If you are looking to make a festive, delightfully crunchy snack that’s bursting with sweet, salty, and chocolaty goodness, this Reindeer Chow Recipe is perfect for you. This playful treat combines the crunch of Chex cereal and pretzels with the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate, all dusted with powdered sugar to give it that classic “snow-covered” holiday look. It’s wonderfully easy to whip up, irresistibly addictive, and sure to become a favorite during the holidays or anytime you want a nostalgic sweet snack with a fun twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together to create layers of flavors and textures in this Reindeer Chow Recipe. Each component plays a special role, whether it’s adding crunch, sweetness, creaminess, or festive color, making this recipe both approachable and exciting.
- 8 cups Chex cereal (corn, rice OR a mix): The crunchy base that soaks up all the chocolaty goodness while staying crisp.
- 2 cups mini pretzels: Adds a delicious salty crunch that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 cup roasted lightly salted peanuts: Provides a nutty depth and extra texture.
- 1¼ cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet OR white as desired): Melts into a luscious coating that binds everything beautifully.
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter: Brings a rich, creamy factor that makes every bite luscious.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds smoothness and richness to the chocolate mixture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness, enhancing all the other flavors.
- 1½ cups powdered sugar (or more if needed): Coats the mixture to create that signature snowy finish and adds sweetness.
- 1 (12-oz) bag red and green chocolate M&M’s: Injects vibrant holiday colors and fun chocolate bursts.
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups: Adds extra peanut buttery, chocolatey bites throughout the mix.
How to Make Reindeer Chow Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Cereal and Nuts
Gather your Chex cereal, mini pretzels, and lightly salted peanuts, then toss them together in a large bowl. This creates the crunchy, savory base that’s going to get all cozy with the chocolate mixture. Mixing them early ensures everything is evenly distributed, which means every handful is a perfect balance of textures.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and butter. Heat the mix in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until everything has melted into a smooth, glossy sauce. Then add the vanilla extract and salt. This rich, velvety mixture will coat your cereal mix, binding all the elements with a delicious peanut-chocolate hug.
Step 3: Combine Everything Together
Pour the warm chocolate mixture over your dry mix of cereals, pretzels, and peanuts. Gently fold and stir to make sure every bit is coated evenly without breaking the crunchy pieces. Patience here is key to get all those nooks and crannies covered in that luscious coating.
Step 4: Coat with Powdered Sugar
Transfer the chocolate-coated mixture into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake it vigorously to coat every piece with that snowy white sweetness. If it’s looking a little thin, add more powdered sugar until everything is perfectly dusted. This step seals in the flavor and gives your Reindeer Chow that classic look.
Step 5: Let It Set and Cool
Spread the powdered sugar-coated snack on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow it to sit for about 20 minutes so the chocolate can firm up and the mix can set. This step helps prevent clumping and makes it easier to enjoy without sticky fingers.
Step 6: Add Festive Mix-Ins and Store
Once cooled and set, fold in the red and green M&M’s along with the mini peanut butter cups. These festive candies add pops of color, extra chocolate, and peanut buttery surprises that really bring this Reindeer Chow Recipe to life! Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh, or serve it right away for a crowd-pleasing snack.
How to Serve Reindeer Chow Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some crushed peppermint candies or edible glitter over the top when serving. This adds a fun crunch and sparkle that dazzles at any holiday party or cozy get-together. Fresh mint leaves on the side can also brighten the presentation and aroma.
Side Dishes
Reindeer Chow pairs wonderfully as a sweet snack alongside hot cocoa or coffee. It also works as a light accompaniment to holiday movies or game nights, offering a crunchy contrast to soft, warm drinks and finger foods. Try it with a bowl of fresh fruit to keep the flavors balanced and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Reindeer Chow Recipe in festive bowls or clear glass jars layered with ribbons and holiday tags. It also makes a charming homemade gift when packaged in decorative cellophane bags tied with twine. For parties, portion it in mini paper cones or cups for easy grab-and-go munching that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your Reindeer Chow in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week, making it a perfect snack to nibble on over several days without losing its wonderful texture.
