There’s something magical about December afternoons when the kitchen smells like chocolate and peanut butter, and a big mixing bowl sits on the counter waiting for little hands to help. That’s when Reindeer Chow comes in sweet, crunchy, and just a little bit mischievous. It’s the kind of treat that disappears faster than you can say “Santa’s on his way.”
This mix has everything good about the holidays: the salty crunch of pretzels, the cozy smoothness of melted chocolate, and the festive pop of red and green M&Ms. It’s part snack, part dessert, and completely irresistible. Whether you’re packing treat bags for neighbors or setting out a bowl for movie night, this one is pure Christmas cheer in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes this mix so magical and a few cozy notes along the way:
1 ½ cups semisweet or dark chocolate chips
dark chocolate gives it that deep, rich flavor.
1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
smooth is best for coating every piece.
5 cups Rice Chex cereal
light, crisp, and perfect for catching all that chocolatey goodness.
1 ½ cups mini pretzels, broken into pieces
for that satisfying salty crunch.
2 cups powdered sugar
the “snow” that gives this mix its holiday charm.
1 ½ cups red and green M&Ms
festive color in every handful.
1 cup mini peanut butter cups
because more peanut butter is always a good idea.
Tip: I love using a mix of semisweet and dark chocolate for a little depth. And don’t skip the chilling it’s what makes everything come together perfectly.
How to Make It
Step 1: Mix the Base
In a big, cozy mixing bowl, combine your Rice Chex cereal and broken pretzels. Give it a quick toss this will be your crunchy foundation.
Step 2: Melt the Magic
In a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt together the chocolate chips and peanut butter. Stir until smooth and glossy, and take a deep breath that warm, nutty smell is pure holiday joy.
Step 3: Coat and Chill
Pour the melted mixture over the cereal and pretzels. Stir gently until everything is coated in that shiny chocolate blanket. Pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes, just until it starts to set.
Step 4: Powdered Sugar Snowfall
Sprinkle ½ cup of powdered sugar into a clean, large bowl. Add half your chilled mixture, another ½ cup of powdered sugar, then the rest of your mix. Gently toss everything together until it’s evenly coated and looks like a winter wonderland.
Step 5: Chill Again
Return the bowl to the refrigerator for another 30–60 minutes until it firms up and feels crisp to the touch. Add more powdered sugar, ¼ cup at a time, until you get that perfect snowy look.
Step 6: Add the Festive Touch
Finally, stir in the M&Ms and mini peanut butter cups. The bright colors peek through the sugar like ornaments on a frosted tree.
Reindeer Chow
Equipment
- large mixing bowl For tossing cereal and pretzels
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 5 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 1/2 cups mini pretzels, broken into pieces
- 2 cups powdered sugar (plus more as needed)
- 1 1/2 cups red and green M&Ms
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine Rice Chex cereal and pretzel pieces.
- Melt peanut butter and chocolate together on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the melted mixture over the cereal/pretzel mixture and stir to coat evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator until the mixture just begins to set, about 30 minutes.
- In a separate large bowl, sprinkle 1/2 cup powdered sugar. Add half the chilled mixture, then another 1/2 cup powdered sugar and the remaining mixture.
- Gently toss until powdered sugar is evenly distributed and cereal is coated.
- Chill again 30–60 minutes until fully set. Add more powdered sugar 1/4 cup at a time if needed.
- Stir in M&Ms and mini peanut butter cups.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and serve. Store airtight at room temperature for 5–7 days.
Notes
Nutrition
Cozy Tips & Serving Ideas
- Holiday Gifting: Scoop into clear treat bags, tie with ribbon, and add a tag that says “Made with love (and a little holiday magic)”.
- Movie Night Mix: Combine with popcorn for the coziest Christmas movie snack.
- Pairing Tip: Serve with hot cocoa topped with whipped cream trust me, it’s heavenly.
- Make Ahead: This mix keeps beautifully in an airtight container for up to a week perfect for stress-free entertaining.
- Personal Touch: Add crushed candy canes or mini marshmallows for a fun twist.
The Cozy Holiday Feeling
This Reindeer Chow isn’t just a recipe it’s a little holiday tradition waiting to happen. The kind that fills your kitchen with laughter, chocolatey hands, and the sound of Christmas music playing softly in the background.