Homemade Christmas trail mix is the perfect stocking stuffer, teacher gift, mailman gift, or family gift. Trail mix recipes vary in specific ingredients, but generally they contain cereal, nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruit, and at times, small candies like M&M's or Heath Bits.
It's easy to make up large batches of trail mix at one time, which means you can make plenty for everyone on your list in one day. It's much easier than baking and is a nice switch from the traditional cookies and fruitcake.
Package your homemade trail mix in tins, cellophane bags, or small paint cans for an interesting and fun presentation. Add a small card with all of the ingredients listed, just in case you're not sure about potential allergies.
Homemade Christmas Trail Mix Recipes
Christmas Tree Trail Mix
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a jellyroll pan or cookie sheet with sides. Also, grease the sides of a large bowl. Set aside.
8 cups popcorn
1 cup walnuts, toasted
1/3 cup real maple syrup
teaspoon cinnamon
teaspoon kosher salt
Pinch of baking soda
1 cup dried cranberries
Pop the popcorn according to the directions. Mix the toasted walnuts and popcorn together in the prepared bowl.
In a saucepan, combine the syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Set to medium heat and allow the mixture to come to a boil and let it cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the baking soda and blend well (the mixture should have a creamy consistency).
Let the mixture cool slightly and then pour it all over the popcorn and nuts. Make sure the popcorn and nuts are thoroughly covered.
Turn everything out onto the prepared cookie sheet and distribute evenly. Bake for 15 minutes at 300 degrees Fahrenheit or until the mix is 'dry'. Cool for 20 minutes. Add the cranberries last.
Christmas Party Trail Mix
Yogurt covered raisins or pretzels
Peanuts, walnuts, or your favorite nut
Almonds
Chopped dates
Yellow raisins
Dried oranges, cranberries, or apricots
Corn Chex cereal
Toss all of the ingredients into a large bowl and mix. Take the entire bowl to the office Christmas party or divide it up into smaller containers to give as gifts to family and friends. Easy and delicious!
Holiday Snack Mix
Dry cereal - your choice
M&M's, Heath Bits, or your choice of small candy
Raisins
Dried fruit - apples, bananas, apricots, cranberries, etc.
Granola or oat bran
Chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or white chips
Mini marshmallows
Pretzels
Toss the ingredients together and then divide into mason jars, tins, coffee can, or any other interesting container idea that comes to you.
Packaging Your Presents
Keep an eye out all year at garage sales, dollar stores and sales at World Market to find interesting containers and canning jars to store and gift your recipes. Add a bow or ribbon and the recipe and I'm sure the recipients will appreciate such an attractive and tasty gift.
Trail mix is so easy to make at home! The colors and textures are fantastic from a presentation standpoint too. Try different methods and ingredients in your trail mix and maybe you'll come up with your very own version of homemade Christmas trail mix. Serve it at family functions, give as gifts, or munch on it while you make your homemade Christmas cards. No matter how you serve it, trail mix is the perfect gift.
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