Reindeer Chow Recipe Magical Holiday Snack

Crunchy reindeer chow brings memories of cozy winter evenings spent around glowing fireplaces.

Sweet and salty treats like these always spark instant happiness for snack enthusiasts.

Chocolate and powdered sugar create a magical combination that feels wonderfully decadent.

Kids and adults go crazy for this simple yet irresistible dessert.

Minimal ingredients mean you can whip up this delightful snack in mere minutes.

Quick preparation meets maximum flavor in this crowd-pleasing recipe that feels like a festive celebration.

Grab a handful and savor the delicious winter magic waiting in every delectable bite.

Why Reindeer Chow Is the Most Fun Party Snack

• Whips up in just 20-30 minutes with minimal cooking skills required, making it an ideal recipe for busy families and last-minute gatherings.
• Combines sweet chocolate, crunchy pretzels, and colorful M&Ms, creating an irresistible snack that appeals to both kids and adults during holiday celebrations.
• Allows children to participate in the cooking process by shaking the bag with powdered sugar or adding sprinkles, turning recipe preparation into a fun family activity.
• Requires no oven time, uses simple microwave melting technique, and can be prepared quickly without complex cooking equipment or advanced culinary techniques.

What You Need for Reindeer Chow Magic

• Chocolate Chips: Rich, smooth chocolate that creates the delicious coating for the cereal.
• Peanut Butter: Adds creamy texture and deep nutty flavor to the chocolate mixture.
• Butter: Helps create a smooth, glossy chocolate coating.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet note.

• Rice Chex Cereal: Crunchy base that absorbs the chocolate mixture perfectly.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides a sweet, snowy coating that makes the mix look festive.

• M&Ms, Mini Pretzels, Holiday Sprinkles: Colorful additions that bring extra crunch, sweetness, and festive fun to the Reindeer Chow.

How to Make Festive Reindeer Chow in Minutes

Step 1: Melt Chocolate Magic

• Chocolate chips
• Peanut butter
• Butter

Microwave in short bursts, stirring between each interval until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract for an extra flavor boost.

Step 2: Coat Cereal Generously

Pour melted chocolate mixture over Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Gently fold to ensure every cereal piece gets a chocolatey embrace without crushing the delicate pieces.

Step 3: Sugar Shower

Transfer chocolate-coated cereal to a large zip-top bag. Add powdered sugar and seal tightly. Shake vigorously until each piece is completely blanketed in white sweetness. If the bag feels too full, work in two batches.

Step 4: Festive Mix-In Moment

• M&Ms
• Mini pretzels
• Holiday sprinkles

Gently toss to distribute the colorful additions evenly.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Spread the mixture on a baking sheet, allowing it to set and cool for 10-15 minutes. Once cooled, serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later snacking.

Tips for Perfect Sweet-Salty Reindeer Chow

• Melt Chocolate Carefully: Use short microwave intervals and stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure smooth, even melting of chocolate and butter.
• Coat Cereal Gently: Stir chocolate mixture into cereal slowly to avoid breaking delicate Chex pieces, maintaining their crisp texture.
• Use Powdered Sugar Trick: Seal bag completely before shaking to prevent messy sugar explosions and ensure even coating of all cereal pieces.
• Customize Mix-Ins: Swap M&Ms for seasonal candies, add nuts, or include different sprinkles to match holiday themes or personal preferences.
• Store Smartly: Keep Reindeer Chow in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain crunchiness and prevent staleness.

Storing Your Reindeer Chow Without Losing Crunch

• Store leftovers in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer the Reindeer Chow to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Remove from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore crispness.
• If the mixture becomes slightly soft, spread on a baking sheet and place in a 250°F oven for 5 minutes to crisp up the cereal and restore its crunchy texture.

Snacks and Sips to Serve with Reindeer Chow

• Classic whole milk perfectly balances the sweet and rich chocolate flavors of Reindeer Chow, creating a smooth drinking experience that complements the crunchy texture.
• Warm mulled wine with cinnamon and orange notes adds a festive twist, cutting through the sweetness and providing a sophisticated adult beverage pairing that elevates the holiday treat.
• Spiced chai tea offers warm cardamom and ginger undertones that harmonize with the chocolate and peanut butter, while its creamy texture matches the snack's indulgent profile.
• Homemade hot cocoa with marshmallows mirrors the dessert's chocolate base, creating a delightful winter-themed combination that intensifies the snack's comforting qualities.

Mix-In Ideas to Upgrade Reindeer Chow

• Gluten-Free Chow: Replace Rice Chex with gluten-free rice cereal and use gluten-free pretzels. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Nut-Free Version: Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or coconut butter. Select chocolate chips and toppings that are processed in nut-free facilities for maximum safety.
• Vegan Holiday Mix: Use dairy-free chocolate chips, coconut oil instead of butter, and plant-based milk chocolate alternative M&Ms. Select vegan-friendly sprinkles to complete the festive treat.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute powdered sugar with powdered monk fruit sweetener or stevia blend. Reduce chocolate amount and use dark chocolate with higher cocoa content for lower sugar profile.

Reindeer Chow Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet caramel and chocolate Reindeer Chow sprinkles magic across holiday gatherings with irresistible crunch. Winter celebrations become memorable when dessert promises pure deliciousness for snacking and sharing.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients:

• 9 cups (2.1 liters) rice Chex cereal
• 1 cup (170 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup (128 grams) creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract

Coating and Topping Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (180 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 cup (170 grams) holiday-themed M&Ms
• ½ cup (60 grams) mini pretzels
• Optional: sprinkles for extra holiday cheer

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Instructions

1. Melt the chocolate base by combining chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform consistency. Incorporate vanilla extract for depth of flavor.
2. Gently pour the glossy chocolate mixture over Rice Chex cereal in a spacious mixing vessel. Carefully fold and coat each cereal piece, ensuring complete coverage without fragmenting the delicate grains.
3. Transfer the chocolate-enrobed cereal into a generously sized resealable bag or container. Introduce powdered sugar lavishly, then seal and vigorously shake, creating a snow-like dusting that completely encapsulates each morsel.
4. Transition the sugar-coated mixture into a serving receptacle. Artfully scatter M&Ms, miniature pretzels, and festive sprinkles throughout, gently intermixing to distribute the colorful additions evenly.
5. Allow the medley to rest and solidify on a flat baking sheet, permitting the components to set and chill for approximately 10-15 minutes. Once stabilized, the treat is prepared for immediate enjoyment or can be preserved in an airtight container for later indulgence.

Notes

• Check chocolate melting technique carefully to prevent burning, using short microwave intervals and stirring consistently.
• Use gluten-free Chex cereal and pretzels for celiac-friendly version, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Reduce sugar content by substituting powdered sugar with monk fruit or stevia-based powdered sweetener for low-carb dieters.
• Cool completely before storing to maintain crispy texture and prevent moisture buildup in container.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 10mg