Dessert

Reindeer Chow Recipe

Bymia larkspur December 21, 2025December 21, 2025

Introduction

Reindeer Chow is a festive, sweet, and crunchy snack mix perfect for the holiday season. This delightful treat combines chocolate, peanut butter, and colorful Christmas candies for a fun and flavorful snack everyone will love.

A green bowl filled with a mix of light brown, powdered mini square cereal pieces, orange pretzels, red and green candy-coated chocolates scattered throughout, and mini peanut butter cups on top and around the edges. Around the bowl on a white marbled surface, there are two white bowls, one with red and green candy-coated chocolates and the other filled with the same mix as the green bowl. There are also a few decorated Christmas mugs, a green plate with white snowflakes, and a red see-through ribbon curling around everything. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups corn Chex mix
3 cups rice Chex mix
2 cups Honey Nut Cheerios
¼ cup butter
1 ⅓ cups chocolate chips
¾ cup peanut butter
1 ¼ cups confectioners sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 bag Christmas M&M’s
2 cups mini peanut butter cups
2 cups mini pretzels

Instructions

Step 1: Place the corn Chex mix, rice Chex mix, and Honey Nut Cheerios in a large bowl.
Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine butter, chocolate chips, and peanut butter. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir until smooth and free of lumps. If needed, microwave an additional 30 seconds and stir again.
Step 3: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal mix. Gently stir to coat evenly.
Step 4: In a large gallon-sized resealable bag, mix the confectioners sugar and cocoa powder.
Step 5: Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into the bag. Seal it tightly, then shake and turn the bag repeatedly to coat all the cereal with the sugar and cocoa mixture.
Step 6: Spread the coated cereal onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Allow it to cool completely and set.
Step 7: In a large festive bowl, combine the Christmas M&M’s, mini peanut butter cups, and mini pretzels. Add the cooled cereal mix to the bowl and gently mix all ingredients together.
Step 8: Your Reindeer Chow is ready to enjoy. Serve immediately or store for later snacking.

Tips & Variations

Use a combination of different cereals for varied texture and flavor.
Substitute peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for a different nutty taste.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
For more festive colors, try adding red and green M&M’s or holiday sprinkles.

Storage

Store Reindeer Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keep it in a cool, dry place to maintain crunchiness. If it softens, you can refresh it briefly in a 250°F oven for 5 minutes.

How to Serve

The image shows a round green bowl filled with a mix of small, square, light brown cereal pieces coated in a powdery layer, scattered pretzels with a shiny, golden-brown color, red and green candy-coated chocolates spread evenly throughout, and several miniature peanut butter cups placed on top and mixed in. The bowl is sitting on a white marbled surface with a sheer red ribbon loosely curled near it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Reindeer Chow ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Reindeer Chow a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy until serving.

Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free?

To make it nut-free, omit the peanut butter and mini peanut butter cups. Substitute the peanut butter with a safe alternative like sunflower seed butter if desired.