Reindeer Chow is the ultimate festive treat, a delightful blend of crispy cereal, rich peanut butter, and decadent chocolate, all coated in a sweet powdered sugar blanket and adorned with colorful holiday candies. It’s the perfect no-bake snack to share during the festive season, whether you’re hosting a holiday party, looking for a thoughtful homemade gift, or simply want to indulge in a quick and easy dessert. While Santa enjoys his classic cookies, this special mix ensures his hard-working reindeer (and everyone else!) get a treat that’s equally magical and delicious. This recipe takes very little time to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy holiday schedules.
Beyond Reindeer Chow, other cherished holiday treats that bring joy to the season include Oreo Truffles, luscious Microwave Fudge, and a versatile Christmas Snack Mix. Each offers a unique way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with delectable homemade goodies.
Delightful Reindeer Chow: Your Ultimate Holiday Snack
Reindeer Chow is affectionately known as a festive variation of Muddy Buddies or Puppy Chow, a snack that’s a consistent hit in many households, including mine. The moment the holiday season arrives, it provides the perfect excuse to elevate this beloved cereal mix with a touch of Christmas magic. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines irresistible flavors and textures, making it a staple for holiday gatherings, school parties, or cozy family nights. The charm of this Reindeer Chow lies not just in its delicious taste but also in its vibrant, festive appearance, thanks to the colorful holiday candies. It’s a snack that evokes warmth and cheer, perfect for creating lasting memories during the holiday season.
Why Reindeer Chow is a Holiday Must-Make
There are countless reasons why this chocolate peanut butter Reindeer Chow should be at the top of your holiday baking (or rather, no-baking) list:
- Effortlessly Easy: This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring minimal kitchen skills and equipment. It’s a fantastic project for kids to help with, especially the fun part of shaking the powdered sugar!
- No-Bake Wonder: Forget about heating up your oven. Reindeer Chow is a completely no-bake treat, perfect for when your oven is occupied with other holiday dishes or when you simply want a quick dessert.
- Festive & Fun: With its bright M&M’s and mini Reese’s cups, this mix instantly brings a festive spirit to any occasion. It’s visually appealing and always sparks joy.
- Customizable: The base recipe is fantastic, but it’s also a canvas for creativity! Easily swap out candies, add nuts, or explore different chocolate flavors to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Perfect for Gifting: Pack Reindeer Chow into decorative bags or jars, and you have instant, homemade gifts for friends, neighbors, teachers, and colleagues. It’s a thoughtful gesture that’s always appreciated.
- Crowd-Pleaser: From toddlers to adults, everyone loves the sweet and salty, crunchy and chewy combination of Reindeer Chow. It’s an ideal snack for holiday parties, potlucks, and family movie nights.
Essential Ingredients for Festive Reindeer Chow
Crafting the perfect batch of Reindeer Chow starts with selecting quality ingredients that contribute to its irresistible flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Rice Chex Cereal: The foundation of our chow. Rice Chex is favored for its light, crispy texture and its ability to hold up well under the chocolate-peanut butter coating without becoming soggy. Corn Chex is an excellent alternative if you prefer, or any similar square-shaped, crispy cereal will work beautifully.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: This provides the signature rich, savory counterpoint to the sweetness. Opt for a smooth, creamy peanut butter that melts easily. While natural peanut butter can be used, ensure it’s well-stirred and smooth for the best coating consistency. For those with allergies, various nut butters or seed butters (like sunflower seed butter) can be substituted.
- Chocolate Chips: The chocolate component adds depth and sweetness. Milk chocolate chips offer a classic, sweeter flavor, while semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a slightly more intense chocolate experience. Dark chocolate chips can be used for a less sweet, more sophisticated taste. High-quality brands like Guittard or Ghirardelli are recommended for their superior melting and flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and helps create a smooth, pliable coating that adheres perfectly to the cereal. Using unsalted butter gives you precise control over the overall saltiness of the snack.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic note to the chocolate-peanut butter mixture. Don’t skip this!
- Powdered Sugar: This is what gives Reindeer Chow its iconic “snow-dusted” appearance and adds a final layer of sweetness. It creates a delightful powdery coating that’s both sweet and slightly messy, in the best possible way.
- Optional Add-Ins: These festive additions take your Reindeer Chow from delicious to absolutely magical.
- Christmas-colored M&M’s: These candies not only provide a burst of color but also a satisfying crunch and extra chocolatey goodness. Feel free to use peanut M&M’s or peanut butter M&M’s for an even richer peanut flavor.
- Mini Peanut Butter Cups (Reese’s Minis): These tiny delights are a perfect complement, adding another layer of peanut butter and chocolate flavor in a soft, chewy bite.
Crafting Your Reindeer Chow: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Making Reindeer Chow is a quick and enjoyable process. Follow these easy steps to create this festive holiday treat:
- Prepare the Cereal: Start by measuring your 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into an extra-large mixing bowl. Make sure it’s spacious enough to allow for thorough mixing without crushing the cereal. Set this aside.
- Melt the Decadent Coating: In a separate large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, chocolate chips, and unsalted butter. Microwave the mixture in short bursts of 15-30 seconds, stirring well after each interval. Continue until the mixture is completely melted and smooth, taking care not to overheat the chocolate. A smooth, glossy consistency is key for even coating.
- Enhance the Flavor: Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract and salt. The vanilla adds a warm, aromatic note, while the salt balances the sweetness of the chocolate and peanut butter. Taste and adjust if necessary, though these measurements are typically perfect.
