When it comes to holiday treats, nothing captures the spirit of the season quite like Reindeer Chow. This festive Christmas Chex mix is the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and chocolatey flavors—a combination that guarantees it will disappear as quickly as it’s served. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering, throwing a holiday party, or preparing thoughtful gifts for loved ones, Reindeer Chow is a crowd-pleaser that delivers in every way. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this delightful snack, from its ingredients to creative variations.
What Is Reindeer Chow?
Reindeer Chow, sometimes referred to as Christmas Muddy Buddies or Puppy Chow, is a holiday twist on the classic Chex mix snack. The base is made with Rice Chex cereal, coated in a luscious blend of melted chocolate and peanut butter, dusted with brownie mix or powdered sugar, and tossed with festive holiday candies, mini peanut butter cups, and crunchy pretzels. It’s not only incredibly delicious but also incredibly easy to make.
Why Reindeer Chow Is a Holiday Favorite
The beauty of Reindeer Chow lies in its versatility and appeal to all ages. Its vibrant colors and festive ingredients make it a decorative centerpiece on your dessert table, while its addictive flavor and crunch keep guests coming back for more. Plus, it requires no baking, making it an ideal choice for anyone short on time or looking for a kid-friendly activity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a batch of Reindeer Chow that’s bursting with flavor and texture, gather the following ingredients:
- Rice Chex cereal: The star of the show, providing a light and crispy base.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Melted to coat the cereal with rich, chocolatey goodness.
- Creamy peanut butter: Adds a nutty, velvety layer to the mix.
- Brownie mix or powdered sugar: For that irresistible dusting of sweetness.
- Christmas M&M’s: A festive pop of color and chocolatey crunch.
- Mini peanut butter cups: Little bites of decadence scattered throughout.
- Small pretzel twists: A salty, crunchy contrast to the sweetness.
How to Make Reindeer Chow
Making Reindeer Chow is a straightforward process that comes together in just a few steps:
Step 1: Prep the Base
Place your Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. This will serve as the base for your snack mix.
Step 2: Melt and Mix
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
Step 3: Coat the Cereal
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Use a spatula to gently toss the cereal until each piece is evenly coated.
Step 4: Add the Sweet Coating
Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal to a resealable gallon-sized plastic bag. Add the dry brownie mix (or powdered sugar and cocoa powder), seal the bag tightly, and shake vigorously until the cereal is fully coated.
Step 5: Cool and Dry
Spread the coated cereal on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow it to cool and dry completely to prevent the chocolate from smudging.
Step 6: Assemble the Mix
Once the cereal is dry, mix it with Christmas M&M’s, mini peanut butter cups, and pretzel twists. Toss everything together for a balanced blend of flavors and textures.
Pro Tips for Success
- Keep It Cool: Allow the chocolate-coated cereal to cool to room temperature before adding candies. This prevents melting and keeps the mix visually appealing.
- Seal the Bag: Double-check that your bag is securely sealed before shaking to avoid messy spills.
- Make It Interactive: Kids love helping with this recipe! Let them shake the bag or sprinkle in the candies.
- Storage: Store Reindeer Chow in an airtight container for up to two weeks in the refrigerator or four days on a cool countertop.
Flavor Variations
While the classic recipe is a guaranteed hit, feel free to customize it to suit your preferences:
- Nut-Free: Swap peanut butter for white candy melts and use marshmallows instead of peanut butter cups.
- Powdered Sugar Finish: Replace the brownie mix with powdered sugar for a more traditional “snowy” appearance.
- Different Cereals: Experiment with Chocolate Chex, Corn Flakes, or a mix of cereals for varied textures.
- Candy Swaps: Add Reese’s Pieces, Rolo candies, mini Oreos, or Cadbury Snowballs.
- Add Nuts: For extra crunch, toss in roasted pecans, almonds, or cashews.
How Long Does Reindeer Chow Last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, Reindeer Chow will stay fresh for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. On a cool countertop, it lasts about four days.
Where Did Reindeer Chow Originate?
Reindeer Chow is a festive variation of Muddy Buddies, a sweetened Chex mix that has roots in the Midwest dating back to the 1960s. Over the years, it has evolved with holiday-themed additions like pretzels and candies.
Make It Your Holiday Tradition
Reindeer Chow is more than just a snack; it’s a holiday tradition that brings people together. Whether you’re sharing it with family, gifting it to friends, or indulging in a bowl by yourself, this treat embodies the joy and warmth of the season. With just 20 minutes of prep, you can create a festive masterpiece that everyone will love.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones to join in, and make this holiday season even sweeter with a batch of homemade Reindeer Chow.
Happy Holidays, and happy snacking!
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.