Reindeer Chow Recipe: If you’re looking for a fun, festive, and utterly addictive holiday snack, Reindeer Chow should be at the top of your list. Also known as “Christmas Puppy Chow” or “Holiday Muddy Buddies,” this treat is an irresistible combination of cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Sound too simple? That’s the magic—it’s quick to make, fun to customize, and a total crowd-pleaser.
Reindeer Chow has become a holiday staple in many homes because it’s the kind of treat that brings out the joy in everyone—from kids sneaking bites to adults going back for seconds (or thirds). It’s often associated with the cozy charm of Christmas because it looks like it’s been dusted with fresh snow, thanks to the powdered sugar coating.
Whether you’re making it as a fun snack for a Christmas movie night, packaging it as holiday gifts, or simply trying to bring the family together in the kitchen, Reindeer Chow delivers big on festive cheer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down what you need for the base recipe first, and then we’ll talk about fun extras that can take your Reindeer Chow from simple to spectacular.
Core Ingredients:
- 9 cups Chex cereal (corn or rice)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
These are the foundational ingredients. Chex provides the crunch, the chocolate and peanut butter bring richness, and the powdered sugar adds that snowy magic.
Optional Add-Ins for a Personal Touch:
- Mini pretzels (for salty contrast)
- Red and green M&Ms (for that pop of holiday color)
- Mini marshmallows
- Crushed peppermint candies
- Holiday sprinkles
Think of these as accessories—totally optional, but a great way to tailor the recipe to your family’s taste buds or a party theme. Some like theirs packed with chocolate candies; others prefer a more peanut butter-forward bite. The beauty of Reindeer Chow is that you can mix and match based on what you have on hand or who you’re serving.
Kitchen Tools Required
Before diving in, make sure you have the right tools ready to keep things mess-free and fun.
Basic Tools to Gather Before You Start:
- Large mixing bowl
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Gallon-sized zip-top bag (for shaking with powdered sugar)
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper (for cooling)
Having everything ready ahead of time helps avoid scrambling mid-recipe, especially if you’re working with excited little helpers or under a holiday time crunch.
Tips to Make the Process Smoother:
- Use a microwave-safe bowl with a handle to melt chocolate and peanut butter—it makes pouring easier.
- Use a rubber spatula to gently mix cereal without crushing it.
- Place a large piece of parchment paper on the counter for cooling and less cleanup.
Having the right tools and a bit of prep will make your Reindeer Chow adventure seamless and, more importantly, fun!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Reindeer Chow
This is where the magic happens. Let’s walk through every step to ensure your Reindeer Chow is crunchy, chocolatey, and perfectly coated.
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth. This usually takes about 1 to 1.5 minutes.
Once melted and smooth, stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Combine with Cereal
Place the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently stir with a spatula until the cereal is evenly coated. Be patient—make sure every piece gets some love without breaking them.
Step 3: Coat with Powdered Sugar
Now comes the fun part. Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into a large zip-top bag. Add the powdered sugar, seal it tightly, and shake! Shake it like you mean it—this step gives Reindeer Chow its signature snowy look.
You’ll know you’re done when all the cereal is coated in white and not sticking together.
Step 4: Mix in Add-Ins
Pour the coated cereal onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool completely. Once cool, sprinkle in your favorite add-ins—M&Ms, crushed peppermint, mini pretzels, or sprinkles. Gently toss to combine.
Step 5: Let It Cool and Store Properly
Let your Reindeer Chow sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to set. Then transfer it into an airtight container or portion it out into gift bags or jars.
Tips for Perfect Reindeer Chow
Even though this recipe is super simple, there are a few common mistakes that can turn your Reindeer Chow from festive to frustrating. Here’s how to get it just right every time.
Avoiding Common Mistakes:
- Overheating the chocolate: If you microwave the chocolate too long, it can seize or burn. Stick to short bursts and stir often.
- Using crunchy peanut butter: This makes it harder to coat the cereal evenly. Always go for creamy.
- Rushing the process: Don’t skip cooling or the powdered sugar coating might become sticky or uneven.
- Skipping the seal: Make sure your zip-top bag is sealed tightly before shaking. You don’t want powdered sugar flying everywhere!
- Adding mix-ins too early: Let the coated cereal cool completely before adding candies or marshmallows, or they might melt.
How to Get Even Coating:
The best trick? Double-shake it! After your first shake in powdered sugar, give it a quick rest, then shake again with a small extra scoop of sugar. This locks in the coating and gives it that snow-covered magic.
Also, don’t be shy with the powdered sugar. It might seem like a lot, but it’s what gives that iconic look and prevents the cereal from sticking together. For an extra polished finish, sift the powdered sugar before use to remove lumps and get an ultra-fine coating.
Variations to Try
One of the best parts of Reindeer Chow is how adaptable it is. Once you’ve mastered the classic version, you can play with flavors and colors for different occasions or cravings.
Chocolate-Peppermint Reindeer Chow:
- Swap semisweet chocolate for white chocolate or dark chocolate chips.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract instead of vanilla.
- Toss in crushed peppermint candies or candy canes with the mix-ins.
This version is a peppermint bark lover’s dream. It’s bright, minty, and perfectly seasonal.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Reindeer Chow:
- Use white chocolate and peanut butter for the coating.
- Add dried strawberries or raspberries as mix-ins.
- Sprinkle in freeze-dried fruit powder for a tart twist.
This flavor is nostalgic and unique, perfect for peanut butter fans who want something different.
Other Creative Twists:
- S’mores Style: Add mini marshmallows and graham cracker bits.
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter or cookie butter.
- Salty-Sweet: Mix in salted peanuts or pretzel bites for crunch.
No matter which version you try, just remember to keep the coating balance right. Too much mix-in and you might overpower the core flavor; too little and it might feel underwhelming. Find your sweet spot!
