Simplified Reindeer Chow Mix

Featured in: Rustic Family Favorites

This festive snack blend combines crunchy cereal with melted chocolate and creamy peanut butter, coated in powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Quick to prepare in just 15 minutes, it features colorful chocolate candies and optional mini pretzels for added texture and holiday cheer. Perfect for sharing or gifting, it's easy to customize with nut-free alternatives and festive sprinkles. Store in an airtight container for freshness up to one week.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:51:00 GMT
Warm chocolate-coated Reindeer Chow, a sweet snack with red and green candies, ready to serve or give. Pin It
Warm chocolate-coated Reindeer Chow, a sweet snack with red and green candies, ready to serve or give. | lushkettle.com

A festive and easy-to-make sweet snack mix featuring crunchy cereal, chocolate, and peanut butter—perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting.

This mix has become a holiday staple in my family —everyone looks forward to it each year.

Ingredients

  • Base: 6 cups rice or corn Chex cereal
  • Coating: 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • Topping: 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 cup red and green chocolate candies (such as M&Ms), 1/2 cup mini pretzels (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth (about 1–2 minutes).
Step 2:
Add the Chex cereal to the bowl. Gently fold until all the cereal is evenly coated with the chocolate-peanut butter mixture.
Step 3:
Transfer the mixture to a large zip-top bag or a large bowl with a lid. Add the powdered sugar, seal, and shake until the cereal is well-coated.
Step 4:
Spread the coated cereal onto a lined baking sheet to cool for 5 minutes.
Step 5:
Once cool, transfer to a serving bowl and gently mix in the chocolate candies and mini pretzels, if using.
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| lushkettle.com

Making this snack always brings back warm memories of family holiday traditions and sharing treats together.

Notes

For a nut-free version use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter. Add festive sprinkles for extra color. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Required Tools

Large microwave-safe bowl, Spatula, Zip-top bag or container with lid, Baking sheet, Measuring cups

Allergen Information

Contains peanuts and dairy. Chocolate candies may contain or be processed with nuts milk or soy. Always check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.

Homemade Reindeer Chow mix, with a blizzard of powdered sugar clinging to crunchy cereal pieces, a holiday treat. Pin It
Homemade Reindeer Chow mix, with a blizzard of powdered sugar clinging to crunchy cereal pieces, a holiday treat. | lushkettle.com

This festive mix is sure to delight friends and family and become a new holiday favorite.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I make a nut-free version?

Yes, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter to avoid nuts while maintaining creamy coating.

How long does the mix stay fresh?

Keep stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for best flavor and texture.

What is the best way to melt the coating ingredients?

Microwave the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and fully melted.

Can I add other toppings?

Absolutely, festive sprinkles or extra candies can add color and variety to the mix.

Is this blend suitable for vegetarian diets?

Yes, it contains no meat products and is compatible with vegetarian dietary preferences.

Simplified Reindeer Chow Mix

A crunchy sweet mix with chocolate, peanut butter, and festive candies perfect for holiday treats.

Time to Prep
10 mins
Time to Cook
5 mins
Full Prep Time
15 mins
Created By Samantha Reeves


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Tradition American

Portion 8 Serving Size

Dietary Details Meat-Free

What You Need

Base

01 6 cups rice or corn Chex cereal

Coating

01 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
02 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
03 1/4 cup unsalted butter

Topping

01 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
02 1/2 cup red and green chocolate candies (e.g., M&Ms)
03 1/2 cup mini pretzels (optional)

Steps

Step 01

Melt Coating Ingredients: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and melted, approximately 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 02

Combine Cereal with Coating: Add the Chex cereal to the melted mixture and gently fold until all cereal pieces are evenly coated.

Step 03

Coat Cereal with Powdered Sugar: Transfer the coated cereal into a large zip-top bag or container with a lid. Add powdered sugar, seal, and shake thoroughly until the cereal is well-coated.

Step 04

Cool the Mixture: Spread the sugar-coated cereal evenly on a lined baking sheet and let cool for 5 minutes.

Step 05

Add Final Toppings: Once cooled, transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and gently fold in the red and green chocolate candies and optional mini pretzels.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large microwave-safe bowl
  • Spatula
  • Zip-top bag or container with lid
  • Baking sheet
  • Measuring cups

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens and reach out to your doctor with concerns.
  • Contains peanuts and dairy.
  • Chocolate candies may contain or be processed with nuts, milk, or soy.
  • Review ingredient labels carefully if allergies are a concern.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Details offered for informational purposes, not as a substitute for professional health guidance.
  • Calories: 320
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Proteins: 4 g