Reindeer chow combines sweet and crunchy flavors for a festive treat that’s ideal for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or a cozy night in.
Gather ’round, fellow gifting enthusiasts and sweet tooth savants! Today, we’re venturing into an edible world where reindeers reign supreme in the snack kingdom.
We’re talking about the legendary, the fabulous, the utterly irresistible Reindeer Chow!
Before you raise your eyebrows in skepticism, let me clarify: no actual reindeers were harmed in the making of this snack.
It’s simply a Christmassy twist on the beloved “Puppy Chow,” also known as “Muddy Buddies,” but with a dash of holiday magic.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But I’ve made Puppy Chow a dozen times!” Ah, but have you ever conjured up a batch that makes you hear sleigh bells ring and feel the crisp North Pole air?
That’s what we’re aiming for with this festive treat. Our recipe for reindeer chow is not just a snack; it’s an experience, a sleigh ride of flavors, if you will.
In this recipe, each piece of Chex cereal is coated generously in a velvety blend of peanut butter and melted chocolate.
Next comes the magical dusting – a generous shake of powdered sugar that gives each morsel a snow-kissed look, perfect for a White Christmas dessert fantasy.
Then you’ll add a colorful sprinkle of M&Ms, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy pretzels. This mix is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a feast for the eyes.
But here’s the best part – this recipe is so ridiculously easy to whip up, it’s almost like a Christmas miracle. It’s foolproof, I promise! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get the little elves in your family involved in the kitchen.
So, put on your favorite Christmas tunes, don your aprons, and let’s embark on this culinary sleigh ride.
Get ready to mix, shake, and indulge in the most whimsical, festive, and downright delicious snack this side of the North Pole. Reindeer chow, here we come!
Ingredients
- 9 cups Chex cereal (rice, corn, or wheat)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup pretzel twists, broken into pieces
- 1 cup red and green M&M candies
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
I didn’t add nuts to mine, but that’s another popular addition: peanuts, almonds, etc. You could also add Christmas sprinkles, other types of chocolate chips (dark, mint, white). Definitely experiment!
If you’re planning on gifting, you can use clear or paper gift bags with colorful ties or ribbon. There are also takeout containers, even some with cute patterns.
Store in a Ziploc bag or airtight container. This chow will last about a week at room temperature, or about two weeks in the fridge.
Get the printable recipe for this holiday treat below:
Reindeer Chow
This Christmas puppy chow recipe is a perfect holiday treat that you can make for snacking or gifting! It's easy and delicious.
Ingredients
- 9 cups Chex cereal
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1 cup pretzel twists, broken into pieces
- 1 cup red and green M&M candies
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Pour the Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set it aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal, gently folding and stirring until all the cereal is evenly coated.
- Place the confectioners' sugar in a large resealable plastic bag. Add the chocolate-coated Chex cereal to the bag, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously until all the cereal is coated with the sugar.
- Spread the coated cereal onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper and set for about 10 minutes.
- Once set, sprinkle the cereal with the pretzel pieces, M&M candies, and mini marshmallows. Gently toss until everything is evenly distributed.
- Store in an airtight container or divide it into festive bags or jars for gifting.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1 servingAmount Per Serving: Calories: 417Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 224mgCarbohydrates: 61gFiber: 4gSugar: 37gProtein: 7g
If you enjoyed this Christmas puppy chow recipe, let me know in the comments! I’d also love for you to check out these other tasty holiday posts:
Candy Cane Fudge • Christmas Butter Cookies • Christmas Crack • Christmas Cupcakes • Christmas Linzer Cookies • Gingerbread Bundt Cake • Gingerbread Cupcakes • Gingerbread Muffins • Grinch Cookies • Grinch Cupcakes • Marshmallow Pretzel Treats • Mini Santa Strawberries • Oreo Balls • Peppermint Frosted Cookies • Peppermint Ice Cream • Peppermint Pudding Cookies • Popcorn • Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies • Reindeer Cookies • Rice Krispie Treats • Santa Cookies • Spice Cake • Tree Brownies • Tree Cupcakes • Whoopie Pies • Wreath Cupcakes