Reindeer Chow – The Ultimate Christmas Snack Mix

Introduction

Meet your new favorite holiday treat: Reindeer Chow!
Also known as Puppy Chow or Muddy Buddies, this festive snack mix combines crunchy cereal, creamy chocolate, and peanut butter—coated in snowy powdered sugar.
It’s the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and crunchy that keeps everyone reaching for more.

The best part? It takes only minutes to make and can be dressed up with candies or sprinkles for any occasion.
Package it in jars or gift bags, and you’ve got an instant homemade holiday gift everyone will adore.

Ingredients

• 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• Optional: 1 cup red & green M&M’s, mini pretzels, or holiday sprinkles

Instructions

1. Melt the chocolate and peanut butter:
   In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter.
   Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until melted and smooth (about 1 minute total).
   Stir in vanilla extract.
2. Coat the cereal:
   Place Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl.
   Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently toss with a spatula until every piece is coated.
3. Add the powdered sugar:
   Transfer coated cereal to a large zip-top bag or container with a lid.
   Add powdered sugar, seal, and shake until all pieces are evenly covered and look “snow-dusted.”
4. Cool and mix-ins:
   Spread the coated cereal on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool and set for 10–15 minutes.
   Once cooled, mix in M&M’s, pretzels, or sprinkles if using.
5. Serve or store:
   Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cool Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: About 10 cups | Kcal: ~180 per ½-cup serving

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve in festive bowls or small paper cups for parties. It’s also great for movie nights or gift jars.
• Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Avoid humidity so the coating stays crisp.
• Freezing: Freeze in zip-top bags for up to 1 month. Let thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Gift idea: Divide into clear cellophane bags, tie with red ribbon, and add a “Reindeer Chow” tag!

Variations

• White Chocolate Chow: Replace semi-sweet chocolate with white chocolate chips for a snowy look.
• Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower-seed butter instead of peanut butter.
• Peppermint Twist: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract and crushed candy canes.
• Caramel Crunch: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled mix before serving.
• Salty-Sweet Mix: Add pretzels, peanuts, or popcorn for an extra crunch.

Tips

• Work quickly—the chocolate mixture sets fast as it cools.
• Shake gently so you don’t crush the cereal pieces.
• For bold flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the finished mix.
• Use festive colors of M&M’s to match the season—red & green for Christmas, pink & white for Valentine’s Day, etc.

Conclusion

Reindeer Chow is the ultimate no-bake holiday treat — simple, sweet, and endlessly customizable.
With just a few pantry staples, you can create a snack mix that brings smiles to every party and makes the perfect edible gift.

Whether you whip up a batch for Christmas Eve movie night or package it for friends and neighbors, one thing’s for sure — the reindeer (and everyone else!) will keep coming back for more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! It stays fresh for up to a week, so you can make it early for parties or gifting.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Absolutely. It adds a nice texture, though creamy gives a smoother coating.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a large mixing bowl or two gallon-size bags for shaking with powdered sugar.

How do I keep it from getting soggy?

Let it cool completely before sealing, and store in a cool, dry place away from heat or moisture.

Is this safe for kids to make?

Definitely! Supervise when melting chocolate, but the rest is easy and fun for little helpers.