Festive Valentine Snack Mix – Easy Chocolate Pretzel Treats
This sweet and salty Valentine Snack Mix combines creamy chocolate, crunchy pretzels, festive candies, and colorful sprinkles for a fun, irresistible treat. Perfect for parties, gifting, or a cozy family snack, it comes together in under 20 minutes and is endlessly customizable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups mini pretzels (about 100g)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (170g)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (170g)
- 1 cup Valentine M&Ms (140g, red, pink, and white)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (50g)
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, roughly chopped (15g, optional)
- 3 tablespoons heart-shaped sprinkles (30g)
- 1/2 cup honey roasted peanuts (70g, or substitute roasted sunflower seeds for nut-free)
- 1/2 cup graham cracker pieces, broken into small chunks (50g)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (30g, optional)
- Optional: yogurt-covered raisins, chocolate-covered pretzels, coconut chips, mini cookies, or other favorite mix-ins
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set out all ingredients.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt semi-sweet chocolate chips in 20-second bursts, stirring after each, until smooth (1-2 minutes). Repeat with white chocolate chips in a separate bowl. Alternatively, melt chocolate using a double boiler.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mini pretzels, mini marshmallows, freeze-dried strawberries, graham cracker pieces, and honey roasted peanuts. Toss gently to distribute.
- Pour melted semi-sweet chocolate over the mixture and stir gently to coat. Add melted white chocolate and swirl it through with a spatula (do not fully mix for a marbled effect).
- Quickly sprinkle in Valentine M&Ms, heart-shaped sprinkles, and dried cranberries (if using) while chocolate is still warm. Fold gently.
- Transfer the coated mix to the lined baking sheet and spread into an even layer. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or until chocolate is set, or refrigerate for 10-15 minutes if needed.
- Once set, break the mix into clusters or bite-sized pieces. Transfer to serving bowls or portion into zip-top bags for gifting.
- If chocolate clumps, stir more vigorously or add a teaspoon of coconut oil during melting for smoother consistency. If sticky, let cool longer.
Notes
For gluten-free, use GF pretzels and graham crackers. For nut-free, omit peanuts or use seeds. For dairy-free/vegan, use dairy-free chocolate and vegan marshmallows. Swirl, don’t fully mix, the white chocolate for a pretty effect. Let mix cool completely before storing to keep pretzels crunchy. Customize with your favorite candies or mix-ins.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (about 40g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: Valentine's Day, snack mix, chocolate pretzel, party treat, easy recipe, festive, kid-friendly, sweet and salty, holiday snack, edible gift