Christmas Reindeer Chow Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a festive snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you’re going to adore this Christmas Reindeer Chow Recipe. It’s the kind of sweet and salty treat that practically disappears as soon as you set it out at holiday gatherings. I’ve brought this to countless parties, and I swear, people keep asking for the recipe long after the bowls are empty. Let me walk you through why this reindeer chow has become a staple in my holiday kitchen and how you can master it too.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that magical mix of crunchy, chocolatey, salty, and sweet. I recommend grabbing a good-quality peanut butter for creaminess and a sturdy brand of pretzels so they don’t get soggy after coating.

• Rice Chex cereal: This is the perfect crunchy base that soaks up the chocolate without losing its texture.
• Semisweet chocolate chips: I love semisweet for that deep chocolate flavor that isn’t too sweet.
• Creamy peanut butter: Smooth PB melts right into the chocolate, creating a velvety coating.
• Dry brownie mix (or powdered sugar and cocoa powder): This gives the mixture that classic “powdered” coating – a secret to that irresistible chewiness and chocolate punch.
• Christmas M&M’s: They add festive colors and a crisp candy shell that’s perfect for the holidays.
• Mini peanut butter cups: These little guys add extra peanut butter goodness and make it feel like a special treat.
• Pretzel twists: The saltiness cuts through the sweetness and adds a wonderful crunch contrast.

Variations

What’s great about this Christmas Reindeer Chow Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often switch things up depending on who’s coming over or what I have in my pantry – and trust me, it never disappoints.

• Nut-Free Version: I swapped out peanut butter and mini peanut butter cups for sunflower seed butter and allergy-friendly chocolate candies – just as tasty and safe for everyone.
• Extra Chocolatey: Adding white chocolate chips or drizzling melted chocolate over the finished mix amps up the chocolate factor—my kids love this twist!
• Spicy Kick: One year, I experimented with a pinch of cayenne pepper in the chocolate mixture. It was surprisingly amazing and gave it an adult-friendly heat.
• Holiday Colors: Switch out the M&Ms for red and green candy-coated chocolates to really up the festive vibe on your snack table.

How to Make Christmas Reindeer Chow Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter

Start by combining the semisweet chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well in between, until everything is melted and silky smooth. I’ve found that shorter intervals prevent burning and give you better control over the texture.

Step 2: Coat the Cereal

Pour your cereal into a large mixing bowl. Slowly drizzle the chocolate and peanut butter mixture over it, then gently fold everything with a spatula. You want every last piece coated but still crunchy, so take care not to crush the cereal as you mix.

Step 3: Add the Brownie Mix Coating

Transfer the dry brownie mix into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the chocolate-coated cereal, seal the bag tightly, and shake like your life depends on it until every piece is dusted with the chocolatey powder. This step is pure magic and the key to that iconic “reindeer chow” look and texture.

Step 4: Let It Cool and Add the Extras

Spread the coated cereal out onto parchment paper in a single layer to cool completely. Once dry, toss in your Christmas M&M’s, mini peanut butter cups, and pretzels. And just like that, your snack is ready to share!

How to Serve Christmas Reindeer Chow Recipe

Garnishes

I like sprinkling a few extra mini peppermint candies on top or adding a light dusting of powdered sugar to make the presentation pop. It adds a frosty, festive look that always gets compliments.

Side Dishes

This reindeer chow pairs beautifully with a warm cup of cocoa or a glass of cold milk. For holiday parties, I set it alongside a cheese board or some spiced nuts for variety and crowd-pleasing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

I love serving this in a large decorative bowl with a festive scoop and surrounding it with small snack cups or mason jars filled with the chow. It makes for easy grabbing and adds a charming touch to any holiday table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When my family hasn’t polished off the batch the same day, I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. It keeps the crunch and flavor intact for up to a week, though honestly, it rarely lasts that long!

Freezing

Freezing this mix works well if you want to prep early. I pop it into a freezer bag, squeeze out the air, and freeze for up to three months. When ready, just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Reindeer chow is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t really necessary. But if you want to soften it slightly, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave can help—just don’t overdo it or it’ll get mushy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Reindeer Chow Recipe has become one of my favorite holiday traditions because it’s simple, delicious, and everyone—kids and adults alike—can’t get enough. Whether you’re gifting it in a festive bag or serving it as a snack during holiday movie night, it’s guaranteed to spread some extra cheer. I can’t recommend it enough if you want to add a little magic to your winter celebrations. So go ahead, mix up a batch, and watch how quickly it disappears!

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