Reindeer Chow

Take your holiday snacking to the next level with this adorable and delicious Reindeer Chow that’s bursting with chocolate brownie flavor.

Imagine a snack so enchantingly crunchy, so delightfully sweet and salty, that it could only be meant for Santa’s most trusted companions. Haha! I’m talking about Reindeer Chow, a merry blend of chocolate, peanut butter, and cereal, with a sprinkle of holiday magic!

This bowl full of crisp Chex cereal is coated in a rich, velvety peanut butter-chocolate mix, and dusted with the snowy powder of brownie mix or confectioner’s sugar. Amidst these morsels, pretzels add a playful twist, while red chocolate candies and mini peanut butter cups dot the mix like baubles on a Christmas tree.

Reindeer Chow is a festive journey for your taste buds. It combines all the best things about the holiday season into one irresistible mix.

Whether you’re leaving a bowl out for Santa’s reindeer, taking it to a Christmas party, or just snacking on it during a holiday movie night, Reindeer Chow is sure to be a huge hit. It’s a sweet treat with a fun twist, the perfect snack to add to your holiday traditions.

Ready to grab a cup and join the reindeer games? Grab your ingredients, and let’s get mixing – those reindeer aren’t the only ones eager for a taste of this festive treat!

Common Questions About Reindeer Chow

Can I make Reindeer Chow ahead of time?

Absolutely! Reindeer Chow is the perfect make-ahead snack. The kids, especially, will love having a bunch of it on hand. Just store it in an airtight container, and it will be ready for munching throughout the holiday season.

Do I have to use both rice and corn Chex?

Nope! Feel free to use whichever you prefer or have on hand. Both rice Chex and corn Chex work great in this easy reindeer chow recipe. If you have another type that you’d prefer, go for it!

What’s the best way to coat the Chex cereal evenly?

The trick is to gently toss the cereal with the melted chocolate mixture in a big bowl, then shake it up with the sugar or brownie mix in a resealable bag. It’s fun and easy!

Storage

If you’ve had the classic treat, puppy chow, then you’ll know what this delicious snack is all about. It’s an easy recipe that everyone will love at your next Christmas party!

Refrigerator: Keep your Reindeer Chow in the fridge if you like it extra crunchy. That said, I also like to keep some on the counter at room temperature. It gets eaten quicker that way!

Freezer: Not recommended, as the candies and pretzels might become too hard.

Tips

This reindeer food will come together in a snap. Nothing to it! Here are just a few tips to make sure everything goes smoothly. 

• Melt carefully: Heat your chocolate and peanut butter in second intervals to avoid burning.
• Toss gently: Mix the cereal mixture with a soft hand to keep the cereal from breaking.
• Festive add-ins: Feel free to toss in some green M&M’s or mini marshmallows for extra festivity.
• Perfect portions: Use a cup or scoop to serve individual portions to your guests.
• Gift it: Pack some Reindeer Chow in cellophane bags tied with ribbons for a cute gift.

Ingredients

The chocolate and peanut butter bring everything together in a sweet and creamy way. You’re going to love it!

• Rice or corn Chex cereal
• Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
• Creamy peanut butter
• Unsalted butter
• Brownie mix (just the dry mix)
• Confectioner’s sugar
• Mini chocolate peanut butter cups
• Red chocolate candy
• Pretzels, any shape

How to Make Reindeer Chow

There is really nothing to it once you jump into this recipe. It’s a Christmas snack mix that you’ll want to keep hold of for posterity. Ha!

Brownie Puppy Chow

1. Add the cereal to a large bowl.
2. Melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute, stir, and continue heating for 10-20 seconds at a time until the chocolate is almost melted, stirring after each heating. 
3. Remove it from the microwave and stir it until it is completely smooth.
4. Pour the mixture over the cereal and toss to coat well. 
5. Pour the cereal mixture into a resealable bag and add the dry brownie mix. 
6. Close the bag and shake it to coat the cereal completely.
7. Set aside.

Puppy Chow

1. Repeat the process listed above, but use the confectioner’s sugar to coat the chocolate cereal instead of using the brownie mix.

Snack Mix

1. Add both of the completed puppy chow recipes and the pretzels to a very large bowl.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Top with candy before serving.
4. Store in an airtight container.

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Reindeer Chow

Using a gallon-size plastic bag is really the best way to mix the puppy chow. Get the kids involved. They love this part every time!

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium microwave-safe bowl
• Resealable plastic bags
• Measuring cups
• Spatula
• Baking Sheet (optional, for spreading out the mix to cool)

What to Serve With Reindeer Chow

I think the best idea is to simply serve this along with a bunch of other holiday snacks. It’s great party or movie food. That, or have it on Christmas Eve to get everyone in the holiday mood!

• Warm beverages: Perfect alongside hot cocoa or apple cider.
• ice cream: Sprinkle some over your favorite ice cream for a festive dessert.
• Movie night: Serve it up with other sweet treats like sugar cookies or muddy buddy cookies during a Christmas movie marathon.

Why You Should Make Reindeer Chow

Recipes like this are just plain fun. It’s a good time whether you’re making or enjoying it. You just wait! This festive recipe will become a family tradition.

• Crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults alike can’t resist it.
• No-bake delight: Save oven space for other Christmas cookies.
• Versatile snack: Great for holiday get-togethers or a cozy night in.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to include your favorite add-ins.
• Festive: It just screams Christmastime!

Variations and Add-Ins for Reindeer Chow

Puppy chow, reindeer chow muddy buddies, reindeer Chex mix… Whatever you call it, there are plenty of ways to change it up. Here are some ideas for you!

• White chocolate chips: For a snowy twist.
• Nut butters: Swap in almond or sunflower butter.
• Candy canes: Crushed up for a minty crunch.
• Dried fruit: Adds a chewy texture.
• Nuts: Toss in some almonds or pecans for extra crunch.

If you love this easy snack mix recipe, you’re going to love these other cute holiday treats too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

More Reindeer-Themed Recipes

Rudolph Gingerbread Cookies

Chocolate Nut Clusters (or Reindeer Poo)

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