Freezing
You can freeze Reindeer Chow by placing it in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container. When wrapped properly, it will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw it at room temperature before serving—you’ll find it just as delicious and crispy as when freshly made.
Reheating
Reindeer Chow is best enjoyed at room temperature and does not require reheating. If it feels a bit sticky or soft, simply let it air out for a few minutes, and the texture should bounce right back to that perfect crunch.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cereals for Reindeer Chow Recipe?
Absolutely! While the traditional recipe uses Chex cereals, you can mix corn, rice, or wheat-based cereals to suit your taste. Just ensure they’re sturdy enough to hold up to the coating without getting soggy.
Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, to make a nut-free version, omit the peanuts and peanut butter and substitute with sunflower seed butter or another allergy-friendly spread. You can also replace peanuts with seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds for added crunch.
How long does Reindeer Chow stay fresh?
When stored correctly in an airtight container at room temperature, Reindeer Chow stays fresh and crunchy for about a week. Keep moisture away to maintain the perfect texture.
Can I add other mix-ins besides M&M’s and peanut butter cups?
Definitely! Try adding dried cranberries, pretzel sticks, candy canes, or even white chocolate chips to customize the recipe and add new flavors. Just fold them in after the chocolate mixture has set to keep textures intact.
Is Reindeer Chow Recipe gluten-free?
It can be if you use gluten-free Chex cereals and check that all your mix-ins like pretzels and candies are gluten-free. Always read ingredient labels carefully to ensure no hidden gluten sneaks in.
Final Thoughts
This Reindeer Chow Recipe is an absolute joy to make and share, with its perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy elements. Whether you’re making it for holiday gatherings, gifts, or just a fun treat to brighten your day, it never fails to bring smiles and cravings for more. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new go-to snack for all seasons!
Print
Reindeer Chow Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Reindeer Chow is a festive and easy no-bake snack mix perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining crunchy Chex cereal, pretzels, and peanuts with a rich chocolate and peanut butter coating, then dusted in powdered sugar and mixed with colorful M&M’s and mini peanut butter cups, this treat is delightfully sweet, salty, and crunchy.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 8 cups Chex cereal (corn, rice, or a mix)
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1 cup roasted lightly salted peanuts
- 1½ cups powdered sugar (or more if needed)
- 1 (12-oz) bag red and green chocolate M&M’s
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups
Wet Ingredients
- 1¼ cups semi-sweet or white chocolate chips (use your choice)
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prep cereal: In a large bowl, combine the Chex cereal, mini pretzels, and roasted lightly salted peanuts. Mix gently to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- Make chocolate mix: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter together. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt for added flavor.
- Combine: Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the dry cereal, pretzels, and peanuts. Gently mix everything together to ensure all pieces are evenly coated without breaking the cereal.
- Cover in powdered sugar: Place the powdered sugar in a large resealable plastic bag. Transfer the coated snack mix into the bag, seal it, and shake vigorously until the mixture is fully coated with powdered sugar. Add more powdered sugar if needed to achieve complete coverage.
- Cool: Spread the powdered sugar-coated mixture out on a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer. Let it set and cool for about 20 minutes, allowing the coating to firm up slightly.
- Finish and store: Once cooled, stir in the red and green M&M’s and mini peanut butter cups gently to incorporate. Store the finished Reindeer Chow in an airtight container to maintain freshness, or serve immediately for a festive snack.
Notes
- Use a mix of corn and rice Chex cereals for the best texture contrast.
- Be careful when mixing to avoid breaking the cereal pieces.
- Adjust the amount of powdered sugar to your preferred level of sweetness and coating thickness.
- You can substitute mini peanut butter cups with crushed peanut butter candies if desired.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- This recipe contains nuts and is not suitable for nut allergies.
