As it gets colder out, the time for family gatherings and cozy nights by the fire inches closer, getting us into the Christmas spirit. Along with this holiday comes a lot of Christmas-y cravings. So, whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, or just wanting to enjoy some festive flavors, these three snacks are a perfect way to satisfy your taste buds this holiday season.

Starting off, the first snack is Reindeer Chow. This snack is a classic trail mix coated in white chocolate. Of course, you always have the option to add or take out what you don’t like, but these are the ingredients for the original:

–       3 Cups Rice Chex cereal

–       3 Cups Cheerios cereal

–       3 Cups peanuts

–       3 Cups pretzel pieces

–       3 Cups red & green M&Ms

–       20 Ounces white chocolate

–       3 ½ Tablespoons solid vegetable shortening

Step 1: Before messing with any of the ingredients, line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Step 2: Now grab a large bowl and pour in the Chex, Cheerios, peanuts, pretzels, and M&Ms. Make sure to mix them around before continuing. Step 3: Using a medium bowl, melt the white chocolate and shortening in a microwave. Do this in thirty second intervals until it is completely melted. Step 4: Pour the melted mixture into the large bowl of trail mix and quickly toss it together. Step 5: Spread the mix onto the prepared pan and set into the fridge for about twenty minutes. Once the mix is done cooling it will be ready to eat. Reindeer chow can also be stored in an airtight container for up to four weeks.

Next is a delicious snack called Christmas Crack. This snack is a saltine cracker covered with homemade toffee, chocolate chips, and garnish off with any topping of your choice. The ingredients are below:

–       40 Saltine crackers

–       2 Sticks of butter

–       1 Cup packed brown sugar

–       2 Cups of semisweet chocolate chips, (Nestle is not recommended)

–       ½ Cup holiday sprinkles or sliced almonds

–       Cooking spray

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, then line a baking sheet with cooking spray or foil. Place the crackers in a single layer all across the baking sheet. Step 2: Take out a medium sauce pan, and bring butter and brown sugar to a boil for three minutes. Step 3: Pour the brown sugar mixture evenly across the crackers and spread with a spatula. Then, place the sheet pan into the oven for 3-5 minutes. Step 4: Take the pan out of the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips generously on top. Place back into the oven for another 2-3 minutes. Once that is done, spread the chocolate around with a spatula. Step 5: Sprinkle your topping of choice over the crackers and set the pan aside to cool. Once it is done cooling, cut into pieces and serve.

The last Christmas snack is called Christmas Pretzel Bark. Pretzels are always a Christmas classic and this is a fun way to spruce them up. The ingredients call for:

–       1 Ounce of white chocolate or white candy melts

–       3 Cups of small pretzels

–       1 Cup of M&M’s (red and green)

–       ½ cCup holiday sprinkles

Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Step 2: Microwave the white chocolate in 30-second increments until melted and smooth, stirring between each interval. Step 3: Pour the chocolate onto the baking sheet and spread evenly using a spatula, making the chocolate about ¼ of an inch thick. Step 4: Add pretzels and toppings, pressing them into the chocolate so they stay, and then adding the holiday sprinkles over top. Step 5: Set the bark off to the side and allow it to fully set before breaking it into pieces of your desired size.

Sharing these homemade snacks with loved ones not only creates lasting memories but also embodies the festive spirit of togetherness and cheer.