The Merriest Reindeer Chow Recipe for Holiday Snacking Magic

Munching on delightful reindeer chow always brings back memories of cozy winter evenings with laughter echoing through my kitchen.

Childhood treats spark pure joy in every handful of this sweet snack.

Chocolate-coated cereal mixed with powdered sugar creates an irresistible combination that melts in your mouth.

Simple ingredients become a magical blend of crunch and sweetness.

Nobody can resist the charm of this festive snack that looks as good as it tastes.

Small batches disappear quickly, so make extra to share with loved ones.

Whip up this treat and watch smiles light up the room.

Things That Make Reindeer Chow So Snackable

• Whip Up Effortless Delight: Super simple recipe that even beginner cooks can master with minimal kitchen skills and just a few basic steps.
• Customize Your Snack Adventure: Versatile treat that lets you add personal flair with optional toppings like M&M's, pretzels, and festive sprinkles to match any celebration or mood.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Perfect shareable snack that appeals to all ages, making it ideal for family gatherings, holiday parties, movie nights, or casual get-togethers.
• Quick Sweet Fix: Requires minimal preparation time with no complicated techniques, allowing you to create a delicious treat in just a few minutes using a microwave and basic mixing technique.

Reindeer Chow Snack Mix Ingredient Breakdown

• Chex Cereal: Crunchy base that provides the perfect texture for the snack.
• Chocolate Chips: Creates a rich, smooth chocolate coating.
• Peanut Butter: Adds creamy richness and depth of flavor.
• Butter: Helps melt and blend the chocolate mixture smoothly.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, sweet aromatic touch.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides a sweet, dusty coating that makes the snack irresistible.

• M&M's, Pretzels, Holiday Sprinkles: Adds extra crunch, color, and festive flair.

Reindeer Chow Snack Making Instructions

Step 1: Melt Chocolate Magic

• Chocolate chips
• Peanut butter
• Butter

Zap in the microwave for 1 minute, then stir. Keep heating in 30-second bursts, mixing between each round until the mixture transforms into a silky smooth chocolate river.

Step 2: Boost Flavor Excitement

Splash in the vanilla extract and stir enthusiastically to wake up those flavor notes.

Step 3: Coat Cereal Generously

Pour the glossy chocolate mixture over Chex cereal in a spacious mixing bowl. Gently fold and tumble until every single cereal piece is completely dressed in chocolatey goodness.

Step 4: Sugar Shower Time

Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag. Dump in powdered sugar and shake vigorously like you’re dancing to holiday music. Ensure each piece gets a fabulous white sugar coat.

Step 5: Create Festive Flair

• M&M's
• Pretzels
• Holiday sprinkles

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the Reindeer Chow chill completely before diving into this irresistible treat. Store in an airtight container or serve immediately for maximum deliciousness.

Snack Know-How for Reindeer Chow

• Melt Chocolate Smoothly: Use short microwave bursts and stir between each interval to prevent chocolate from burning or seizing up.
• Prevent Clumping: Gently fold chocolate mixture into cereal to ensure even coating without breaking delicate Chex pieces.
• Add Festive Flair: Sprinkle colorful M&M's or holiday-themed sprinkles for a fun, seasonal presentation that delights both kids and adults.
• Store Smartly: Keep Reindeer Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain crispness and freshness.
• Optional Swaps: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version that accommodates allergies without sacrificing flavor.

Reindeer Chow: Easy Tips To Keep It Fresh

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping the crispy texture intact and preventing moisture buildup.
• Pack in freezer-safe zip-lock bags, removing excess air, and store for 2-3 weeks; thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.
• Keep in sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat sources, maintaining freshness for 3-4 days without compromising taste or crunch.
• Spread leftovers on a baking sheet and warm in preheated oven at 250°F for 5-7 minutes to restore original crunchiness and refresh flavors.

Reindeer Chow Great Matches

• Sweet Sips: Pair with creamy hot chocolate or rich eggnog for a decadent holiday treat that enhances the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
• Festive Beverage Boost: Complement the snack with spiced apple cider, which cuts through the sweetness and adds a warm, seasonal touch.
• Nutty Companion: Enjoy with a glass of cold milk to balance the richness and provide a classic, comforting drinking experience.
• Dessert Wine Delight: Select a sweet dessert wine like port or moscato to elevate the treat's indulgent qualities and create a sophisticated snacking moment.

Festive Ways to Customize Reindeer Chow

• Gluten-Free Chow: Replace Chex cereal with gluten-free rice or corn Chex to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Chocolate Chow: Swap butter and chocolate chips with coconut oil and dairy-free dark chocolate, using almond butter instead of peanut butter.
• Nut-Free Holiday Crunch: Eliminate peanut butter and use sunflower seed butter, ensuring safe consumption for those with nut allergies.
• Low-Sugar Holiday Mix: Reduce powdered sugar quantity and use monk fruit sweetener or stevia-based powdered sugar alternative for a diabetic-friendly version.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients needed for Reindeer Chow?

Chex cereal, chocolate chips, peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, and optional add-ins like M&M’s and pretzels are the main ingredients for this sweet treat.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly to make?

Absolutely! Kids can help with mixing, shaking the bag with powdered sugar, and adding sprinkles – making it a fun family activity that’s simple and safe.

• Can I use different types of chocolate for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chocolate chips with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate based on your preference and taste.

• How long can Reindeer Chow be stored?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Reindeer Chow stays fresh for about 5-7 days, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or snacking.

Reindeer Chow Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Chocolate-drizzled reindeer chow delivers a festive winter treat that melts hearts with sweet holiday cheer. Crunchy cereal, rich chocolate, and powdered sugar create a magical snack perfect for sharing with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 9 cups chex cereal (any variety)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating and Decorative Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• Optional: M&Ms
• Optional: mini pretzels
• Optional: holiday sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until completely smooth and glossy.
2. Incorporate vanilla extract into the molten chocolate mixture, creating a rich, aromatic blend.
3. Gently cascade the chocolate mixture over Chex cereal, carefully folding to ensure each piece receives an even, luxurious coating.
4. Transfer the chocolate-covered cereal into a spacious resealable plastic bag, then liberally dust with powdered sugar, shaking vigorously to create a complete, snow-like coverage.
5. Distribute the sugared mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating an even layer that allows for quick cooling and optimal texture.
6. Enhance the festive appearance by scattering holiday-themed M&M’s, crunchy pretzels, and sparkling sprinkles across the surface.
7. Allow the Reindeer Chow to rest and solidify at room temperature, ensuring a delightful crunch and preventing any sticky texture.

Notes

• Customize chocolate types like dark, milk, or white chocolate for varied flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Use gluten-free Chex cereal and dairy-free chocolate chips to make this recipe suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions.
• Break up larger clumps while shaking the bag to ensure even powdered sugar coating and prevent sugar-heavy sections.
• Prevent chocolate mixture from burning by microwaving slowly and stirring frequently, creating smooth and glossy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 228
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg