Jolly Reindeer Chow Recipe: Festive Fun in Every Bite

Sweet chocolate lovers might stumble upon this delightful reindeer chow during holiday gatherings.

Crunchy snack mixes always spark excitement among party guests.

Powdered sugar coats each morsel with delectable magic.

Kids and adults equally adore these irresistible chocolate-covered treats.

Festive munching becomes a delightful experience with such simple ingredients.

Small batches disappear quickly, so you should make extra.

Quick preparation means minimal effort and maximum enjoyment.

Jump into this recipe and create a memorable snack that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Reindeer Chow Is the Ultimate Snack Mix

• Craft Festive Treats: Transform ordinary chex cereal into a delightful holiday snack that brings joy and cheer to any gathering.
• Minimal Cooking Skills Needed: Discover a recipe that requires simple melting and mixing techniques, perfect for beginners or kids wanting to help in the kitchen.
• No-Fuss Holiday Goodie: Create a crowd-pleasing dessert that comes together quickly with minimal ingredients and zero complicated steps.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Serve as a delicious gift, potluck contribution, or movie night snack that everyone from children to adults will love munching on.

What You Need for Reindeer Chow

• Chocolate Chips: Provide the rich, melted chocolate base for coating the cereal.
• Chex Cereal: Serves as the crunchy foundation of the reindeer chow.
• Peanut Butter: Adds creamy texture and nutty flavor to the chocolate coating.
• Butter: Helps create a smooth, glossy chocolate mixture.

• Powdered Sugar, Cocoa Powder: Create a snowy, sweet exterior that completely covers the chocolate-coated cereal.

• Holiday M&M's, Festive Sprinkles: Add colorful, festive flair and extra sweetness to the final treat.

Easy Steps to Make Reindeer Chow

Step 1: Melt Chocolate Goodness

Create a luscious chocolate base by combining chocolate chips, butter, and peanut butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Zap and stir every 30 seconds until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy pool of deliciousness.

Step 2: Coat Cereal With Chocolate

Gently fold Chex cereal into the melted chocolate mixture, ensuring each crispy piece gets a luxurious chocolate bath without crushing the delicate cereal.

Step 3: Sugar Coating Magic

• Powdered sugar
• Cocoa powder

Transfer the chocolate-covered cereal into a large zip-top bag or spacious mixing bowl containing the powdery mix. Seal and shake vigorously, creating a magical snow-like coating that completely embraces each cereal piece.

Step 4: Spread And Cool

Lay out the coated mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing it to cool and set at room temperature for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Add Festive Flair

Sprinkle holiday m&m’s and cheerful sprinkles over the chow, gently pressing them into the chocolate coating so they stick like winter decorations.

Step 6: Final Cooling

Let the reindeer chow completely cool and solidify for 30 minutes, transforming into clusters of pure holiday joy.

Step 7: Serve And Store

Break into bite-sized clusters and serve in festive bowls. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping the treat crunchy and irresistible.

Tips for Perfect Reindeer Snack Mix

• Stir Carefully: Gently fold the chocolate mixture into the cereal to prevent crushing delicate chex pieces, maintaining their crisp texture.
• Control Chocolate Coating: Use a gentle folding technique to ensure even chocolate coverage without overwhelming the cereal's light structure.
• Perfect Powdery Finish: Shake the bag or bowl vigorously but carefully to create an even, snow-like powdered sugar and cocoa coating on each piece.
• Prevent Melting Mishap: Allow the reindeer chow to cool completely at room temperature to help chocolate set and prevent m&m's from melting.
• Quick Storage Trick: Use an airtight container to keep the treat crunchy and fresh, preserving its delightful texture for up to 5 days.

Fun Flavors to Try in Reindeer Chow

• Holiday Peppermint Bark Chow: Add crushed candy canes and white chocolate chips for a festive mint flavor profile that enhances the classic recipe.
• Salted Caramel Crunch: Drizzle caramel sauce over the chocolate-coated cereal and sprinkle sea salt for a sweet and salty combination that elevates the traditional treat.
• Coconut Almond Bliss: Mix toasted coconut flakes and sliced almonds into the coating for added texture and nutty richness that complements the chocolate base.
• Chocolate Orange Zest: Incorporate orange zest and dark chocolate chips to create a sophisticated flavor that brings a citrusy brightness to the classic reindeer chow.

