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Sweet and Spicy Snack Mix

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A crunchy, addictive snack mix featuring nuts, seeds, cereal, and pretzels coated in a sweet and spicy glaze. Perfect for parties, gifting, or anytime snacking.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mixed nuts (e.g. almonds, pecans, cashews)
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
  • 1 cup mini pretzels (twists or sticks)
  • 2 cups Chex cereal or similar square cereal
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
  • 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots)
  • 1/4 cup butter or coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar or maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp honey or corn syrup
  • 1–2 tsp hot sauce or 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 300 °F (150 °C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. In a large bowl, combine nuts, seeds, pretzels, cereal, and shredded coconut (if using).
  3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter or coconut oil. Stir in brown sugar or maple syrup, honey or corn syrup, hot sauce or cayenne, cinnamon, and salt. Simmer for 1–2 minutes, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Pour the glaze over the dry mix and stir well to coat evenly.
  5. Spread the mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25–35 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.
  6. Remove from oven and immediately mix in dried fruit. Let cool completely on the pan — it will continue to crisp as it cools.
  7. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Serve by the handful or in bowls for sharing.

Notes

  • Make it vegan by using coconut oil and maple syrup instead of butter and honey.
  • Customize with different nuts, seeds, cereals, or spices.
  • Add chocolate chips after cooling for a sweet twist.
  • If mixture loses crunch, reheat briefly in oven at 275 °F (135 °C) for 5–8 minutes.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan — use two sheets if needed for even baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/sweet-and-spicy-snack-mix/