In an extra large mixing bowl, combine the Chex cereal with coconut and pecan halves. Set aside. Line counter with large sheet of parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add corn syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar and salt to the saucepan.
Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once mixture comes to a rolling boil (which means bubbles appear across the entire surface), boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and stir in pure vanilla extract.
Pour the hot syrup over the dry Chex mix and toss to evenly coat.
Spread the chex mix out on parchment paper and allow to cool.
After cooling, break into bite-sized pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
STORAGE: Stays fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for about 5 days.
The boiling of the syrup is important. Boiling for 3 minutes heats the syrup to just under the temperature for soft ball stage. This allows the syrup coating to remain soft, but not runny and too sticky.
Any nuts can be used. Other good choices would be cashews, almonds or peanuts.
Don’t like nuts or making it for someone with a nut allergy? Pretzels are a great substitution for the pecans. And they will achieve that sweet and salty mix. The coconut can be omitted, even though the flavor isn’t overpowering in this recipe. Add in some holiday colored M&M's for a pop of color!
Salted butter can be used. Omit the additional kosher salt.
As the mixture sits, it tends to stick together, even after being separated. This is normal and it can easily be separated again for easy snacking.