- Coat the Cereal Evenly: Pour the warm, smooth chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the measured cereal in the large bowl. Using a sturdy spatula, gently fold and stir until every piece of cereal is thoroughly and evenly coated. Be patient and gentle to avoid breaking the delicate cereal pieces.
- The Powdered Sugar Shake: This is where the “snow-dusted” magic happens! Divide the coated cereal mixture into two equal halves. Place the first half into a large gallon-sized resealable plastic bag. Pour half of the powdered sugar over the cereal. Seal the bag tightly, removing as much air as possible, and shake vigorously until the cereal is completely coated with powdered sugar. Repeat this process with the remaining cereal mixture and powdered sugar in the same or a different bag. Ensure every piece is generously coated for that classic look and taste.
- Add Festive Toppings: Once coated, pour the powdered sugar-dusted cereal mix into a clean, large serving bowl. Now, it’s time for the festive additions! Stir in your holiday M&M’s and mini Reese’s cups. Gently toss everything together to distribute the candies evenly throughout the mix.
- Serve and Enjoy!: Your homemade Reindeer Chow is now ready to be devoured! Serve it immediately, or store it for later. This delightful snack is perfect for sharing the holiday spirit.
Creative Variations to Reindeer Chow
While the classic Reindeer Chow recipe is fantastic on its own, it’s also incredibly versatile! Here are some ideas to customize your holiday snack:
- Reindeer Chow without Peanut Butter: For those with peanut allergies or simply a different preference, you can easily adapt this recipe. Replace the creamy peanut butter with an equal amount of white chocolate chips or sunflower seed butter (SunButter). If using white chocolate, ensure you also swap out mini peanut butter cups for another small chocolate candy like Whoppers® or mini marshmallows for a different texture.
- Make it Salty & Sweet: Elevate the flavor profile with a delightful salty crunch. Stir in about 1-2 cups of mini pretzel twists or pretzel sticks along with your M&M’s and Reese’s cups. The combination of sweet and salty is truly irresistible.
- Change the Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate. While milk chocolate offers a comforting sweetness, semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips can provide a richer, more intense chocolate flavor. You could even try a mix of white and milk chocolate for a marbled effect.
- Seasonal & Thematic Additions:
- Peppermint Swirl: Crush candy canes and add them to the mix along with the M&M’s for a refreshing minty kick.
- Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped pecans, walnuts, or roasted almonds for added crunch and flavor (if no peanut allergies).
- Holiday Sprinkles: After adding the powdered sugar, toss in some festive red and green sprinkles for extra visual appeal.
- Other Candies: Consider chopped Snickers, Twix, or even mini chocolate-covered pretzels for different textures and flavors.
- Different Cereals: While Chex cereals are traditional, you can also experiment with other lightly toasted cereals like Crispix or even Cheerios for a slightly different shape and texture.
Storage Tips for Your Reindeer Chow
Proper storage ensures your Reindeer Chow remains fresh and delicious for as long as possible:
- Room Temperature Storage: Store leftover Reindeer Chow in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week, though it’s typically best enjoyed within 3-4 days for optimal texture and flavor. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the cereal from going stale.
- Freezing for Longer Freshness: For a delightful frozen treat or to extend its shelf life, you can freeze Reindeer Chow. Spread the finished mix in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer the frozen chow to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Enjoy it straight from the freezer for a chilly, crunchy snack, or let it thaw for a few minutes at room temperature before serving.
More Festive Holiday Treats to Explore
The holiday season is a perfect time to get creative in the kitchen and share delicious treats with loved ones. If you enjoyed making Reindeer Chow, you’ll love these other festive recipes:
- 3-Ingredient Christmas Cookies: Simple, quick, and perfect for last-minute baking.
- Christmas Oreo Pops: A fun and decorative treat that kids adore.
- Christmas Mason Jar Gift Ideas: Thoughtful and personalized gifts perfect for the season.
- Mexican Wedding Cookies: Delicate, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, coated in powdered sugar.
- 3-Ingredient Christmas Candies: Incredibly easy candies for a sweet holiday spread.
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Reindeer Chow
By Chelsea Lords
Santa gets cookies, but his reindeer deserve more than oats! Reindeer Chow mixes chocolate-peanut butter Chex with M&M’s and mini Reese’s cups—a perfect holiday snack!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Equipment
- Resealable plastic bag (gallon-sized)
- Large microwave-safe bowls
- Spatula or spoon
Ingredients
- 9 cups toasted rice cereal like Rice Chex
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup chocolate chips milk or semi-sweet, recommended: Guittard or Ghirardelli
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
Optional Additions
- 1 bag (12 ounces) holiday M&M’s use peanut butter or peanut M&M’s for extra flavor!
- 2 cups Reese’s minis
Instructions
- Measure 9 cups of cereal into a large bowl; set aside.
- In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter, chocolate chips, and butter. Microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring well between each burst, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the prepared cereal. Gently stir with a spatula until all the cereal pieces are evenly coated.
- Divide the coated cereal mixture in half. Place the first half into a gallon-sized resealable plastic bag. Pour half of the powdered sugar over the cereal. Seal the bag tightly and shake until the cereal is thoroughly coated. Repeat with the remaining cereal and powdered sugar.
- Empty the coated mix into a large bowl. Stir in the holiday M&M’s and miniature Reese’s cups until evenly distributed. Serve immediately or store for later.
Recipe Notes
Storage: Store leftover Reindeer Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to 2 months if you prefer it chilled or for longer storage.
Nutrition
Serving: 8servings | Calories: 448kcal | Carbohydrates: 62.9g | Protein: 6.7g | Fat: 20.1g | Cholesterol: 18.9mg | Sodium: 331.4mg | Fiber: 2.1g | Sugar: 35.4g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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