Jolly Holiday Reindeer Chow Recipe: A Cheerful Sweet Treat

Chocolate lovers swoon over this delightful reindeer chow that turns ordinary snacking into a winter celebration.

Sweet powdered sugar coats each crunchy morsel of this holiday treat.

Crisp Chex cereal mingles with rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, creating an irresistible mix that dances with festive flavors.

Melted chocolate cascades over the cereal, binding ingredients into delectable clusters.

Each handful promises a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch that sparkles with holiday cheer.

Simple ingredients transform an everyday snack into a magical wintertime indulgence.

One bite will have you reaching for more of this addictive seasonal delight.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 340 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients in the Reindeer Chow Recipe

• Rice Chex Cereal: Crispy foundation that provides delightful crunch and absorbs chocolate coating perfectly.
• Chocolate Chips: Smooth, rich chocolate base that creates luxurious flavor and binding element.
• Peanut Butter: Adds creamy texture and nutty depth to chocolate mixture.
• Butter: Helps create silky chocolate mixture and enhances overall richness.

• Powdered Sugar: Provides light, sweet dusting that creates signature snack texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle warm flavor that rounds out chocolate's richness.

• M&Ms: Colorful candy pieces that bring playful texture and holiday cheer.
• Mini Pretzels: Adds salty crunch and delightful contrast to sweet chocolate coating.
• Holiday Sprinkles: Creates festive visual appeal and extra celebratory touch.

Mix Up Reindeer Chow in Minutes

• Create Chocolate

Grab a microwave-safe bowl and melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter until super smooth. Splash in a hint of vanilla for extra flavor excitement.

• Shower Cereal with Chocolate Love

Gently pour the melicious chocolate mixture over Rice Chex, carefully coating every single piece without crushing the delicate crunch.

• Sugar Snowstorm

Transfer the chocolate-covered cereal into a big zip-top bag. Unleash a powdery sugar avalanche, shaking wildly until each morsel is completely blanketed in white.

• Party Mix Celebration

Tumble the sugary treat into a large serving bowl. Sprinkle in colorful M&Ms, crunchy pretzels, and festive sparkles, mixing with a playful hand.

• Chill and Enjoy

Spread your delectable creation on a baking sheet, letting it set for 10-15 minutes. Then dive into this irresistible snack that’ll make taste buds dance with joy.

Flavor Ideas for Making Your Chow Extra Special

• Experiment with different chocolate chips like white, dark, or mint-flavored for unique taste profiles.
• Customize seasonal decorations by using themed sprinkles matching current holidays or celebrations.
• Prepare Reindeer Chow up to a week in advance and store in an airtight container to save time during busy gatherings.
• Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for nut-free version, and use gluten-free pretzels and cereal to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Package individual servings in small treat bags for easy gifting or party snack distribution, perfect for holiday events and gatherings.

How to Serve Reindeer Chow for Parties or Gifting

• Holiday Party Platter: Arrange the Reindeer Chow on a festive red or green serving tray with small holiday-themed tongs for easy grabbing during family gatherings or Christmas parties.
• Sweet Movie Night Treat: Pack this crunchy snack into individual holiday-themed paper cones or small clear bags for movie marathons, perfect for kids and adults to enjoy while watching seasonal films.
• Gifting Delight: Create charming mason jar gifts by layering the Reindeer Chow carefully, then adding a festive ribbon and personalized holiday tag for friends and neighbors.
• Office Celebration Centerpiece: Place the mix in a large clear glass bowl with a festive scoop, making an irresistible community snack that brings colleagues together during holiday office parties.

Store Reindeer Chow in Bags, Tins, or Airtight Bowls

• Spread the Reindeer Chow on a parchment-lined baking sheet for faster cooling and easier cleanup, ensuring crisp texture and preventing soggy pieces.
• Keep the snack in sealed containers at room temperature for up to 5 days, maintaining crunchiness and preventing moisture absorption. Glass jars work perfectly for preserving freshness.
• Pack individual servings in small holiday-themed bags or clear plastic containers for easy gifting or grab-and-go snacking during festive gatherings. Guests will love the convenient packaging.
• Avoid storing near heat sources or direct sunlight, which can cause chocolate to melt and powdered sugar to clump. Cool, dry spaces ensure maximum flavor and texture quality.

FAQs

• Is Reindeer Chow the same as Puppy Chow?

No, while they have similar preparation methods, Reindeer Chow typically includes extra mix-ins like holiday sprinkles and pretzels, making it more festive and colorful compared to traditional Puppy Chow.

• Can I use a different type of cereal?

Rice Chex works best because of its sturdy texture, but you can experiment with similar crispy cereals like Corn Chex or Wheat Chex if needed. Just ensure the cereal can handle the chocolate coating without getting soggy.

• How do I prevent the powdered sugar from clumping?

Make sure the chocolate-coated cereal is completely cool before adding powdered sugar. Shake the bag vigorously and break up any large clumps with your hands to ensure even coating.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly to make?

Absolutely! Kids can help mix the chocolate, shake the bag with powdered sugar, and add colorful M&Ms and sprinkles. Just supervise the microwave and chocolate melting steps.

Tools to Whip Up a Batch of Reindeer Chow

• Microwave-safe bowl: Essential for melting chocolate mixture smoothly.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for coating cereal with chocolate.
• Large zip-top bag or bowl with lid: Needed for coating cereal with powdered sugar.
• Baking sheet: Used for cooling and setting the chow.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Helps stir chocolate mixture and coat cereal gently.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

Festive Reindeer Chow Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Chocolate-covered Reindeer Chow sprinkles holiday magic across festive snack bowls. Crisp cereal, melted chocolate, and powdered sugar create a delightful treat you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 9 cups (2.1 L) rice Chex cereal
• 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup (128 g) creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
• 1 cup (170 g) holiday-themed M&Ms
• ½ cup (60 g) mini pretzels
• 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract
• Optional: sprinkles for extra holiday cheer

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Instructions

1. Create Chocolate Base: Melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl using short intervals, stirring between each heating cycle. Ensure a smooth, glossy consistency and incorporate vanilla extract for enhanced flavor complexity.
2. Coat Cereal: Pour the molten chocolate mixture over Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Gently fold to ensure complete and delicate coverage of each cereal piece without crushing the fragile grains.
3. Sugar Coating: Transfer the chocolate-enveloped cereal into a large resealable bag or container. Generously dust with powdered sugar, then seal and shake vigorously to create an even, snow-like coating that completely encapsulates every morsel.
4. Final Embellishment: Integrate M&Ms, miniature pretzels, and festive sprinkles into the sugared mixture. Distribute these colorful additions evenly throughout the treat, creating a visually appealing and texturally dynamic dessert.
5. Set and Serve: Spread the mixture on a flat baking sheet, allowing it to stabilize and slightly harden for 10-15 minutes. Once set, transfer to a serving dish or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

Notes

• Chocolate Melting Technique: Use low, gradual microwave heat to prevent chocolate from burning. Stir every 15-30 seconds for smooth, even melting.
• Cereal Coating Precision: Utilize a large, wide bowl to gently fold chocolate mixture, preventing cereal breakage and ensuring complete coverage.
• Sugar Dusting Hack: Seal bag completely before shaking to avoid powdered sugar explosion. Rotate and flip bag multiple times for uniform sugar coating.
• Mix-In Customization: Swap M&Ms with alternative mix-ins like nuts, dried fruits, or seasonal candies to personalize the recipe for different dietary preferences or occasions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg