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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Melt chocolate chips, butter, and peanut butter together in a large microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth and completely combined.
- Pour chex cereal into the melted chocolate mixture, gently folding to ensure each piece is evenly coated without crushing the delicate cereal.
- Transfer the chocolate-covered cereal to a large zip-top bag or spacious mixing bowl containing powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Let the reindeer chow completely cool and solidify for an additional 30 minutes before breaking into clusters and serving in holiday-themed bowls.
- 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