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Get ready for a delicious, festive, and incredibly easy snack that everyone will adore! Our Reindeer Chow recipe is a holiday favorite, perfect for adding cheer to your celebrations. This delightful treat comes together quickly and simply, making it ideal for busy parents and beginner cooks. It boasts a irresistible sweet and salty profile, reminiscent of classic Muddy Buddies or Puppy Chow, but with a festive twist.
Originating in the Midwest, this popular snack mix has been enjoyed for decades under various names. For more on the history of this treat, see its listing on Wikipedia’s Puppy Chow (snack) page.
Why You’ll Love This Reindeer Chow
You’ll quickly fall in love with this holiday treat for many fantastic reasons:
- Effortlessly Quick: Prepare this festive snack in just 15 minutes, no baking required!
- Perfect Balance: Enjoy the irresistible combination of sweet chocolate and salty pretzels and peanut butter.
- Festive Fun: This colorful Reindeer Chow adds a magical touch to any holiday party or gathering.
- Great for Gifting: Package it in cute bags or jars for thoughtful homemade Christmas gifts.
- Kid-Friendly Activity: Little helpers can easily assist with measuring, stirring, and shaking.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make your own batch of delightful Reindeer Chow:
- 4-5 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar (plus more if desired)
- 1 cup mini pretzels (plus more if desired)
- 1/2-1 cup Reese’s Minis (or peanut butter cups, plus more if desired)
- 1/2 cup Christmas M&M’s
Notes & Substitutions
For the cereal, Rice Chex offers a light, crispy base and is naturally gluten-free. Corn Chex also works well. When choosing peanut butter, standard creamy varieties like Jif or Skippy melt best; natural peanut butter can be too oily. Feel free to swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk or dark chocolate based on your preference. Elevate your holiday snack mix with additional festive candies or mix-ins like mini marshmallows or white chocolate chips.
Equipment
You won’t need much to whip up this quick and easy Christmas crunch. Just gather these basic kitchen items:
- Large mixing bowl
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Large zip-top bag (gallon-sized is perfect)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or wax paper
Instructions
Making this delicious Reindeer Chow is incredibly simple, following these straightforward steps. Soon you’ll have a festive snack ready for sharing!
- Begin by adding 4-5 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. This will be the base for your yummy snack.
- Next, in a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/3 cup of creamy peanut butter, and 2 tablespoons of salted butter.
- Microwave this mixture for 1 minute. Remove the bowl and stir until the chocolate and butter are fully melted and smooth. If needed, microwave for an additional 15 seconds, then stir again.
- Once melted and smooth, stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing it thoroughly into the chocolate and peanut butter blend.
- Pour the warm chocolate mixture evenly over the measured Chex cereal in the large bowl.
- Gently stir the cereal until every piece is well coated with the chocolate mixture. Take your time to ensure even coverage.
- Carefully transfer all the coated cereal into a large gallon-sized zip-top bag.
- Add 3/4 cup of powdered sugar to the bag with the coated cereal. Seal the bag securely, making sure there’s some air inside.
- Shake the bag vigorously but gently, tossing the cereal and sugar until all the cereal pieces are completely coated in a festive white powdered sugar layer.
- Open the bag and add the 1 cup of mini pretzels, 1/2-1 cup of Reese’s Minis, and 1/2 cup of Christmas M&M’s to the mixture.
- Gently shake the bag once more to distribute these delicious add-ins throughout the Reindeer Chow mix.
- Finally, spread the finished mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Allow it to cool completely before serving or storing.
Pro Tips for Perfect Reindeer Chow
Achieve the best results for your festive snack by keeping these simple tips in mind.
- Avoid Overheating: Microwave the chocolate mixture in short intervals to prevent scorching.
- Alternative Melting: Use a double boiler method for a gentler, more controlled melt if you prefer.
- Peanut Butter Choice: Standard creamy peanut butter works best for its smooth consistency when melted.
- Gentle Mixing: Stir and shake carefully to avoid crushing the delicate cereal pieces.
- Powdered Sugar: Adjust the amount of powdered sugar to your taste; some like it extra sweet.
- Cool Completely: Allow the Reindeer Chow to cool fully for the crispiest texture.
- Double Batch: This snack disappears fast, so consider making a double batch for larger crowds or more gifts.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile holiday snack is perfect for many occasions and can be customized to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your delightful Reindeer Chow in charming festive bowls at holiday parties. It also makes a wonderful homemade gift when packaged in decorative bags or jars. Enjoy it as a cozy movie night snack with your family. You could even leave a small bowl out for Santa’s reindeer on Christmas Eve!
Storage Instructions
To keep your festive snack mix at its best, learn more about safe food storage practices from the USDA.
Store your Reindeer Chow at room temperature in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. It will keep deliciously fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the mixture in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Flavor Variations
- Nut-Free: Substitute the peanut butter with an allergy-friendly chocolate spread, like sunflower seed butter or a nut-free chocolate hazelnut spread.
- Gluten-Free: Always use Rice Chex cereal and ensure all your add-ins, especially candies and pretzels, are certified gluten-free.
- Other Candies: Try adding chopped Oreos, Heath bar bits, or crushed candy canes for different flavors.
- Salty Mix-ins: Incorporate mixed nuts, different pretzel shapes, or even savory toasted coconut flakes.
- Sweet Additions: Mix in mini marshmallows, extra chocolate chips, or white chocolate chunks.
- Themed: Use different colored M&Ms or sprinkles to adapt this basic recipe for other holidays like Halloween or Valentine’s Day.
Nutrition Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving of this delicious Reindeer Chow, based on 10 servings per batch.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 401 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 57 g |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 9 mg |
| Sodium | 354 mg |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 29 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 8 g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Find quick answers to common questions about making this delightful holiday snack.
- Is Reindeer Chow gluten-free? Yes, by using Rice Chex cereal, the base is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check labels on your pretzels and other add-ins to ensure they are also certified gluten-free.
- Can I make Reindeer Chow nut-free? Absolutely! Simply substitute the peanut butter with a nut-free spread like sunflower seed butter or a chocolate soy butter. Ensure all other candies and add-ins are also nut-free.
- How should I store Reindeer Chow? Store it in an airtight container at room temperature, where it stays fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months and thaw before enjoying.
Conclusion
This Reindeer Chow recipe is truly a holiday winner, offering both incredible ease and irresistible deliciousness. It’s the perfect treat to whip up quickly for festive gatherings, last-minute guests, or simply to enjoy with your family during the most wonderful time of the year. We encourage you to make this joyful and flavorful snack a part of your holiday traditions. Happy holidays and happy snacking!
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Gallon-sized zip-top bag
- Baking sheet
- Parchment or wax paper
Ingredients
- 4-5 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup mini pretzels
- 1/2-1 cup Reese’s Minis or chopped peanut butter cups
- 1/2 cup Christmas M&M’s
Instructions
- Place 4–5 cups of Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add chocolate chips, peanut butter, and salted butter. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Microwave an extra 15 seconds if needed.
- Stir vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture until fully combined.
- Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal and stir gently until evenly coated.
- Transfer the coated cereal to a large gallon-sized zip-top bag. Add powdered sugar, seal, and shake until cereal is fully coated.
- Add mini pretzels, Reese’s Minis, and M&M’s to the bag. Gently shake again to mix.
- Spread Reindeer Chow on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper to cool completely before serving or storing.
