In a world of complex recipes, there’s a special joy in finding a treat that is ridiculously easy, incredibly fast, and universally loved. What if you could whip up a batch of an addictive, sweet, and crunchy snack with just four simple ingredients and less than 15 minutes of your time? This 4-Ingredient Cinnamon Chex Mix is that magical recipe. Often known as “Puppy Chow” or “Muddy Buddies,” this version gets a warm, cozy twist with a generous coating of cinnamon and sweet white chocolate. It’s the perfect no-bake solution for holiday gatherings, movie nights, or any time you need a crowd-pleasing snack in a hurry.

Ingredients

With just four main ingredients, this recipe couldn’t be simpler. The optional addition of Cinnamon Toast Crunch adds an extra layer of cinnamony goodness!

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity
Chex Cereal	6 cups (or 4 cups Chex + 2 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch)
Creamy White Chocolate Chips	12 oz.
Ground Cinnamon	3 tsp, divided
Powdered Sugar	1 cup

Timing

This is one of the fastest homemade snacks you can make. The total time is minimal, with the most challenging part being waiting for the chocolate to cool!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooling Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple, foolproof steps to create a perfectly coated, irresistibly crunchy batch of cinnamon snack mix.

Step 1: Melt the White Chocolate

Place the white chocolate chips in a medium-sized, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them in 25-second increments at 50% power, stirring well after each interval. It is crucial to use lower power and short bursts to prevent the white chocolate from overheating and seizing. When the chips are mostly melted, remove the bowl and simply continue stirring until the residual heat melts the remaining pieces into a smooth, creamy consistency. Stir 1 ½ teaspoons of the cinnamon directly into the melted white chocolate.

Step 2: Coat the Cereal

Pour your Chex cereal (and Cinnamon Toast Crunch, if using) into a large mixing bowl. Pour the cinnamon-white chocolate mixture over the cereal. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold and stir the cereal until every piece is evenly and generously coated. Be gentle to avoid crushing the delicate cereal squares.

Step 3: Shake in the Cinnamon Sugar

In a gallon-sized plastic bag, combine the powdered sugar and the remaining 1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon. Seal the bag and shake it a few times to mix. Add the chocolate-coated cereal to the bag, press out most of the air, and seal it tightly. Shake the bag until every piece of cereal is thoroughly coated in the sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Pour the coated snack mix out onto a baking sheet or into a large bowl and allow it to cool and set for about 15 minutes. This step is essential, as it allows the white chocolate to firm up, creating that classic crunchy texture. Once cooled, it’s ready to serve!

Nutritional Information

This is a sweet, indulgent snack mix perfect for sharing. The nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used.

Serving Size: Approximately ½ cup
Key Nutrients: This is a calorie-dense snack, providing carbohydrates and sugar for a quick energy boost.
Gluten-Free Note: This recipe is easily made gluten-free by using Rice Chex or Corn Chex.

Healthier Alternatives

While this is a treat, you can make a few simple swaps to accommodate different dietary needs.

Lower-Sugar: Use a brand of sugar-free white chocolate chips and a powdered sugar substitute like an erythritol or monk fruit blend.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use Rice Chex or Corn Chex cereal, which are both gluten-free. Always double-check your labels.
Vegan / Dairy-Free: To make this recipe vegan-friendly, simply use a brand of dairy-free white chocolate chips and ensure your chosen cereal does not contain any animal products.

Serving Suggestions for your Cinnamon Chex Mix

This addictive snack is perfect for a wide variety of occasions and can be customized in many fun ways.

Holiday Gifting: This mix makes a wonderful and easy homemade gift for the holidays. Portion it into decorative bags or jars, tie with a ribbon, and share with friends, neighbors, and teachers.
Party Favorite: Serve a giant bowl of it at parties, game nights, or family movie nights. It’s always one of the first things to disappear from the snack table.
Ultimate Snack Mix: Get creative by adding other ingredients to the finished mix. Salty pretzels, toasted pecans or almonds, or even white chocolate M&Ms would be delicious additions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

This recipe is simple, but following these tips will ensure it turns out perfectly every time.

Scorching the White Chocolate: White chocolate is more delicate than dark or milk chocolate and can burn easily in the microwave. Solution: Never microwave on full power. Always use 50% power and stir every 25-30 seconds. Stop heating when it’s about 80% melted and just stir to melt the rest.
Creating Gummy Clumps: If you pour the hot, freshly coated cereal directly into the powdered sugar, the heat can melt the sugar and create a clumpy, gummy texture. Solution: Let the chocolate-coated cereal cool for just a minute or two before adding it to the sugar bag. This allows the chocolate to set slightly so the sugar can adhere perfectly.
Breaking the Cereal: Chex is a delicate cereal. Stirring too vigorously when coating it can turn half of your mix into crumbs. Solution: Use a large bowl to give yourself plenty of room and use a gentle folding motion with a spatula rather than an aggressive stirring motion.

Storing Tips

Proper storage is key to keeping your snack mix crunchy and fresh.

To Store: Once the Chex mix is completely cool and the chocolate has fully set, transfer it to an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week.
Do Not Refrigerate: Storing the mix in the refrigerator can introduce moisture and cause it to become soft or sticky. Room temperature is best.

Conclusion

This 4-Ingredient Cinnamon Chex Mix is the ultimate proof that you don’t need a lot of time or a long list of ingredients to create a truly delicious and memorable treat. It’s sweet, crunchy, perfectly spiced, and so incredibly easy that it’s bound to become a staple in your no-bake recipe collection. It’s the perfect snack for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying by the handful whenever a sweet craving strikes.

We are so excited for you to try this simple and addictive recipe. Give it a go and let us know in the comments what you think! We love hearing your feedback. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more easy and crowd-pleasing snack ideas.

FAQs

Q1. What kind of Chex cereal is best for this recipe?

Rice Chex or Corn Chex are the most popular choices as they have a neutral flavor and a light, crispy texture. Both are also gluten-free. You can also use Wheat Chex if you are not concerned with gluten.

Q2. Can I use a different kind of chocolate?

Yes, absolutely! While this recipe calls for white chocolate to complement the cinnamon, it would also be delicious with semi-sweet, milk, or even dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet version.

Q3. Can I make this recipe without a microwave?

Yes. You can easily melt the white chocolate chips on the stovetop. Simply place them in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (a double boiler), making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir until smooth.

Q4. My snack mix seems a little sticky. What did I do wrong?

If the mix is sticky, it likely just needs more time to cool and set completely. Spread it out in a thin layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it sit at room temperature for a bit longer until the chocolate is fully hardened.