Snowflake Crisp

If there’s one treat that always disappears first during the holidays, it’s this Snowflake Crisp. I make it every year around New Year’s, and honestly, once you try it, you’ll see why. It’s chewy, crunchy, sweet without being over-the-top—and surprisingly simple to make at home. You can have a whole batch ready in just about 10 minutes. And best of all, you won’t need to spend a fortune buying it from specialty stores.

Can’t find freeze-dried strawberries? Don’t worry, dried cranberries work beautifully and give the crisps a pretty pop of red too.

What is Snowflake Crisp?

Snowflake Crisp, or Xue Hua Su as it’s called in Mandarin, is a chewy-crunchy snack that’s become a favorite during Chinese New Year. It’s a no-bake treat made by melting marshmallows with butter, then mixing in crunchy crackers, roasted nuts, and dried fruits. Everything gets tossed together and pressed into a slab, which is then cut into squares and dusted with milk powder. The look is soft and snowy—hence the name.

Each bite has the perfect mix of textures: soft and chewy nougat, crisp crackers, nutty crunch, and little bursts of fruity tang. If you like snacks that feel a little fancy but are super easy to make, this one’s for you.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what goes into this treat and why each part matters:

• Crackers: I usually go for small, sturdy ones like Ritz or TUC. They add that perfect crunch and hold their shape when mixed in.
• Marshmallows: This is the heart of the recipe. Once melted with butter, they turn into a gooey base that binds everything together and gives the candy its signature chewy texture.
• Nuts: Use whatever you love—almonds, cashews, peanuts, or pumpkin seeds. They add richness, crunch, and a good dose of healthy fats.
• Dried Fruits: Freeze-dried strawberries are classic, but I’ve also made these with cranberries and raisins. The tartness balances the sweetness so it doesn’t get too sugary.
• Milk Powder: This is the snow in Snowflake Crisp. It deepens the milky flavor and gives the bars that lovely soft white finish when sprinkled on top.

How to Make Snowflake Crisp

You’ll Need:

• 200g marshmallows
• 50g unsalted butter
• 50g milk powder (plus extra for dusting)
• 170g small crackers
• 120g mixed nuts (almonds, pumpkin seeds, cashews)
• 20g freeze-dried strawberries (or dried cranberries)

Tip: Prep all your ingredients before you start. This recipe comes together quickly, and once the marshmallows melt, you’ll want to move fast.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt the butter:
In a large nonstick pan, melt the butter gently over low heat. You don’t want it to brown—just melt it until smooth.

2. Add marshmallows:
Toss in the marshmallows and stir continuously until they’re melted and glossy. The mixture should be sticky but not runny.

3. Stir in milk powder:
Once melted, turn off the heat and stir in the milk powder until no lumps remain. This gives the base that rich, creamy flavor.

4. Mix in the rest:
Now work quickly—add the crackers, nuts, and dried fruit. I add them one at a time and fold them in with a silicone spatula so everything’s coated evenly.

5. Press into a mold:
Transfer the mixture into a parchment-lined square pan or baking tray. Press it down firmly using a spatula or your hands (just grease them a little so they don’t stick).

6. Finish and cut:
Let it cool for a bit, then dust the top with more milk powder. Once set, slice into bite-sized pieces and store in an airtight container.

How to Serve

I like to serve Snowflake Crisp with tea in the afternoon or as part of a New Year snack spread. The white dusting looks beautiful on a festive platter, and it pairs so well with something hot and not-too-sweet.

Storage Tips

These keep well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If your kitchen is warm, you can store them in the fridge, but let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving so they soften up a bit.

FAQs

Can I skip the milk powder?
Technically yes, but it won’t have that signature “snowy” look or milky flavor. If you’re skipping it, you might want to mix in a bit of condensed milk for extra richness.

What can I use instead of marshmallows?
You really need marshmallows to get that chewy texture here. I haven’t found a good substitute that works the same way for this particular recipe.

Can I use other dried fruits or add chocolate?
Definitely! Dried mango, chopped figs, raisins—even chocolate chips—can all be added. Just keep the total add-ins (fruits + nuts) around 140–150g so the base can hold everything together.

Final Thoughts

Snowflake Crisp is one of those treats that looks fancy, tastes amazing, and takes hardly any time. It’s perfect for gifting, great for snacking, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Whether you stick to the classic or switch up the flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to every year.

Try other crisp recipes:

• Frozen Blueberry Crisp
• Microwave Apple Crisp
• Frozen Berry Crisp