Reindeer Chow

Every holiday season, I find myself reaching for the same beloved recipe. It’s not just a treat; it’s a sweet, crunchy hug that brings back so many happy memories of cozy evenings and festive gatherings. This year, I’m so excited to share my family’s favorite Reindeer Chow with you!

Why You’ll Love This Reindeer Chow

• It’s incredibly easy to make – perfect for even the busiest holiday schedules.
• The combination of sweet and salty is absolutely irresistible.
• You get amazing crunch from the cereal and pretzels, plus creamy chocolate and peanut butter.
• It’s a fantastic make-ahead treat for parties, gifts, or just snacking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Rice Chex cereal: This cereal is perfect because it’s light, crispy, and has a great texture for soaking up all that chocolatey goodness.
• Semisweet chocolate chips: These melt smoothly and provide that classic chocolate flavor. You could use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter chow, but semisweet balances it nicely.
• Creamy peanut butter: Don’t use crunchy here! Creamy peanut butter helps create a smooth, rich coating for the cereal.
• Powdered sugar: This is essential for that iconic “snow-dusted” look and adds a lovely sweetness.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: A little bit of cocoa powder amplifies the chocolate flavor in the coating.
• Christmas M&M’s: These add a pop of color and extra chocolatey crunch, making it extra festive for the holidays.
• Mini peanut butter cups: These are a delightful surprise in every bite, bringing more peanut butter goodness and a chewy texture.
• Pretzel twists or shapes: The pretzels are key for that salty contrast and extra crunch that makes this chow so addictive.

How to Make Reindeer Chow Step by Step

First things first, grab your biggest bowl and gently pour in your Rice Chex cereal. Just set that aside for a moment while we get our chocolate mixture ready. This is where the magic starts!

Next, in a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine your semisweet chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter. Pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds, then give it a good stir. Don’t worry if it’s not fully melted yet! Continue microwaving in short 15-second bursts, stirring well after each, until everything is beautifully smooth and combined. It should be a glossy, rich mixture.

Now, pour that warm, melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture all over your waiting cereal. Grab a spatula and gently toss the cereal until every single piece is completely coated. This takes a little patience, but it’s worth it! In a large resealable gallon-sized plastic bag, add your powdered sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder. Seal the bag and give it a good shake to mix them up. Then, add your chocolate-coated cereal to the baggie, a little at a time, seal it up, and shake again until the cereal is dusted. Repeat this step until all your cereal is beautifully “snow-covered.” Finally, spread your coated cereal out in a single layer on parchment paper to cool completely. Once cool, combine it with your festive M&M’s, mini peanut butter cups, and crunchy pretzels in a big bowl, and it’s ready to serve!

My Top Tips for Success

• I always use a really large bowl for tossing the cereal with the chocolate. It gives you plenty of room to work without crushing the cereal.
• Trust me on this one: microwave the chocolate and peanut butter in short intervals. Overheating can make the chocolate seize, and nobody wants that!
• In my experience, gently tossing the cereal with a rubber spatula helps prevent breakage. You want nice, whole pieces of Chex!
• I like to add the cereal to the sugar bag in batches. This ensures a much more even coating and less mess.
• For extra festive flair, you can use different colored M&M’s for other holidays – think red and pink for Valentine’s Day!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overheating the chocolate: This can cause the chocolate to become thick and grainy. Microwave in short bursts and stir frequently to avoid this.
• Not coating the cereal properly: If the cereal isn’t fully coated with the chocolate mixture, the powdered sugar won’t stick well. Take your time tossing!
• Adding too much cereal to the sugar bag at once: This makes it hard to get an even coating and can result in some pieces being heavily coated and others barely at all. Add in batches!
• Serving before it cools: The chocolate coating needs time to set. Spreading it on parchment paper allows it to cool and firm up, ensuring a better texture.

How to Store Reindeer Chow

• At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• In the refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
• In the freezer: Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I use different types of cereal?

Yes, you can! While Rice Chex is classic, you can certainly experiment with Corn Chex or even a mix of cereals. Just make sure they are light and crispy.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Reindeer Chow is a fantastic make-ahead treat. It actually gets even better after the flavors have a chance to meld. Just store it properly!

What if I don’t have a microwave?

You can melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter using a double boiler method. Place a heat-proof bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water, and stir until melted and smooth.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Of course! Feel free to customize with your favorite additions like white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or other holiday candies. Just make sure to add them after the cereal has cooled and been sugared.

I genuinely hope this Reindeer Chow recipe brings a little extra sparkle and joy to your holiday season! It’s such a fun and delicious treat to share. If you give it a try, I’d absolutely love to hear how it turns out for you!

Print