What Tastes Great With Reindeer Chow

• Pair Sweet Cocoa Hot Chocolate: Creamy, rich hot chocolate complements the chocolate-coated chex mix, enhancing the dessert's decadent flavors and creating a warm winter treat.
• Serve Holiday Mulled Wine: Spiced red wine with cinnamon and orange notes provides a sophisticated adult beverage that balances the sweet and chocolatey reindeer chow perfectly.
• Highlight Festive Peppermint Martini: Crisp, cool peppermint martini offers a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate mixture, adding a fun holiday cocktail option for grown-ups.
• Complement Sparkling Vanilla Chai Latte: Creamy, spiced chai with vanilla undertones creates a delightful pairing that softens the chocolate's intensity while maintaining a festive spirit.

Store Reindeer Chow for Crunch That Lasts

• Transfer reindeer chow to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, ensuring complete seal to maintain crunchiness and prevent moisture absorption.
• Keep in a cool, dry pantry or kitchen cabinet away from direct sunlight or heat sources, maintaining consistent temperature for optimal texture and flavor.
• Store in a location with low humidity to prevent powdered sugar from becoming sticky or clumping, which could compromise the treat's delightful powdery coating.
• Divide reindeer chow into smaller portion-sized containers, allowing you to open only what you'll consume, keeping the remaining batch fresher for longer periods.

Reindeer Chow FAQs

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, kids can easily help mix ingredients, shake the bag, and add sprinkles. It’s a fun holiday activity that doesn’t require sharp tools or complicated techniques.

• Can I use different types of chocolate?

Absolutely! You can swap milk, dark, or white chocolate chips based on your preference. Just ensure they melt smoothly and blend well with peanut butter.

• How do I prevent the cereal from getting soggy?

Gently fold the chocolate mixture into the cereal and avoid overmixing. Work quickly and carefully to maintain the cereal’s crisp texture.

• What are good alternatives to Chex cereal?

Rice Krispies, corn flakes, or similar crisp cereals work well. Choose a sturdy grain that can hold the chocolate coating without breaking apart.

Reindeer Chow Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive Reindeer Chow blends sweet chocolate magic with crunchy cereal goodness, creating a holiday treat that delights families and friends. Holiday gatherings sparkle with this easy-to-make snack you’ll want to share all season long.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 cups chex cereal
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup peanut butter

Coating:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder

Festive Mix-ins:

• 1 cup holiday m&m’s
• 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Melt chocolate chips, butter, and peanut butter together in a large microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth and completely combined.
2. Pour chex cereal into the melted chocolate mixture, gently folding to ensure each piece is evenly coated without crushing the delicate cereal.
3. Transfer the chocolate-covered cereal to a large zip-top bag or spacious mixing bowl containing powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
4. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, then vigorously shake to thoroughly coat the cereal pieces with the powdery mixture, creating an even, snow-like exterior.
5. Spread the coated mixture on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, allowing it to cool and set for 15 minutes at room temperature.
6. Once slightly cooled, sprinkle holiday m&m’s and festive sprinkles over the chow, gently pressing them into the chocolate coating to ensure they adhere.
7. Let the reindeer chow completely cool and solidify for an additional 30 minutes before breaking into clusters and serving in holiday-themed bowls.
8. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping the treat crunchy and fresh for snacking.

Notes

• Select high-quality chocolate chips for richer, smoother melting and better overall flavor depth.
• Use low heat and short microwave intervals to prevent chocolate from burning or seizing during melting process.
• Gently fold cereal into chocolate mixture to maintain crisp texture and avoid crushing delicate chex pieces.
• Shake powdered sugar coating thoroughly but carefully to ensure even distribution without creating massive clumps.
• Work quickly when adding m&m’s and sprinkles while chocolate coating remains slightly warm to help toppings stick perfectly.
• Consider dairy-free chocolate and alternative butter options for people with dietary restrictions.
• Create festive variations by switching m&m’s colors for different holidays or special occasions.
• Store in cool, dry place to maintain crunchiness and prevent sugar coating from becoming sticky.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 15mg