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Churro Chex Mix Recipe
This Churro Chex Mix Recipe gives you everything you love about warm churros—crunchy, buttery, cinnamon-sugary goodness—turned into an easy, shareable sweet cereal snack that’s perfect for parties, holidays, and late-night nibbling.
What Is Churro Chex Mix?
Think of this churro snack mix as the cozy cousin of classic Chex Mix and fairground churros. You get crisp Chex cereal coated in a buttery, cinnamon sugar glaze, then baked just long enough to stay crunchy and snackable. It’s a churro themed snack that doesn’t need yeast, frying, or any fussy dough—just a big bowl, a baking sheet, and a hungry crowd.
I started making this churro party mix when my kids were teenagers and always bringing friends home after football games. I loved churros, but I didn’t always feel like dealing with a pot of hot oil at 10 p.m. So I turned to Chex cereal and made a dessert chex mix that tasted like churro flavored cereal—sweet, crunchy, and totally addictive.
Now I bring this cinnamon sugar chex mix to holiday parties, movie nights, and even teacher appreciation luncheons. People always ask for the recipe. It travels well, it looks festive, and you can customize it with add-ins like pretzels, mini marshmallows, or chocolate candies.
This version is baked churro chex, which keeps the coating crisp and sets the cinnamon sugar so it’s not sticky. But it’s still an easy churro recipe you can pull together fast—no special skills, no fancy tools. If you can stir, you can make this.
Why You’ll Love This Churro Chex Mix Recipe
Here’s why this sweet snack mix earns a permanent spot in your recipe box:
- Big churro flavor, no frying required – You get all the cinnamon dessert snack vibes without dealing with hot oil.
- Ready in about 30 minutes – Quick prep, quick bake, and you’re snacking.
- Perfect for sharing – Great holiday snack mix for potlucks, game days, or neighbor gifts.
- Budget-friendly ingredients – Chex cereal, butter, sugar, and cinnamon—nothing fancy, but it tastes special.
- Stays crunchy for days – Makes an easy make-ahead dessert chex mix for busy weeks.
- Kid- and teen-approved – Sweet, crunchy churro mix that disappears fast from the snack table.
- Flexible and customizable – Add nuts, pretzels, or candy for your own crunchy churro mix twist.
- Great for gifting – Package this churro snack mix in cute bags or jars for homemade gifts.
- No tricky candy thermometer – The coating is simple; you’ll rely on sight and smell, not special equipment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about what goes into this churro flavored cereal snack. I’ll include suggested brands, but use what you have.
For the Churro Chex Mix base:
- 8 cups Chex cereal (rice, corn, or a mix; I like 4 cups Rice Chex + 4 cups Corn Chex)
- 2 cups small pretzels (twists or sticks; adds salt and crunch, optional but delicious)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (stirred in after baking for a soft, sweet contrast, optional)
For the buttery cinnamon sugar coating:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- Use real butter for the richest flavor; salted butter works too—just reduce added salt slightly.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- Gives a caramel note that really makes this sweet cereal snack taste like churros.
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Helps the coating stay crisp and gives that classic cinnamon sugar chew.
- 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Use fresh cinnamon; if it’s been in the pantry for years, it’s time for a new jar.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Rounds out the flavor and adds a little bakery-style warmth.
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- Just enough to balance the sweetness and bring out all the flavors.
For the extra cinnamon sugar finish:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
This extra coating is what really makes this taste like a churro snack mix and not just “sweet cereal.” It gives that sparkly, sandy sugar texture you expect from churros.
Ingredient notes & easy substitutions:
- Chex cereal: Use Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or Wheat Chex. If you prefer a lighter bite, stick with rice and corn. Wheat Chex gives a heartier crunch.
- Butter: You can use plant-based butter sticks for a dairy-free version. Just choose one that’s labeled for baking so it melts and sets well.
- Sugar mix: You can use all white sugar in the coating, but the brown sugar adds that lovely churro flavor.
- Vanilla: Almond extract works too—use ½ teaspoon since it’s stronger.
- Cinnamon: Feel free to bump it up to 3 teaspoons in the main coating if you love a bold cinnamon dessert snack.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat your oven and prepare your pan.
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This keeps the churro chex mix from sticking and makes cleanup easier. If you don’t have a big pan, use two smaller pans so everything can spread out.
2. Combine the cereal and pretzels.
In a large mixing bowl—bigger than you think you need—add 8 cups Chex cereal and 2 cups pretzels. Gently toss them together with your hands so you’ve got an even mix. Using a big bowl makes coating everything much easier and less messy.
