Reindeer Chow is a festive, sweet-and-salty snack mix perfect for holiday parties and family gatherings. It combines crispy Rice Chex cereal coated in a rich chocolate-peanut butter blend, tossed with brownie mix powder, Christmas M&M’s, mini peanut butter cups, and crunchy pretzels. This no-bake treat comes together quickly and delivers layers of texture and flavor that everyone will love.
You will love how easy it is to make this crowd-pleaser that combines chocolate, peanut butter, and classic holiday candies in one delightful bowl. It’s great for gifting or snacking anytime you want a festive crunch.
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup dry brownie mix (or 1 cup powdered sugar mixed with 1 ½ tablespoons cocoa powder)
- 1 bag Christmas M&M’s (12 ounces)
- 2 cups mini peanut butter cups
- 2 cups pretzel twists
How to Create Your Reindeer Chow
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Peanut Butter
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine semisweet chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until melted and smooth.
Step 3: Coat the Cereal
Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently toss with a spatula to coat every piece evenly.
Step 4: Coat with Brownie Mix
Add the dry brownie mix (or powdered sugar and cocoa mixture) to a large resealable gallon-size plastic bag. Add the chocolate-covered cereal to the bag, seal, and shake vigorously until fully coated in the dry mix.
Step 5: Cool the Mix
Spread the coated cereal out in a single layer on a sheet of parchment paper to cool completely.
Step 6: Mix in Additional Treats
Once cool and dry, combine the coated cereal with Christmas M&M’s, mini peanut butter cups, and pretzel twists in a large serving bowl.
Step 7: Serve
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container. Enjoy this crunchy, chocolaty, festive snack!
My Best Tips for Making Reindeer Chow
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Use a large bowl or bag to toss and coat cereal evenly without crushing.
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Melt chocolate slowly at low power to prevent burning.
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Shake thoroughly in the bag for even coating with powdered mix.
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Let the coated cereal cool completely to prevent clumping.
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Add candies and pretzels after cooling for texture contrast.
Delicious Variations to Try
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Substitute peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for allergy-friendly options.
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Add nuts such as roasted pecans or almonds for extra crunch.
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Use white chocolate chips or mix various chocolates for different flavor profiles.
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Sprinkle with holiday-themed sprinkles or edible glitter for festive flair.
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Toss in dried cranberries or cherries for a touch of tartness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Reindeer Chow last?
Stored airtight, it stays fresh for up to 7 days.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and store in airtight containers for easy holiday snacking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Check ingredients used; most Rice Chex are gluten-free but confirm labels.
Can I freeze Reindeer Chow?
Freezing is possible but may affect candy texture. Best enjoyed fresh.
What’s the best way to prevent sticking?
Ensure the mix cools and dries completely before storing or adding candies.
Can I adapt for kids?
Use milder peanut butter and avoid spicy or bitter chocolates to suit young palates.
Print
Reindeer Chow
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 12-14 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive chocolatey snack mix combining sweet, salty, crunchy Rice Chex coated in chocolate-peanut butter, dusted in brownie mix, with M&M’s, peanut butter cups, and pretzels.
Ingredients
6 cups Rice Chex cereal
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup dry brownie mix (or 1 cup powdered sugar + 1 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder)
1 (12 oz) bag Christmas M&M’s
2 cups mini peanut butter cups
2 cups pretzel twists
Instructions
Prepare cereal: Place Rice Chex in large bowl.
Melt chocolate & peanut butter: Microwave chips and peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring to smooth.
Coat cereal: Pour melted mixture over cereal, toss to coat.
Add dry coating: Put brownie mix (or sugar-cocoa) in large bag, add coated cereal, shake to dust.
Cool & dry: Spread on parchment until cool.
Combine mix-ins: Stir in M&M’s, peanut butter cups, pretzels.
Serve or store: Enjoy immediately or store airtight up to 7 days.
Notes
Melt chocolate slowly.
Use a big bag to toss cereal without crushing.
Cool coated cereal fully before adding candy to avoid melting.
Store airtight for freshness.
Great for gifting during holidays.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American / Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/14 recipe)
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Keywords: reindeer chow, christmas snack mix, muddy buddies, holiday chex mix, chocolate peanut butter chex mix
