If you’re searching for a sweet, crunchy snack that brings instant joy and nostalgia to any gathering, Reindeer Chow is your answer! This irresistible treat boasts a delightful combination of crispy cereal, creamy chocolate, and playful candy, making it the ultimate snack for the holiday season and beyond. I remember the first time I made a batch with my kids; our kitchen was filled with laughter and the comforting aroma of melted chocolate and peanut butter. This quick, no-bake recipe is perfect for last-minute party prep or a fun family afternoon. Not only does it come together in less than 15 minutes, but it’s also a wonderful way to get the kids involved. If you’ve tried my popular Holiday Puppy Chow recipe, you’ll find Reindeer Chow to be a fresh, festive twist that’s just as easy to love. Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure happiness—this recipe is bound to become a crowd-pleaser in your home too!
What is Reindeer Chow?
Ever wonder why this treat goes by the quirky name “Reindeer Chow”? No, it’s not actually meant for Santa’s furry helpers, but who’s to say they wouldn’t love it, too? This whimsical name adds extra cheer, especially during the holidays! In my house, we joke that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and Reindeer Chow has certainly won over a few hearts in ours. With each handful, you’ll wonder: is it dessert, a snack, or a little bit of both? No matter what you call it, this fun and festive snack is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Ready to join in the holiday spirit? Give Reindeer Chow a try—you won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This
There’s a lot to love about Reindeer Chow. First and foremost, the highlight has to be its irresistible combination of textures: crispy Chex cereals and pretzels tossed in a luscious chocolate-peanut butter coating—then finished with M&Ms, peanut butter cups, and a snowy layer of powdered sugar and cocoa. There’s nothing quite like that sweet-salty crunch! Plus, making it at home is far more budget-friendly than buying pre-made snack mixes, and you can mix up the add-ins to cater to your family’s favorites. It’s perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or simply snacking in front of a holiday movie. Compared to classic Puppy Chow, this one’s extra celebratory thanks to all those colorful candies. Don’t wait until the holidays—you’ll want to make this all year round. Get your mixing bowl ready and fall in love with this easy, festive treat!
How to Make Reindeer Chow
Quick Overview
Reindeer Chow is the definition of easy and satisfying! With just one microwave bowl and less than 15 minutes of prep, you’ll have a batch of this sweet, crunchy snack ready to enjoy. Its blend of simple pantry staples and fun candies makes it perfect for whipping up on short notice, especially when you need a crowd-pleaser fast. The melted chocolate and peanut butter sauce clings to every bit, creating those perfect bite-sized clusters. This is a no-bake treat you’ll come back to every season—and well beyond the holidays!
Ingredients
- 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups Honey Nut Cheerios (optional)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 16 ounces Christmas M&Ms
- 2 cups mini peanut butter cups
- 4 cups pretzels (sticks or twists)
Step-by-Step
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Corn Chex, Rice Chex, Honey Nut Cheerios (if using), and pretzels. Set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add the butter, peanut butter, and chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted (about 1 to 2 minutes).
- Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the cereal and pretzel blend. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
- In a large zip-top bag or another big bowl, combine the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Add the chocolate-coated cereal mixture and shake or toss until every piece is well covered.
- Spread the coated mixture out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it cool for 10 minutes to set the chocolate.
- Once cooled, mix in the Christmas M&Ms and mini peanut butter cups. Toss to combine.
- Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for later snacking!
What to Serve Reindeer Chow With
Reindeer Chow makes the perfect munchie for holiday movie nights, festive potlucks, or cozy family gatherings. Pair it with mugs of hot cocoa or spiced apple cider for a truly magical snack spread. If you’re hosting a party, serve it alongside other easy finger foods like my Holiday Pretzel Bites or Chocolate Dipped Oreos. For a balanced treat table, consider adding some savory snacks like spiced nuts or popcorn. No matter what you serve it with, Reindeer Chow is always the star of the snack table!
Top Tips for Perfecting Reindeer Chow
- Swap out ingredients based on allergies or preferences: you can use almond butter, sunbutter, or nut-free chocolate for those with sensitivities.
- For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture.
- Make sure to shake or toss the cereal mixture gently but thoroughly so every piece gets evenly coated—that’s the secret to those perfect, sweet clusters!
- Avoid over-microwaving the chocolate and peanut butter; stir frequently for a silky smooth sauce.
- If you want an extra festive look, use colored candy melts or add holiday sprinkles with the M&Ms.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store Reindeer Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, consider refrigerating it to prevent the chocolate from melting—just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving so it’s not too hard. For longer storage, freeze Reindeer Chow in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying. While this snack doesn’t require reheating, you can spread it out on a parchment-lined tray if you want to “crisp it up” in a cool, dry spot before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Reindeer Chow ahead of time?
Absolutely! This treat stores well in an airtight container and can be made several days before serving, making it an excellent option for parties.
What can I use instead of peanut butter?
You can substitute almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter if you need a nut-free version. Adjust to your taste!
Is Reindeer Chow gluten-free?
It can be! Just make sure to use gluten-free versions of Chex, pretzels, and candies.
Can I add different candies or mix-ins?
Definitely! Use what you love—mini marshmallows, peppermint pieces, caramel bits, and other chocolate candies make fun additions or substitutions. Make it your own!
Can kids help make this recipe?
Yes, and they’ll love it! Since there’s no baking, little hands can easily mix, shake, and scatter the mix-ins. Just supervise the melting step and let them take it from there.
Conclusion
Reindeer Chow captures all the whimsy of the holidays in a bowl—crunchy, chocolatey, salty, and sweet, it’s a treat everyone looks forward to year after year. With its simple, no-fuss method and easily customizable ingredients, it’s the perfect recipe to bring people together, spark creativity, and satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you’ll love how effortlessly this snack comes together and how quickly it disappears! I can’t wait for you to try this festive favorite—don’t forget to share your results and make it part of your own holiday traditions. Happy snacking!
Reindeer Chow
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Microwave-safe Bowl
- Zip-top Bag
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
Cereals
- 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups Honey Nut Cheerios (optional)
Pretzels
- 4 cups Pretzels (sticks or twists)
Coating
- 3 tablespoons Butter
- 1/2 cup Peanut butter
- 1 cup Chocolate chips
- 1.5 cups Powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Cocoa powder
Candies
- 16 ounces Christmas M&Ms
- 2 cups Mini peanut butter cups
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Corn Chex, Rice Chex, Honey Nut Cheerios (if using), and pretzels. Set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add the butter, peanut butter, and chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted (about 1 to 2 minutes).
- Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the cereal and pretzel blend. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
- In a large zip-top bag or another big bowl, combine the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Add the chocolate-coated cereal mixture and shake or toss until every piece is well covered.
- Spread the coated mixture out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it cool for 10 minutes to set the chocolate.
- Once cooled, mix in the Christmas M&Ms and mini peanut butter cups. Toss to combine.
- Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for later snacking!