmallows, and brown sugar in a microwave-safe bowl, then microwave for 2 1/2 minutes and stir.
- Microwave the marshmallow mixture again for 1 minute, repeating again if necessary to achieve a pourable consistency.
- Pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and stir thoroughly.
This sounds so yummy I would like to try it. If I wanted to know how much popcorn this would be if I do not use microwave popcorn.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I wish ou would do your recipes in printable views. Thank you
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hello. How long can i preserve the popcorn in sealed plastic bag?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.It’s best when it’s fresh, but it won’t go bad for a week or two :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Sounds delicious! I need to try some of these recipes!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You have more great ideas than Doan’s has back pills! (If you remember those. Lol). Thank you very, very much as always.
Merry Christmas!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.yumyumyummmmmm…thanks jillee.
and merry christmas!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Your pictures of the cracker snack show crushed peppermint sticks sprinkled on top, but you forgot to mention that in the recipe. The crushed candy adds a wonderful flavor to the combination!
I’m still hung up on that old standby Chex Mix, that buttery, garlicky, Worcestershire saucy cereal mix that means Christmas to me. Hard to watch my weight with all these wonderful snacks around!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.THANK YOU JILLEE FOR ALL THE WONDERFUL RECIPES AND TIPS ON LIFE……….You’re an inspiration to us all………………………..Have a very merry Christmas and a most wonderful New Year …………………………….
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks so much Stacey! Merry Christmas! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.do u have anything i can make thats dairy free my brother is allergic to dairy
Please log in or create a free account to comment.They all look delicious. I remember making a variation of the toffee using graham crackers as the base. The Ritz or saltine crackers would give the toffee that great sweet-salty combination.
One question – what size box of cereal do you use?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks!
Regular size box, usually 17-20 ounces. :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I too love all three of these treats. They look yummy! Cannot wait to give them a try.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I am trying to avoid a lot of baking this holiday season (because I would want to eat it ALL!) but I think one of these recipes will be perfect for us this Thursday. A group of us are going to be making dinner for people at our local equivalent to the Ronald McDonald House and I am in charge of dessert. These look easy to make and are sure to be crowd pleasers. Also, I wanted to share with you a recipe that my sister calls “Christmas Crack.” So easy. She just buys a big bag of popcorn, drizzles it with melted almond bark and crushed candy canes, and lets it cool. You literally cannot stop eating that salty-sweet treat!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Everything looks so good. We always do my Grandmas version of English Toffee. Wont do the Pigeon mix because of food allergies, but the others will work for me.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I actually made the Snowstorm popcorn mix for our family. Trying to remember if we only tried it once.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.An even better change to the Christmas crack are pretzels. I use the pretzel rings others have use the regular Twisted pretzel. Like the Saltine switch it adds the salty aspect to the treat but the pretzels hang on to their crunch better than either one of the cracker choices
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Jillee, We make Cracker Toffee with regular Saltines, It comes out sweet and salty. I’m making my grandkids your popcorn one for Christmas Day. I want you to know how much I appreciate One Good Thing by Jillee. I start every day with a cup of coffee and your blog. Because of you, my skin is great for a 72 year old gal. Your coconut oil semi homemade recipes are great for myself and as gifts for my friends. Merry Christmas!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks!! Merry Christmas :-)
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