Storing and Serving Suggestions
Once your Reindeer Chow is cooled and coated, you’ll want to store it properly to maintain its crunch and freshness. Here’s how to do it right.
Best Storage Practices:
- Airtight Containers: Always store in a sealed container to keep out moisture.
- Cool, Dry Place: Keep it at room temperature in a pantry or cupboard—avoid the fridge unless your house is very warm.
- Shelf Life: It stays fresh for up to 10 days, though it’s usually eaten much sooner!
If you’re planning to give it as a gift or use it later for a party, you can also freeze it. Just place it in a zip-top freezer bag, squeeze out the air, and freeze for up to 1 month. Let it thaw at room temp before serving.
Fun Serving Ideas for Parties:
- Serve it in festive bowls with candy canes.
- Scoop into small paper cones or party cups for easy snacking.
- Use mini mason jars with holiday ribbon for gift-size servings.
Hosting a Christmas party? A big bowl of Reindeer Chow on the snack table is guaranteed to disappear fast. Want to impress guests? Set up a DIY Reindeer Chow bar where people can add their own toppings!
Making Reindeer Chow with Kids
This recipe is ideal for a family kitchen adventure. With a few tweaks and some safety tips, it becomes a joyful, hands-on holiday tradition.
Kid-Friendly Instructions:
- Let younger kids measure and pour cereal and mix-ins.
- Assign older kids the job of shaking the bag with powdered sugar—trust me, they’ll love it!
- Create a decorating station with bowls of candies and sprinkles for personalized mini portions.
Safety Tips for Little Helpers:
- Always supervise the microwave steps.
- Keep hot bowls away from small hands.
- Use plastic mixing tools and kid-safe utensils when possible.
Involving kids in the kitchen not only builds memories but also encourages them to be creative and appreciate homemade holiday treats. Plus, if they help make it, they’re more likely to be proud to share (and snack on!) their creations.
Gifting Reindeer Chow
Reindeer Chow isn’t just a tasty snack—it’s also the perfect homemade gift for friends, neighbors, teachers, or coworkers. It’s festive, easy to make in bulk, and always appreciated. Here’s how to turn your delicious creation into a thoughtful gift.
Packaging Ideas:
- Mason Jars: Fill pint-sized mason jars with Reindeer Chow, seal with a lid, and tie a holiday ribbon around the top. Add a sprig of faux holly for a festive touch.
- Cellophane Bags: Scoop servings into clear treat bags, then twist and tie them with red or green string. It’s simple and cost-effective, especially for large batches.
- Holiday Tins: Use Christmas-themed cookie tins or snack containers. These are perfect for stacking and storing in gift baskets.
- Mini Buckets or Boxes: Many dollar stores carry small decorative containers that are great for packing snacks—add tissue paper for an extra layer of charm.
Gift Tag Suggestions:
Make your Reindeer Chow gift extra personal with handwritten or printable gift tags. Some fun tag ideas:
- “Reindeer Fuel – Merry Christmas!”
- “Snow-Dusted Snacks from Our Kitchen to Yours”
- “Santa’s Favorite Treat – Enjoy!”
- “Made with Love (and a Little Magic)!”
You can even make a batch with the kids, and let them help decorate the tags and containers. It adds a personal, homemade touch that store-bought gifts can’t match.
Nutritional Information
While Reindeer Chow is definitely a treat (read: not a health food), it’s still good to know what’s going into your body—especially if you’re tracking calories, have allergies, or are trying to portion your snacks wisely.
Calorie and Ingredient Breakdown (Approximate per 1 cup serving):
- Calories: 400–450
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 50g
Keep in mind, this varies depending on mix-ins and exact ingredients used. The peanut butter, chocolate, and candy add up quickly—so while it’s perfect for a holiday indulgence, moderation is key if you’re watching your intake.
Healthier Alternatives:
Want to enjoy Reindeer Chow without the sugar overload? Try these healthier swaps:
- Use dark chocolate (70% or higher cacao) instead of milk chocolate for antioxidants and less sugar.
- Swap powdered sugar for a smaller amount of organic coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener (note: it won’t have the white coating effect).
- Choose whole-grain or gluten-free cereal to suit your dietary needs.
- Reduce candy add-ins and increase dried fruits or unsweetened coconut flakes.
With a little creativity, you can keep the fun without going overboard on the sugar.
FAQs about Reindeer Chow Recipe
1. Can I make Reindeer Chow ahead of time?
Absolutely! It keeps well for up to 10 days in an airtight container, and even longer if frozen. Make it early and store until your event or gifting day.
2. Can I use almond butter or Nutella instead of peanut butter?
Yes! Both work beautifully. Nutella gives a richer, hazelnut-chocolate twist, while almond butter is great for those avoiding peanuts.
3. Is Reindeer Chow gluten-free?
Only if you use gluten-free Chex (like rice or corn) and check all labels, especially for mix-ins. Many candies contain gluten, so read carefully.
4. How do I keep it from getting soggy?
Store it in a cool, dry place and avoid humid environments. Let it cool completely before sealing the container to prevent moisture buildup.
5. Can I make it without a microwave?
Definitely. Use a double boiler to melt the chocolate, butter, and peanut butter gently on the stove. Just be sure to stir constantly to avoid burning.
Conclusion
Reindeer Chow is the ultimate holiday treat—it’s easy, customizable, and absolutely addictive. Whether you’re whipping up a big batch for a party, sharing it as gifts, or creating it with your kids as a festive kitchen activity, it’s bound to become a seasonal favorite in your home. From classic recipes to peppermint twists, from crunchy to creamy, there’s a Reindeer Chow for everyone.
So grab your Chex cereal, melt that chocolate, and get shaking—holiday magic is just a snack away!
