Reindeer Chow
Reindeer Chow is the ultimate holiday snack – a sweet, salty, chocolatey mix that’s as festive as it is delicious! Perfect for parties, gifts, or just munching during a cozy Christmas movie night, this treat is guaranteed to spread holiday cheer.
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 8 cups Chex cereal corn, rice OR a mix
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1 cup roasted lightly salted peanuts
- 1 ¼ cups chocolate chips semi-sweet OR white as desired
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 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
Instructions
- Prep cereal: In a large bowl, mix both Chex cereals, pretzels, and peanuts.
- Make chocolate mix: Melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals until smooth. Stir in vanilla and salt.
- Combine: Pour melted mixture over dry ingredients and gently mix to coat evenly.
- Cover in powdered sugar: Add powdered sugar to a large resealable bag, pour in the coated mix, seal, and shake until fully covered. Add additional powdered sugar if needed.
- Cool: Spread mix on a parchment-lined baking sheet to set for 20 minutes.
- Finish and store: Stir in M&M’s and mini peanut butter cups. Store in an airtight container or serve immediately.
Notes
Ingredient notes
- Cereal: Use corn, rice, or a mix of Chex; avoid wheat Chex for a lighter flavor.
- Pretzels: Sticks coat more evenly; twists add fun shapes. Skip for a sweeter treat.
- Nuts: Peanuts are classic, but cashews, almonds, pecans or sunflower seeds work too.
- Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet is classic; white, butterscotch, or peanut butter chips offer fun twists. Use high-quality chocolate for smooth melting.
- Peanut butter: Creamy blends best; avoid natural varieties to prevent separation.
- Powdered sugar: Adjust to taste – more for extra sweetness and coating.
- Candy Add-Ins: Red and green M&M’s are festive, but any candy works – try marshmallows or sprinkles for extra flair.
Recipe tips
- Melting chocolate: Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring to avoid burning. A double boiler is also an option for careful melting.
- Even mixing: Fold the melted mixture gently into the dry ingredients to coat every piece. Use a large bowl for easier mixing.
- Powdered sugar coating: Shake in batches for even coverage. Add extra powdered sugar if needed for a snowier look.
- Setting time: Let the mix cool completely on a parchment-lined baking sheet before adding candies or storing.
Storage tips
- Make-ahead: Prepare up to a week in advance; store in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.
- Room temperature storage: Store leftovers in a cool, dry place in a sealed container to prevent staleness or melting. Avoid refrigeration, as it can make the mix sticky.
- Gifting: Package in bags, tins, or jars with festive ribbons for a thoughtful holiday treat.