3. Make the cinnamon sugar coating.
In a medium saucepan, add 1 cup butter, 1 cup brown sugar, and ½ cup granulated sugar. Place over medium heat. Stir frequently as the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. You want a smooth mixture that looks like a glossy caramel sauce, but you don’t need to bring it to a hard boil.
Once it’s smooth and the sugar is mostly dissolved, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in 2½ teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Take a moment to inhale—this is where your kitchen starts smelling like a fairground stand.
4. Coat the cereal mixture.
Pour the warm cinnamon sugar mixture over the cereal and pretzels. Use a spatula or large spoon to toss gently but thoroughly. Scoop from the bottom of the bowl and bring everything up and over so no dry pieces remain. Take your time here; an even coating is the secret to that perfect crunchy churro mix.
5. Spread and bake.
Spread the coated cereal mixture onto your prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Some clumps are fine—that gives you those little extra-flavor bites—but avoid a huge mountain on one side.
Bake at 300°F for 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway through. When you stir, gently turn and spread the mix so everything bakes evenly. You’re not looking for browning; it should just look set and slightly drier, not wet and glossy.
6. Toss with the extra cinnamon sugar.
While the churro chex mix is baking, stir together ½ cup granulated sugar and 1½ teaspoons cinnamon in a small bowl.
When the mix comes out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the warm cereal on the pan. Gently stir and toss right on the baking sheet so that sparkling cinnamon sugar coats every bite. This step is key—it’s what gives the churro snack mix that classic sandy sugar finish.
7. Cool completely and add marshmallows.
Let the churro chex mix cool fully on the baking sheet. This can take about 20–30 minutes. As it cools, it will become even more crisp.
Once it’s completely cool to the touch, stir in 1 cup mini marshmallows if you’re using them. If you add them too soon, they’ll melt, so give the mix time to cool first.
8. Serve or store.
Transfer the crunchy churro mix to a large serving bowl and enjoy, or portion into airtight containers for storage and gifting. This sweet snack mix is ready to go!
Servings, Prep Time & Total Time
Yield:
- Makes about 10–12 servings (around 12 cups of mix), depending on portion size.
Timing:
- Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Bake Time: 15–20 minutes
- Cool Time: 20–30 minutes
- Total Time: About 50–60 minutes, most of it hands-off while it bakes and cools
This timing makes it perfect when you need a holiday snack mix you can start while dinner’s in the oven, then package once the kitchen quiets down.
Fun Variations & Flavor Twists
Once you’ve made this Churro Chex Mix Recipe once, you’ll probably start thinking of all sorts of ways to switch it up. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Chocolate Drizzle Churro Chex – Drizzle melted semi-sweet or white chocolate over the cooled mix, then let it set before breaking apart.
- Spiced Mexican Hot Chocolate Mix – Add a pinch of cayenne and ½ teaspoon cocoa powder to the cinnamon sugar coating for a gentle heat and chocolate note.
- Nutty Churro Party Mix – Stir in 1–2 cups roasted pecans, almonds, or cashews before baking for extra crunch and protein.
- Churro S’mores Mix – Add mini marshmallows and broken graham crackers to turn it into a campfire-style dessert chex mix.
- Gluten-Free Churro Mix – Use only gluten-free Chex cereal and gluten-free pretzels; check labels to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Holiday Sprinkle Mix – Toss in red and green sprinkles or seasonal candies after cooling for a festive holiday snack mix.
How To Store Your Churro Snack Mix
You know what? This recipe almost tastes better the next day, once the flavors settle in a bit. Here’s how to keep it that way.
Room Temperature Storage
- Store the churro chex mix in an airtight container or zip-top bags.
- Keep it at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
- It stays fresh and crunchy for up to 5–7 days.
Freezer Storage
- For longer storage, place the cooled sweet snack mix in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving. No reheating needed—just thaw and snack.
Re-crisping Tips
If your churro flavored cereal snack picks up a little humidity and loses its crunch:
- Spread it on a baking sheet and warm in a 275°F oven for 5–7 minutes, then cool completely.
- This helps bring back that crispy texture without burning the sugar.
Make-Ahead Advice
- You can make this churro party mix 2–3 days before a gathering without any loss in quality.
- For gifting, I like to make it the night before, let it cool fully, then pack it in jars or treat bags in the morning.
Recipe Notes From My Kitchen
A few personal thoughts and lessons from making this churro themed snack more times than I can count:
- Use a big bowl. Every time I try to use a smaller bowl, I end up chasing cereal across the counter. Give yourself space to stir.
- Don’t skip the extra cinnamon sugar. The initial coating gives flavor, but that last toss of cinnamon sugar is what takes it from “nice sweet mix” to “oh wow, this tastes like churros.”
- Watch your oven time. Sugar burns fast. If your oven runs hot, check at the 12–13 minute mark. The mix should feel dry, not sticky, but not browned.
