Valentine’s Day Snack Mix Ideas for Romantic Parties and Gifts

A festive snack mix with cherry muddy buddies, kettle corn, and Valentine candies—great for sharing or gifting.

• 1/2 cup M&M candies (red, white, and pink)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries or cherries
• 1/2 cup conversation hearts

For the Kettle Corn

• 1/4 cup oil (such as canola)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup uncooked popcorn kernels
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1–2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (optional)

For the Cherry Muddy Buddies

• 8 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 16 ounces chocolate melting wafers or almond bark
• 1 3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 package instant cherry gelatin mix (3.4 ounces)

Prepare Kettle Corn

• Heat oil over medium-high heat in a heavy pan.
• Add three popcorn kernels and shake the pan until they pop.
• Add sugar and stir constantly until it begins to dissolve, about 10–15 seconds.
• Quickly add the remaining popcorn kernels, cover, and shake the pan five times. Let rest for two seconds, then continue shaking intermittently until popping stops.
• Remove from heat and pour popcorn into a large bowl. Toss with salt and, if desired, drizzle with melted butter. Set aside to cool and harden.

Prepare Cherry Muddy Buddies

• Melt the chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl: microwave 45 seconds, stir, then continue in 10-second increments, stirring between, until smooth.
• In a large bowl, combine the Rice Chex with the melted chocolate, stirring until every piece is coated.
• In a large gallon Ziploc bag, mix confectioners’ sugar, cocoa, and cherry gelatin powder. Add the chocolate-coated Chex and shake until fully coated. Store in a covered container until ready to serve.

Assemble Snack Mix

• In a large bowl, combine the cooled kettle corn, Cherry Muddy Buddies, M&M’s, dried cranberries, and conversation hearts. Adjust quantities to taste—there’s no wrong mix.

Calories: 446 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 76 g |
Protein: 2 g |
Fat: 15 g |
Sugar: 58 g