Reindeer Chow

Make this fun Reindeer Chow for a sweet, giftable snack! The satisfying crunch of Chex cereal and pretzels pairs so well with the peanut butter chocolate coating. Add some holiday M&Ms and toss it all in powdered sugar for a fun treat!

When you’re busy running around during the holiday season shopping for gifts, wrapping presents, and prepping for holiday parties, you’ll be so glad you have a bowl of this Reindeer Chex Mix to munch on. This sweet and salty snack mix sure satisfies my sweet tooth. In fact, I have to keep it in pre-portioned containers or I’ll eat way too much in one sitting!

What IS Reindeer Chow?

Have you ever had Puppy Chow? I mean, of course, the sweet treat, not real dog food! Puppy chow is a nickname for that delicious snack made with Chex cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Some people also call this concoction Muddy Buddies.

Well, Reindeer Chow takes that classic treat and adds a holiday twist. Mini pretzels add extra crunch, brownie mix provides a rich fudgy flavor, and of course, some holiday M&M candies bring that festive flair!

Ingredients for Reindeer Snack Mix

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this sweet treat:

• Rice Chex cereal– I prefer this as a base as it has a neutral flavor and stays crispy while still absorbing all the yummy chocolate and peanut butter. Feel free to use other Chex cereals, too, or a combination of them.
• Semisweet chocolate chips– I recommend semi-sweet chips to balance out the sweetness of this dish, but you could also use milk or dark chocolate according to your preference.
• Creamy peanut butter– helps bind everything together. You could use other nut butters as well for allergy purposes.
• Unsalted butter– adds richness and helps melt the chocolate and peanut butter smoothly.
• Pure vanilla extract– for flavor.
• Brownie mix– this adds a fudgy, chocolatey texture and flavor and adds an extra sweetness to the coating.
• Powdered sugar– for that signature snowy look and to keep everything from clumping together.
• Mini pretzels– for a salty, crunchy contrast to all the sweet elements.
• Christmas M&Ms (Red and Green)– add a pop of color and festive charm to the dish!

Find the exact amounts you’ll need in the recipe card below!

What equipment do I need to make Reindeer Chow?

Everything you need to make this Christmas Chex mix is a kitchen staple. Gather together these things:

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large baking sheet
• Parchment paper or wax paper
• Mixing bowls
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Rubber spatula
• Serving bowl
• Jars for small cellophane bags for gifting

How to make Christmas Reindeer Chow

1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place 6 cups of Rice Chex cereal in a large bowl and set it aside. 
2. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, ½ cup creamy peanut butter, and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. 
3. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently stir together with a spatula until the cereal is evenly coated. Spread the chocolate-covered cereal mixture on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool and let the chocolate dry completely. 
4. Combine 1 cup brownie mix and ½ cup powdered sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mix over the coated cereal. Gently toss until the cereal is evenly coated with the brownie mix.
5. Add 1 ½ cups mini pretzels and 1 ½ cups Christmas M&M’s. Carefully mix to distribute everything evenly. 
6. Transfer the Reindeer Chow to a festive serving bowl or package it into gift bags or containers for gifting. 

Recipe Notes

• Be gentle when combining the cereal with the chocolate and peanut butter mixture to avoid breaking the cereal. This will help maintain that lovely crunchy texture you’re looking for.
• Make sure each piece of cereal is evenly coated with the chocolate mixture.
• Allow the mix to cool completely before adding the powdered sugar. This helps the sugar stick better and keeps the cereal from getting soggy. 

How to Give Reindeer Chex Mix as a Gift

I love that you can pop these in a mason jar, spruce it up with some decorations, and give it as a gift! Add a cute gift tag and some baker’s twine, then trace and cut out antlers from brown construction paper.

Note: as pictured, my Reindeer Chow gifts are perfect for a Christmas party or when you know they’ll be eaten immediately. Otherwise, I would make sure to replace the lid and attach the paper antlers to the jar with some glue before gifting this mix in a jar.

For an alternate quick and easy presentation, place a few scoops of Reindeer Chow into festive cellophane bags, tie each bag with a ribbon, and add a cute gift tag!

I prefer giving edible gifts to neighbors, teachers, and friends because A- they know you made it with love, and B- edible gifts don’t add clutter or take up space! Reindeer Chow is the perfect choice for an edible gift, and you can make several jars from one batch!

How to Store Reindeer Chow

Store your snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Try not to eat it all at once!

Holiday Snack Mix Recipes

I love to make holiday-themed snack mix all year round! Here are some other fun recipes to try:

• Halloween Snack Mix
• Valentine Snack Mix
• Christmas Snack Mix
• Easter Chex Mix

These ones can be themed for any holiday depending on how you package it, or just eat them any time of year!

• Cookie Butter Snack Mix
• Circus Animal Puppy Chow
• Funfetti Puppy Chow

Which easy recipe is your favorite?

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