Cherry Coded Hot Honey Pretzel (Print Version)

Crunchy pretzels, tart cherries, and hot honey create the ultimate sweet, spicy, and salty snack blend.

# Components:

→ Snack Mix Components

01 - 3 cups mini pretzels
02 - 1 ½ cups roasted salted peanuts
03 - 1 ½ cups crispy rice cereal squares
04 - 1 cup dried tart cherries
05 - 1 cup honey-roasted almonds

→ Hot Honey Glaze

06 - ½ cup unsalted butter
07 - ⅓ cup honey
08 - 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
09 - 1 ½ teaspoons hot sauce
10 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
12 - ½ teaspoon kosher salt

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the mini pretzels, roasted salted peanuts, crispy rice cereal squares, dried tart cherries, and honey-roasted almonds. Toss gently to ensure an even distribution of all components.
03 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the honey, light brown sugar, hot sauce, smoked paprika, ground cayenne pepper, and kosher salt. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble gently, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
04 - Immediately pour the warm hot honey glaze over the combined dry ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Use a spatula to stir thoroughly, ensuring all elements are evenly coated with the glaze.
05 - Spread the coated snack mix in a single, even layer onto the prepared baking sheet.
06 - Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Stir the mixture once halfway through the baking time to promote even browning and aroma development, until the mix is golden and fragrant.
07 - Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the snack mix to cool completely on the sheet. It will firm up and achieve its final crispness as it cools.
08 - Once fully cooled, gently break the mixture into bite-sized clusters. Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 35 minutes
  • Uses mostly pantry staples
  • Perfect balance of sweet heat and saltiness
  • Makes a wonderful homemade gift
  • Customizable heat level to suit your preference
02 -
  • Stays fresh for up to 2 weeks when stored properly
  • Can be made ahead for parties or gifts
  • Each batch can be customized with different heat levels
  • Contains both gluten and nuts allergens
03 -
  • After years of making this addictive snack mix, I've learned that the quality of your honey dramatically impacts the final flavor. Spring for local raw honey if possible—the floral notes become more pronounced after baking.
  • Another game-changing tip is to let the mix cool completely undisturbed. The patience pays off with perfectly clustered pieces rather than individual components.
  • Finally, don't be afraid to make a double batch. Not only does it disappear quickly, but it's also the same amount of effort for twice the reward.

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