Reindeer Chow

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There’s something magical about whipping up a big batch of Reindeer Chow during the holiday season. For me, it’s not just about the sweet, salty crunch or the burst of festive colors—it’s about the joy that comes from sharing it. Whether I’m hosting a party, packing treat bags for neighbors, or just filling up a bowl to nibble by the fireplace, this snack mix never fails to bring smiles and start conversations.

I love how ridiculously easy it is to make, and yet it looks like you spent hours in the kitchen. The mix of crunchy cereal, rich chocolate, powdered sugar, and colorful candies makes it totally irresistible. Trust me—once you start munching, it’s impossible to stop. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing snack that screams “holiday spirit,” this is it.

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Why You’ll Love This Reindeer Chow

• No baking required – Just melt, mix, and shake!
• Festive and fun – Perfect for Christmas parties, gift jars, or movie nights.
• Customizable – Swap in your favorite candies or cereals.
• Kid-friendly – Let little hands help toss everything together.
• Perfect balance – Sweet, crunchy, chocolatey, and just a bit salty.

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What Kind of Cereal Works Best for Reindeer Chow?

For the base of Reindeer Chow, rice or corn Chex cereal is the classic go-to. Their hollow, waffle-like texture is perfect for catching all that melted chocolate and powdered sugar goodness. You can also use chocolate Chex if you want to deepen the flavor. Some people like to toss in pretzel squares or mini graham crackers for a salty twist and extra crunch.

I’ve even experimented with Golden Grahams or Crispix when I was in a pinch—and they totally worked! The key is sticking with cereals that are sturdy enough to hold up under mixing and won’t turn soggy once coated.

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Options for Substitutions

This recipe is super flexible, which is part of its charm. Here are a few creative ways to switch it up without losing the magic:

• Cereal Swap: Use Golden Grahams, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, or mini pretzels instead of Chex.
• Chocolate Choices: Not a milk chocolate fan? Try white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even peanut butter chips.
• Candy Fun: Classic M&M’s are a must, but peppermint bark pieces, Reese’s Pieces, or crushed candy canes are fun festive additions.
• Nutty Twist: Add roasted peanuts, cashews, or almonds for a salty crunch.
• Gluten-Free: Make sure your cereal and candy choices are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan: Use dairy-free chocolate and skip any candies with gelatin or milk.

Mix and match to suit your taste or what’s in your pantry—it’s pretty hard to mess this one up.

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Ingredients for This Reindeer Chow

Each ingredient in Reindeer Chow plays a key role in creating that addictive balance of texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Chex Cereal
  The foundation of the mix—light, crispy, and full of nooks that hold onto all the sweet coating. Rice, corn, or chocolate Chex all work beautifully.
• Milk Chocolate Chips
  These melt smoothly and coat the cereal perfectly. They add that rich, creamy sweetness we all crave in a holiday snack.
• Peanut Butter
  Just a touch gives the chocolate a silkier texture and a nutty depth that’s absolutely delicious with the cereal.
• Powdered Sugar
  After the cereal is coated in chocolate and peanut butter, powdered sugar gives it a snowy finish and helps prevent stickiness.
• Holiday M&M’s
  The pop of color makes it festive and fun, while also adding a little crunch and candy-coated sweetness to each bite.
• Mini Pretzels (Optional)
  For a salty contrast to the sweet—plus, they add great texture.
• Butter (Optional)
  A small amount can make the chocolate mixture even smoother and easier to coat over the cereal.
• Vanilla Extract (Optional)
  A splash of vanilla adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor.

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Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

Before you melt a single chocolate chip, get everything set up. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. This is where your Reindeer Chow will cool and set. Measure out your cereal into a large mixing bowl—you’ll want enough room to stir without making a mess.

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Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips and peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until the mixture is completely smooth. Don’t overheat it—chocolate burns easily! You can also do this over a double boiler on the stove if you prefer more control.

