There’s something truly magical about gathering around a bowl of Reindeer Chow during the holidays. This merry mashup of chocolatey cereal, salty pretzels, vibrant candies, and a sweet, snowy coating is the kind of treat that delivers both nostalgia and pure festive joy in every handful. Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping goodie bags, or just craving a quick, no-bake snack with a sprinkle of holiday spirit, Reindeer Chow is delightfully easy to whip up and always a huge hit with kids and grown-ups alike!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples and a few holiday-inspired add-ins, Reindeer Chow transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible festive snack. Each one plays a crucial role—bringing crunch, color, or that chocolatey-peanut buttery magic everyone loves.

Rice cereal squares (9 cups): The crispy, crunchy foundation that gives this snack its signature texture and holds onto every bit of sweet coating.
Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Rich, meltable chocolate that creates a luscious blanket over the cereal.
Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): Adds nutty flavor and helps the melted chocolate cling to every square.
Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Offers smoothness and richness, making the coating perfectly silky.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A little splash deepens the flavor and gives extra warmth to the mix.
Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups): For that classic, frosty finish—plus it keeps your fingers (relatively) mess-free!
Mini pretzels (1 cup): Salty crunch that balances out the sweetness and adds a playful snap.
Red and green M&M’s (1 cup): Bright, candy-coated chocolate pieces for pops of color and extra chocolatey fun.
Holiday sprinkles (1/2 cup, optional): A cheerful touch for extra festivity—totally optional, but highly recommended if you love a little extra sparkle!

How to Make Reindeer Chow

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter

Start by combining the semisweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until the mixture is velvety smooth and completely melted. Stir in the vanilla extract. This melts together the foundational flavors and gives Reindeer Chow its blissfully rich base.

Step 2: Coat the Cereal

Pour your rice cereal squares into a super-sized mixing bowl. Gently drizzle the warm chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal, then stir with care (a spatula works wonders here) until every piece is evenly coated. The goal is to cover every nook and cranny without crushing the cereal’s crunch.

Step 3: Add the Powdered Sugar

Scoop the chocolate-covered cereal into a large resealable plastic bag, sprinkle in the powdered sugar, then seal and shake like you mean it! The sugar will cling to the chocolatey coating, transforming each bite into a sweet, snowy delight and keeping everything from sticking together.

Step 4: Cool and Add Mix-Ins

Spread your freshly sugar-dusted cereal on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it cool completely. This quick rest keeps everything crisp. Once cooled, stir in the mini pretzels, red and green M&M’s, and (if you like) a handful of holiday sprinkles for that cheerful, festive flair.

How to Serve Reindeer Chow

Garnishes

A generous handful of extra holiday sprinkles or a handful of crushed peppermint candies instantly makes your Reindeer Chow look even jollier. For a finishing touch, a dusting of powdered sugar or glittery edible stars adds sparkle and adds to the wintry wonderland vibe.

Side Dishes

Pair your Reindeer Chow with mugs of hot cocoa, warm apple cider, or a spread of winter fruit for a complete movie night snack table. It’s right at home next to homemade cookies, marshmallows, and other holiday favorites.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile the mix into clear treat bags tied with colorful ribbon for the cutest edible gifts, or serve it in oversized jars or festive bowls for a centerpiece on your dessert table. You can even layer Reindeer Chow and mini marshmallows in mason jars for instant, grab-and-go snack favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Reindeer Chow fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature, where it’ll stay crisp and delicious for up to a week. Try to keep it away from direct sunlight or heat sources—if you can manage to hide it from eager snackers, that is!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Reindeer Chow! Place it in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container, and stash it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving—it’ll taste just as sweet and crunchy as the day you made it.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this festive treat, but if your Reindeer Chow seems a bit firm after freezing, just let it sit on the counter until it softens slightly, and enjoy! No ovens or microwaves required for this crowd-pleaser.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut butter instead of peanut butter?

Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter (for a nut-free version) all work beautifully in Reindeer Chow and give the mix their own unique twist.

Is this snack gluten-free?

It certainly can be! Just be sure to use gluten-free rice cereal squares, pretzels, and check your chocolate chips and other mix-ins to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.

Can I make this in advance for holiday gifting?

Reindeer Chow is actually ideal for gifting because it stays fresh for days. Make it up to a week ahead, package it tightly, and it’ll be just as irresistible by the time you hand it out.

What can I use instead of M&M’s?

Feel free to swap in mini peanut butter cups, chopped chocolate bars, or even dried cranberries for a little tartness. The beauty of Reindeer Chow is how customizable it is!

How do I keep my Reindeer Chow from getting soggy?

Be sure the cereal is completely cool after coating and before storing it. Also, always keep it in an airtight container and avoid humid environments to maintain maximum crunch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for that perfect, crowd-pleasing holiday treat, look no further than Reindeer Chow. It’s endlessly customizable, quick to throw together, and so much fun to share. Why not whip up a batch this season and let the merry snacking begin?

Reindeer Chow Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 16 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Reindeer Chow is a festive and sweet holiday snack mix that combines crunchy cereal with a chocolate and peanut butter coating, then tosses in colorful M&M’s and pretzels for a delightful mix of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for holiday parties or as a homemade gift.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

9 cups rice cereal squares (like Chex)
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating and Toppings:

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup mini pretzels
1 cup red and green M&M’s
1/2 cup holiday sprinkles (optional)

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Instructions

Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
Coat Cereal: Place rice cereal squares in a large bowl and pour the chocolate mixture over them. Stir carefully until all cereal is coated.
Add Powdered Sugar: Transfer coated cereal into a resealable plastic bag, add powdered sugar, seal, and shake until well coated.
Cool and Add Toppings: Spread mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it cool. Stir in pretzels, M&M’s, and sprinkles. Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.