Christmas Reindeer Chow

Christmas Reindeer Chow

Description

Christmas Reindeer Chow is a crunchy, chocolatey, peanut butter-coated Chex cereal snack tossed in powdered sugar and festive holiday candies. It’s quick, no-bake, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead for stress-free holiday entertaining.

Ingredients (Makes about 10 servings)

• 9 cups Rice Chex cereal

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 cup red & green M&M’s (holiday mix)

• 1 cup mini pretzels (optional, for extra crunch)

• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or candy melts (optional for drizzle)

• Holiday sprinkles (optional for decoration)

Instructions

1. Prepare the cereal

   • Place the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside.

2. Melt the chocolate mixture

   • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter.

   • Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.

   • Stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Coat the cereal

   • Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal.

   • Gently stir with a spatula until all pieces are evenly coated.

4. Add powdered sugar

   • Transfer the coated cereal to a large zip-top bag or container with a tight-fitting lid.

   • Add the powdered sugar, seal, and shake until fully coated.

5. Add holiday extras

   • Spread the coated cereal onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

   • Sprinkle with M&M’s, pretzels, and sprinkles while still slightly sticky.

   • If desired, drizzle with melted white chocolate for extra holiday flair.

6. Cool & serve

   • Let the mix cool completely before serving or storing.

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl

• Microwave-safe bowl

• Spatula

• Measuring cups & spoons

• Large zip-top bag or container with lid

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 3 minutes (microwave melting)

Total Time: 13 minutes

Serving Size: About 1 cup per serving makes 10 servings

Christmas Reindeer Chow

Christmas Reindeer Chow is a crunchy, chocolatey, peanut butter-coated Chex cereal snack tossed in powdered sugar and festive holiday candies. It’s quick, no-bake, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead for stress-free holiday entertaining.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:10 minutes mins

Cook Time:3 minutes mins

Total Time:13 minutes mins

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Spatula
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Large zip-top bag or container with lid
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Ingredients

• 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup red & green M&M’s holiday mix
• 1 cup mini pretzels optional, for extra crunch
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or candy melts optional for drizzle
• Holiday sprinkles optional for decoration

Instructions

• Prepare the cereal
• Place the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
• Melt the chocolate mixture
• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter.
• Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.
• Stir in the vanilla extract.
• Coat the cereal
• Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal.
• Gently stir with a spatula until all pieces are evenly coated.
• Add powdered sugar
• Transfer the coated cereal to a large zip-top bag or container with a tight-fitting lid.
• Add the powdered sugar, seal, and shake until fully coated.
• Add holiday extras
• Spread the coated cereal onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Sprinkle with M&M’s, pretzels, and sprinkles while still slightly sticky.
• If desired, drizzle with melted white chocolate for extra holiday flair.
• Cool & serve
• Let the mix cool completely before serving or storing.

Servings: 10 servings

10 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Christmas Reindeer Chow without peanut butter?
Yes! You can replace peanut butter with almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or skip it and use more chocolate for binding.

2. What type of Chex cereal works best?
Rice Chex is the most popular choice, but Corn Chex also works well. Avoid flavored varieties, as they can change the taste.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free chocolate chips, vegan butter, and a plant-based peanut butter alternative.

4. How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing?
Melt it slowly in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, and make sure no water gets into the mixture.

5. Can I use a stovetop instead of a microwave?
Yes. Melt the chocolate, butter, and peanut butter in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan with simmering water (double boiler method).

6. How far ahead can I make Reindeer Chow?
It can be made up to 1 week in advance if stored properly.

7. How do I make it extra festive?
Use holiday-colored M&M’s, sprinkles, and a white chocolate drizzle for a Christmas look.

8. Can I freeze Reindeer Chow?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

9. Is Reindeer Chow safe for dogs?
No. It contains chocolate, which is toxic to dogs. Keep it away from pets.

10. Can I package this for gifts?
Absolutely! Place in cellophane bags or tins with a festive ribbon. Just be sure it’s completely cooled before packaging to avoid condensation.

How To Store Christmas Reindeer Chow

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container or large zip-top bag for up to 1 week.

• Refrigerator: Not recommended unless your home is very warm, as condensation can make it soggy.

• Freezer: Place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

• Tip: Keep it away from heat or direct sunlight to prevent melting.