- Line the pan. Parchment or a silicone mat makes life easier. The sugary coating can glue itself to an unlined pan.
- Think about color contrast. If you’re adding candy, choose colors that match the occasion—pastels at Easter, team colors for game day, or red and green for Christmas. It makes this sweet cereal snack look as fun as it tastes.
- Taste as you go. The cinnamon level is easy to adjust; if you love a strong cinnamon punch, sprinkle a little extra on while it’s still warm.
And just a little emotional note from a mom who’s packed a lot of snack bags—this is one of those recipes kids remember. My now-grown son still texts me before big games: “Mom, can you make the churro Chex?” That’s how you know a recipe has staying power.
Churro Chex Mix Recipe FAQs
Can I make this Churro Chex Mix Recipe without baking it?
You can skip the baking step, but the mix will be a bit softer and may not stay crisp as long. Baking helps set the coating and keeps the sweet snack mix crunchy.
Can I cut back on the sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar in the coating by ¼–½ cup, but the texture will be less like classic churros. You can also skip the final cinnamon sugar toss, though you’ll lose that churro-style finish.
Is this churro chex mix gluten-free?
It can be. Use gluten-free Chex cereal (like Rice Chex or Corn Chex) and gluten-free pretzels, and make sure any add-ins are gluten-free as well.
Can I use a different cereal?
You can mix in other cereals like Crispix or even small plain cornflakes, but Chex cereal holds the coating very well and gives the most classic texture for a churro snack mix.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use two large baking sheets and rotate them halfway through baking. Just make sure the cereal layer stays fairly even so it bakes and dries well.
Why did my churro party mix turn out soggy?
Usually it either didn’t bake long enough or it wasn’t cooled completely before storing. Bake until it feels dry to the touch and always cool it fully before sealing in a container.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can use a baking-style margarine or plant-based butter, but the flavor won’t be quite as rich. If you do, choose a brand made for baking, not a light spread.
How can I make this a little less sweet but still flavorful?
Increase the salt very slightly (up to ½ teaspoon total) and add a handful of salted nuts or pretzels. The salt cuts the sweetness and gives more balance without losing flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Churro Chex Mix Recipe brings the joy of fresh churros into a simple, crunchy, and shareable sweet snack mix. It’s easy enough for a busy weekday, special enough for holidays, and flexible enough to become your go-to party treat all year long.
If you try this cinnamon sugar chex mix, let me know how it went—what add-ins you used, who you shared it with, and whether it made it to the party without someone sneaking handfuls first. And if you love this kind of chex cereal dessert, you might enjoy experimenting with other flavored mixes too—think chocolate peanut butter, caramel pecan, or even a s’mores twist. Happy snacking!
Churro Chex Mix
Ingredients
- 8 cups Chex cereal rice, corn, or a mix; e.g., 4 cups Rice Chex + 4 cups Corn Chex
- 2 cups small pretzels twists or sticks; optional but adds salt and crunch
- 1 cup mini marshmallows stirred in after baking; optional
- 1 cup unsalted butter 2 sticks; salted butter works, reduce added salt slightly
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon for the buttery coating
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar for the final cinnamon sugar coating
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon for the final cinnamon sugar coating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. If you don’t have one large pan, use two smaller pans so the mix can spread out in an even layer.
- In a very large mixing bowl, add 8 cups Chex cereal and 2 cups small pretzels. Gently toss together with your hands or a large spoon so you have an even mix.8 cups Chex cereal, 2 cups small pretzels
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup packed light brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Stir frequently until the butter is melted and the sugar is mostly dissolved into a smooth, glossy sauce. Remove from heat and stir in 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt.1 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup light brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Pour the warm cinnamon sugar mixture over the cereal and pretzels in the large bowl. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently but thoroughly toss, scraping from the bottom and turning the mixture until all pieces are evenly coated and no dry spots remain.8 cups Chex cereal, 2 cups small pretzels
- Spread the coated cereal and pretzel mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Some small clumps are fine. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15–20 minutes, stirring and redistributing the mix halfway through. The coating should look set and slightly drier, not wet or glossy, and it should not be browned.
- While the mix is baking, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir until evenly mixed.1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven. While the churro Chex mix is still warm, immediately sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top. Gently toss and turn the mix right on the baking sheet so the sparkly cinnamon sugar coats all the pieces.1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Let the churro Chex mix cool completely on the baking sheet, about 20–30 minutes, until fully crisp and no longer warm. Once cool, stir in 1 cup mini marshmallows if using.1 cup mini marshmallows
- Transfer the cooled churro Chex mix to a large serving bowl, or portion into airtight containers, jars, or treat bags for storage and gifting.
