Gold and Black Midnight Snack

A festive, sweet-and-savory snack mix featuring gold and black ingredients—perfect for ringing in the New Year with style and crunch.

This mix quickly became a family favorite for our New Year parties because it combines unique flavors with delightful textures.

Ingredients

• Crunchy Base: 3 cups black cocoa cereal (e.g., Oreo Os or similar), 2 cups mini pretzel twists, 1 cup caramel popcorn
• Gold & Black Accents: 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips, 1/2 cup chocolate-covered espresso beans (optional for adults), 1/2 cup gold candy-coated chocolates (e.g., gold M&Ms), 1/2 cup gold star sprinkles or edible glitter
• Sweet & Savory Coating: 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons honey, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

Collect vegetable peels, food scraps, and trimmings while cooking to keep your kitchen clean and organized.

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Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2:

In a large mixing bowl combine black cocoa cereal pretzel twists and caramel popcorn.

Step 3:

In a small saucepan melt butter over low heat. Stir in honey and sea salt until smooth.

Step 4:

Drizzle the butter mixture evenly over the snack mix. Toss gently to coat.

Step 5:

Spread the coated mix in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes stirring once halfway through until fragrant and just beginning to crisp.

Step 6:

Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

Step 7:

Once cooled transfer the mix to a large bowl. Add chocolate chips chocolate-covered espresso beans gold candy-coated chocolates and gold star sprinkles. Toss gently to combine.

Step 8:

Serve in bowls or fill festive bags for guests to take home.

Collect vegetable peels, food scraps, and trimmings while cooking to keep your kitchen clean and organized.

Check price on Amazon

Collect vegetable peels, food scraps, and trimmings while cooking to keep your kitchen clean and organized.

Check price on Amazon

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This snack mix always brings our family together around the table for a joyful New Year's Eve celebration.

Notes

Espresso beans add a sophisticated touch that is optional for kid-friendly versions. Pair this snack with sparkling wine or a festive mocktail for best results.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl small saucepan baking sheet parchment paper spatula

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (butter) gluten (pretzels some cereals) and soy (chocolate). May contain nuts if added or present in chocolates. Double-check candy and cereal labels for allergens.

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Measure spices, liquids, and baking ingredients accurately for consistent results in cooking and baking.

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Enjoy this delectable snack mix that adds sparkle and flavor to any celebration.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make this snack mix gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free pretzels and gluten-free caramel popcorn, you can easily make this mix gluten-free.

→ What is the purpose of baking the coated mix?

Baking helps to crisp the coated base ingredients and meld the honey-butter coating for a crunchy texture.

→ Can I omit the espresso beans?

Espresso beans add a rich flavor and adult-friendly touch but can be omitted for a kid-friendly version.

→ How should I store the snack mix?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crisp for several days.

→ Are there nut options to add?

You can add roasted salted cashews or almonds for a nutty variation and extra crunch.