Reindeer Chow is the ultimate holiday snack mix that brings together sweet, crunchy, and chocolatey flavors in every bite. This festive treat is a perfect combination of cereal, peanut butter, chocolate, powdered sugar, and colorful holiday candies, making it a favorite among both kids and adults. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, looking for an easy homemade gift, or just craving a seasonal snack, Reindeer Chow is a must-try!
Not only is this snack incredibly delicious, but it’s also super simple to make. With minimal ingredients and no baking required, you can whip up a batch in no time. The mix of textures—crispy cereal, creamy peanut butter, and a light dusting of powdered sugar—makes it completely irresistible. Plus, the festive colors of red, green, and white M&M’s add a cheerful touch that perfectly fits the holiday spirit.
Ingredients for Reindeer Chow
- 5 cups Chocolate Chex cereal
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup holiday M&M’s (red and green)
- ½ cup crushed pretzels (optional, for extra crunch)
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Step 2: Coat the Cereal
Place the Chocolate Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal while mixing.
Step 3: Add the Powdered Sugar
Transfer the coated cereal into a large zip-top bag or a lidded container. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake vigorously until the cereal is well coated. This gives the chow its signature snowy look and delicious sweetness.
Step 4: Mix in the Festive Add-Ins
Once the cereal is evenly coated, pour it into a large serving bowl. Add the mini marshmallows, holiday M&M’s, and crushed pretzels (if using). Gently stir everything together to distribute the mix-ins throughout the chow.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Reindeer Chow is ready to eat right away! Serve it in a large bowl for sharing or divide it into festive bags or containers for a fun holiday gift. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Storage Instructions
To keep your Reindeer Chow fresh and crunchy, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer a chilled version, you can refrigerate it for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze it in a sealed bag for up to three months—just let it thaw for a few minutes before serving.
Estimated Nutrition
Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: ~220
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
Note: Nutrition values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Reindeer Chow nut-free?
Yes! Simply swap the peanut butter for a nut-free alternative like sunflower seed butter or cookie butter.
2. What other mix-ins can I add?
You can customize your mix with crushed candy canes, white chocolate chips, or even dried cranberries for a festive twist.
3. Does Reindeer Chow need to be refrigerated?
No, it stays fresh at room temperature in an airtight container, but you can refrigerate it for a firmer texture.
4. Can I use a different type of cereal?
Absolutely! While Chocolate Chex is a great option, you can also use Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or even Golden Grahams for a fun variation.
5. How far in advance can I make this snack?
You can make it up to a week in advance as long as you store it properly in an airtight container.
6. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This recipe scales easily—just make sure you have a large enough mixing bowl and storage container.
7. Is this the same as Puppy Chow?
Reindeer Chow is very similar to Puppy Chow (also called Muddy Buddies), but it has festive mix-ins like M&M’s and marshmallows to make it more holiday-themed.
8. Can I use white chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate?
Definitely! White chocolate will give it a sweeter and creamier flavor, perfect for a wintery touch.
Reindeer Chow
- Total Time: 2 minute
- Yield: 8-10 servings
Description
Get into the holiday spirit with this irresistible Reindeer Chow! This festive snack mix is the perfect combination of crunchy Chocolate Chex cereal, creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Topped with mini marshmallows, holiday M&M’s, and pretzels, it’s a sweet and salty treat that’s perfect for Christmas parties, movie nights, or homemade gifts. Quick, easy, and no baking required—this is one holiday snack you won’t want to miss!
Ingredients
5 cups Chocolate Chex cereal
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
½ cup peanut butter
¼ cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup holiday M&M’s (red and green)
½ cup crushed pretzels (optional)
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until fully melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Coat the Cereal: Place the Chocolate Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Add the Powdered Sugar: Transfer the coated cereal into a large zip-top bag or lidded container. Add the powdered sugar, seal, and shake until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Mix in the Festive Add-Ins: Pour the coated cereal into a serving bowl. Add the mini marshmallows, holiday M&M’s, and crushed pretzels (if using). Stir to combine.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later. Perfect for snacking, gifting, or holiday celebrations!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Holiday Snack
