This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This Reindeer Chow recipe is the perfect sweet treat for Christmas! Crunchy Chex cereal is coated in melted chocolate and peanut butter, tossed with powdered sugar, and mixed with red and green M&M’s and festive sprinkles. It’s a fun, no-bake holiday snack that everyone will love!
Why you’ll love this reindeer chow recipe!
If you’ve ever made Muddy Buddies or Puppy Chow, you already know how delicious this recipe is. Reindeer Chow is simply the Christmas version, with colorful candies and sprinkles that make it extra festive.
I love making a big batch for Christmas parties, movie nights (because what better snack is there for watching Home Alone for the two-hundredth time?!), and holiday gift bags. It takes just a few minutes to prepare, and it’s always one of the first treats to disappear from the dessert table!
- Quick and easy: No baking required! This Christmas snack mix comes together in minutes with very little prep.
- Sweet and crunchy: Chocolate, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and crispy cereal make an irresistible combination.
- Perfect for gifting: Package it in mason jars or cellophane bags for an easy homemade Christmas gift.
- Fun for kids: Little helpers will love shaking the cereal in powdered sugar and adding colorful candy.
- Great for parties: Make a big batch for Christmas gatherings, classroom celebrations, or holiday movie nights.
What Is Reindeer Chow?
Reindeer Chow is a festive version of classic Muddy Buddies, also known as Puppy Chow.
It’s made by coating Chex cereal in melted chocolate, peanut butter, and butter, then tossing everything in powdered sugar. Red and green M&M’s and Christmas sprinkles turn the classic snack into a colorful holiday treat.
Despite the name, Reindeer Chow is meant for people, not actual reindeer! It’s a fun Christmas snack that looks adorable in a bowl or packaged as an edible gift.
Reindeer Chow Ingredients
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Rice Chex or Corn Chex cereal: Both varieties work well. The crispy squares hold the chocolate coating without becoming soggy.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: These melt into a rich chocolate coating. Milk chocolate chips will make the mixture sweeter.
- Creamy peanut butter: Adds flavor and helps the chocolate coating stick to the cereal.
- Butter: Helps create a smooth chocolate mixture that coats the cereal evenly.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor of the chocolate and peanut butter.
- Powdered sugar: Gives the cereal its classic white, snowy coating.
- Red and green M&M’s: Adds festive Christmas colors and extra chocolate crunch.
- Christmas sprinkles: A few tablespoons of your favorite red, green, and white holiday sprinkles.
Reindeer Chow Variations
- White Chocolate Reindeer Chow: Replace the semisweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a sweeter variation. Melt gently, since white chocolate can scorch easily.
- Sweet and Salty: Add mini pretzels after the cereal cools for extra crunch and a salty contrast.
- Peanut Butter Lovers: Toss in mini peanut butter cups or Reese’s Pieces once the mix has cooled so they don’t melt.
- Extra Chocolate: Stir in mini chocolate chips along with the M&M’s.
How to Make Reindeer Chow
- Prepare the cereal: Measure 9 cups of Rice Chex or Corn Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
- Melt the chocolate: Add the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir.
- Finish melting: Microwave for another 30 seconds, or until the mixture can be stirred smooth. If needed, continue heating in short intervals, stirring between each one. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Coat the cereal: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal. Gently stir until all the cereal pieces are evenly coated.
- Add the powdered sugar: Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal to a 2-gallon resealable plastic bag. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag tightly, and shake until every piece is covered.
- Finish: Spread the coated cereal in an even layer on waxed paper. Let it cool completely so the chocolate coating can set. Once the cereal has cooled, transfer it to a large bowl. Gently toss with the red and green M&M’s and Christmas sprinkles.
How to Package Reindeer Chow for Christmas Gifts
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to turn into a homemade Christmas gift!
- Once the mixture has cooled completely, divide it into clear cellophane bags, mason jars, or festive holiday containers.
- Tie each package with a red or green ribbon and add a gift tag. You can even write “Reindeer Chow” or “Christmas Muddy Buddies” on the label.
It’s perfect for teachers, neighbors, coworkers, and friends. Just remember to label it as containing peanuts and dairy, especially when sharing with someone outside your household.
Building a holiday treat box? Reindeer Chow pairs well with Christmas crack, peppermint bark, and my easy fudge recipe.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
To Make Ahead: Prepare the mixture a day or two before your Christmas party. Let it cool completely before adding the candy and transferring it to an airtight container.
To Store: Keep the finished snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to one week.
To Refrigerate: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. This is a good option if your kitchen is especially warm, since the chocolate stays firmer in the cold.
To Freeze: Freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the sealed container to help prevent condensation from making the cereal sticky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reindeer Chow is made with Chex cereal, chocolate chips, peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar. This Christmas version also includes red and green M&M’s and festive sprinkles.
Yes! Reindeer Chow is a holiday variation of Puppy Chow, also called Muddy Buddies. The main difference is the addition of Christmas-colored candies and sprinkles.
The cereal may become soggy if it is stored before the chocolate coating has cooled or if moisture gets into the container. Let the mixture cool completely on waxed paper before storing it.
Yes! This is a great make-ahead Christmas snack. Prepare it a day or two before serving, and store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.
You can try replacing the peanut butter with a creamy sunflower seed spread, although the flavor and consistency will be different. Check the labels of all other ingredients if you’re preparing it for someone with a peanut allergy.
More Easy Christmas Candy
Quick & Easy Dessert Recipes
Easy 3-Ingredient Fudge
Christmas
Christmas Crack
All Recipes
Easy Crock Pot Candy
Quick & Easy Dessert Recipes
Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle
Looking for more easy family favorites? Sign up for my free Top 10 Reader Favorites eBook and get recipes delivered to your inbox.
Need help with this recipe?
Click the buttons below to summarize it, adjust for diets, swap ingredients, or ask your own questions!
Reindeer Chow
Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice Chex or Corn Chex Cereal
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup red and green M&Ms
- 2-3 tablespoons holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Measure the cereal into a large bowl and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter uncovered on High for 1 minute. Stir.
- Microwave about 30 seconds longer, or until the mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in the vanilla.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal and stir gently until evenly coated.
- Transfer the coated cereal to a 2-gallon resealable plastic bag. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag well, and shake until every piece is coated.
- Spread the mixture on waxed paper and let it cool completely so the chocolate sets.
- Once the mix is completely cool, toss in the M&Ms and sprinkles. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Let the cereal cool before adding candy: This is the most important tip! Warm chocolate can cause the colors on the M&M’s and sprinkles to bleed into the powdered sugar.
- Use a large mixing bowl: Give yourself plenty of room to stir the cereal without crushing the pieces.
- Don’t overheat the chocolate: Microwave the chocolate mixture in short intervals and stir well. Overheated chocolate can become thick or grainy.
- Shake in a large bag: A 2-gallon resealable bag gives the cereal enough room to move around and become evenly coated with powdered sugar.
- Use creamy peanut butter: Regular creamy peanut butter creates the smoothest coating. Natural peanut butter can sometimes separate and change the texture.
