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Christmas Reindeer Chow Recipe – The Ultimate Sweet & Salty Holiday Snack
If you’ve ever wished for a snack that captures the magic of Christmas in one irresistible handful, Christmas Reindeer Chow (also known as Christmas Muddy Buddies or Reindeer Munch) is your holiday hero. Crunchy, sweet, salty, and delightfully addictive, this no-bake treat combines Chex cereal, peanut butter, white chocolate, and festive M&Ms for the perfect mix of textures and flavors.
Whether you’re preparing goodie bags for neighbors, need a last-minute treat for a Christmas party, or simply want a cozy snack for a movie night, Reindeer Chow is a quick and delicious choice that even Santa’s helpers will approve of.
This easy holiday snack is ready in under 20 minutes and makes enough to share — though fair warning, you might want to hide some for yourself before it disappears!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Reindeer Chow
- Fast & Easy: No baking required! Just melt, mix, and shake.
- Perfect for Gifting: Package it in cute jars or bags for a festive homemade treat.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like marshmallows, pretzels, or peppermint candies.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A fun mix that both kids and adults love.
- Festive & Colorful: With red and green candies, it looks as cheerful as it tastes.
This Christmas Reindeer Chow Recipe is a staple for the holidays—simple enough for kids to help make, yet impressive enough to serve at any festive gathering.
🎄 Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather everything for this magical Christmas snack mix!
For the Base Mix:
- 9 cups Chex cereal (Rice or Corn Chex, or a mix)
- 1 cup semi-salted mini pretzels (or pretzel twists broken into pieces)
- 1 cup red and green M&Ms
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional for extra fun texture)
For the Coating:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Optional Add-ins:
- Crushed candy canes for a peppermint twist
- Sprinkles for color
- Peanuts or almonds for extra crunch
🧑🍳 Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your Christmas Reindeer Chow in just minutes!
1. Prep the Mixing Area
Line a large baking sheet or two with parchment paper. Set out a big mixing bowl large enough to hold all the cereal and mix-ins.
2. Combine the Base Ingredients
Pour the Chex cereal and pretzels into the large bowl. If using, add marshmallows now. Set aside.
3. Melt the Coating
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and fully melted. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Coat the Cereal Mix
Pour the warm white chocolate mixture over the cereal and pretzels. Use a spatula to gently toss and coat evenly, being careful not to crush the cereal.
5. Add the Powdered Sugar
Transfer the coated mixture to a large zip-top bag (or two). Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake vigorously until every piece is coated and no longer sticky.
6. Mix in the Festive Extras
Spread the coated mixture on your prepared baking sheet. While still slightly warm, sprinkle in the red and green M&Ms, and any optional add-ins like candy canes or sprinkles. Let it cool completely.
7. Serve or Store
Once cooled, break apart any clumps and serve immediately—or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Christmas Reindeer Chow
A festive, sweet-and-salty holiday snack mix made with Chex cereal, peanut butter, white chocolate, and colorful M&Ms—perfect for parties, gifting, and cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Combine Chex cereal and pretzels in a large mixing bowl.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate, peanut butter, and butter in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract, then pour mixture over cereal and toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer to a large zip-top bag, add powdered sugar, seal, and shake until evenly coated.
- Spread mixture on baking sheet and sprinkle in M&Ms and optional marshmallows. Let cool completely.
- Store in airtight container or serve immediately.
Notes
For an extra festive touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled mix and sprinkle with holiday sprinkles.
🎅 Tips for the Perfect Christmas Reindeer Chow
- Don’t overheat the chocolate. White chocolate burns easily, so melt slowly in short bursts and stir often.
- Use a gentle touch. Mix carefully to keep the cereal from breaking.
- Cool completely. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes before packing to avoid condensation.
- Make ahead. Reindeer Chow keeps beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead treat for busy holiday weeks.
- Gift it beautifully. Add it to mason jars tied with red ribbon or clear cellophane bags with festive tags.
🍫 Fun Variations
1. Peppermint Reindeer Chow:
Add 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract to the melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
2. Chocolate Lover’s Mix:
Swap white chocolate for milk or dark chocolate chips and drizzle extra melted chocolate over the cooled mix.
3. Nutty Twist:
Stir in 1/2 cup roasted peanuts or almonds for added protein and crunch.
4. Snowflake Version:
Use only white and silver sprinkles for a winter wonderland look — perfect for January parties!
5. Rudolph’s Favorite:
Add red hot candies or red mini M&Ms only — a cute nod to Rudolph’s glowing nose.
🎁 Serving Suggestions
- Movie Night Mix: Serve in festive bowls for family Christmas movie marathons.
- Holiday Party Treat: Add it to a sweet and salty snack board.
- Edible Gift: Package in small jars or clear bags for teacher gifts, coworkers, or neighbors.
- Stocking Stuffer: A handful of Reindeer Chow wrapped in parchment is a delightful stocking surprise!
🌟 Fun Fact: The Story Behind Reindeer Chow
The idea of Reindeer Chow comes from the popular Muddy Buddies or Puppy Chow recipe, which originated in the Midwest in the 1980s. It became a staple holiday treat because of how easy, portable, and festive it is. Over time, creative home bakers added their own seasonal spins — from peppermint and gingerbread to the now-famous red and green Reindeer version.
Its playful name, “Reindeer Chow,” makes it a hit with kids — after all, who wouldn’t want to snack on the same treat that fuels Santa’s reindeer on Christmas Eve?
🕒 Storage & Shelf Life
Store Christmas Reindeer Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for 1 month.
Tip: If freezing, skip adding M&Ms until after thawing to prevent color bleeding.
🎨 Make It a Family Tradition
Every family has a recipe that marks the start of the holidays — this could be yours! Involve your kids in shaking the powdered sugar or picking out colorful candies. Make a double batch, because Reindeer Chow tends to vanish as fast as Christmas morning wrapping paper.
It’s also a great edible craft for classroom parties or neighborhood cookie swaps.
🧁 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Sugar: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
Final Thoughts
Christmas Reindeer Chow is everything you want in a holiday treat — quick, easy, festive, and absolutely irresistible. It’s the perfect combination of crunchy, creamy, and sweet, dressed in the colors of Christmas cheer.
Whether you’re hosting a cookie exchange, wrapping gifts, or settling in for “Home Alone,” a bowl of this merry snack mix will bring smiles all around.
So grab your mixing bowl and channel your inner elf — it’s time to whip up a batch of Christmas Reindeer Chow that even Rudolph would approve of!