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Step 3: Coat the Cereal

Pour the melted mixture over your bowl of Chex cereal. Gently stir with a spatula or spoon until every piece is evenly coated. Work slowly so the cereal doesn’t crush—you want nice whole squares in every handful.

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Step 4: Shake On the Snow

Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag or a container with a lid. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag, and give it a good shake until all the pieces are well covered in a snowy white layer.

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Step 5: Add the Fun Stuff

Spread the cereal mixture out onto your prepared baking sheet to cool completely. Once cooled, stir in holiday M&M’s, and any other mix-ins like pretzels or crushed peppermint. Mix everything together until it looks like Christmas exploded—in the best way.

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Step 6: Serve or Store

Now your Reindeer Chow is ready to serve, gift, or secretly stash away for yourself. Try not to eat it all in one sitting (but no judgment if you do).

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How Long to Cook the Reindeer Chow

Technically, there’s no baking or stovetop cooking required for this recipe—just a quick melt-and-mix process. Here’s a time breakdown:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Melting & Mixing: 5 minutes
• Cooling Time: 15–20 minutes (on a lined tray at room temp or in the fridge for a quicker set)

So in under 30 minutes, you’ve got a big batch of sweet, crunchy, festive Reindeer Chow ready to go. That’s what makes it perfect for last-minute treats or unexpected holiday guests.

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Tips for Perfect Reindeer Chow

• Use Fresh Cereal: Stale cereal = sad chow. Make sure your cereal is crisp and fresh.
• Microwave in Intervals: Melt chocolate and peanut butter slowly to avoid scorching. Stir between each 30-second blast.
• Coat Gently but Thoroughly: Mix the cereal slowly with the chocolate mixture to avoid crushing it. You want it evenly coated, not soggy or clumpy.
• Shake with Confidence: Don’t be shy when coating with powdered sugar—really give it a good shake for even coverage.
• Cool Completely: Let it fully set before adding candies or storing. Warm Reindeer Chow = melty M&Ms and sticky hands.
• Double the Batch: Seriously, this stuff disappears fast. Make extra—you’ll thank yourself.
• Holiday Presentation: Serve in festive bowls, mason jars with ribbon, or cellophane bags for easy gifting.
• Add Mix-Ins Last: Stir in M&Ms and pretzels after the coated cereal has cooled. Otherwise, the candy colors might bleed or the pretzels lose their crunch.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

While Reindeer Chow is pretty foolproof, there are a few missteps that can ruin your perfect batch. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Overheating the Chocolate: Chocolate can burn easily, and once it does, there’s no going back. Melt it in short bursts and stir in between.
• Skipping the Cooling Time: Don’t rush the process! Let the chocolate coating fully set before adding candies or serving. If it’s still warm, everything will melt together in a sticky mess.
• Overcrowding the Bag: When shaking the powdered sugar, give the ingredients space. Too much cereal at once means uneven coating.
• Using Old Cereal: Stale cereal won’t crisp up properly, and the flavor can be off. Always use fresh, crunchy cereal for the best texture.
• Not Stirring Enough: If you don’t coat the cereal well enough with the chocolate mixture, you’ll end up with clumps or uneven flavor. Make sure every piece gets a little chocolate love.
• Not Enough Powdered Sugar: If you don’t add enough powdered sugar in the bag, some pieces won’t get coated, leaving them sticky instead of snowed-in. Use plenty!

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What to Serve With Reindeer Chow?

Reindeer Chow is great on its own, but if you’re looking for ways to elevate your treat spread, here are some fun ideas for pairing:

Hot Chocolate

A warm mug of hot cocoa is the perfect companion to this sweet and crunchy snack. Top it with whipped cream, marshmallows, or even more M&Ms for extra indulgence.

Festive Sugar Cookies

Soft, buttery sugar cookies with sprinkles or frosting complement the richness of Reindeer Chow. They’re both classic holiday treats that everyone will love.

Eggnog

If you’re feeling extra festive, serve a chilled glass of eggnog alongside your chow. The creamy, spiced flavor balances the sweetness of the Reindeer Chow.

Christmas Brownies

Rich, chocolatey brownies make a great pairing with Reindeer Chow, especially if you’re serving it at a holiday gathering.

Fruit Salad

For a lighter option, a colorful fruit salad adds freshness and a bit of tartness to contrast the sweet, crunchy treat.

Cheese Plate

For an unexpected pairing, try a mild cheese plate with crackers. The saltiness from the cheese complements the sweetness of Reindeer Chow in a fun way.

Cupcakes

Mini cupcakes decorated with holiday sprinkles or frosting bring extra sweetness to the table and look beautiful next to your Reindeer Chow.

Cranberry Sauce

A small dish of cranberry sauce provides a tangy contrast, cutting through the sweetness of the snack mix.

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Storage Instructions

Reindeer Chow is one of those treats that keeps well, making it perfect for prepping ahead of time or for keeping around for snacking throughout the holiday season. Here’s how to store it:

• At Room Temperature: Store Reindeer Chow in an airtight container or resealable bag for up to 2 weeks. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain its crisp texture.
• In the Fridge: If you want to make it last a little longer, you can store it in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving so the texture stays crunchy.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze Reindeer Chow! Store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw it at room temperature for a few hours.

Pro tip: To keep it extra fresh, I recommend layering parchment paper between the mix in the container. This will help prevent it from sticking together during storage.

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Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutrition per serving (1/4 cup), though keep in mind that this can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion size:

• Calories: ~150 kcal
• Fat: 7g (saturated fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Sugar: 16g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 30mg

Keep in mind, this snack is indulgent with plenty of sugar, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation as a sweet treat during the holidays!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Reindeer Chow last?

Reindeer Chow can last for 2 weeks at room temperature in an airtight container. If you refrigerate it, it can last up to 3 weeks. You can even freeze it for up to 3 months if you need to keep it longer!

Can I make Reindeer Chow ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! In fact, making it a day or two ahead will only allow the flavors to meld together even more. Just be sure to store it properly to keep it fresh.

Can I use different cereals for Reindeer Chow?

Definitely! While Chex is the traditional choice, you can use other cereals like Golden Grahams, Crispix, or even mini pretzels for a unique twist. The key is to use something crunchy that won’t turn soggy.

Is Reindeer Chow gluten-free?

It can be! Just make sure you use gluten-free cereal, and check your chocolate chips and candy for any hidden gluten. There are plenty of gluten-free options available, so it’s easy to make this a gluten-free treat.

Can I use white chocolate or dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?

Yes, you can! If you prefer a different chocolate flavor, white chocolate or dark chocolate works great as a substitute. Just be mindful of the sweetness levels—dark chocolate will give a more bitter flavor compared to milk chocolate.

Can I add other mix-ins besides M&Ms?

Of course! Get creative with your mix-ins. You can add chopped nuts (like almonds or cashews), dried fruits, mini marshmallows, crushed peppermint, or even small candies like Reese’s Pieces or Skittles for a colorful touch.

Can I use peanut butter alternatives for Reindeer Chow?

Yes, if you need to avoid peanut butter, you can substitute it with almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even cashew butter. Just make sure to choose one that melts smoothly for the best texture.

Is there a way to make Reindeer Chow healthier?

While it’s a treat, you can make it a little lighter by using dark chocolate, reducing the sugar, and swapping the candy for dried fruit or nuts. But for a true holiday indulgence, the traditional recipe is hard to beat!

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Conclusion

Reindeer Chow is the ultimate holiday snack—easy to make, super customizable, and impossible to stop eating once you start. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday gathering, creating a fun gift, or just treating yourself during a cozy evening, this sweet and salty snack mix will always bring the festive cheer. So grab your ingredients, get the kids involved, and enjoy the magic of the season with this delicious treat.

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