It’s that time of year when the weather turns cold and the house fills with the warm smells of baking. I can’t help but reminisce about my younger days when the kids and I would huddle in the kitchen, excitedly pulling out all our favorite holiday recipes.
We would make a mess of flour and sugar, and at the same time, fill the air with laughter. One treat that has become a staple in our holiday tradition is this Reindeer Chow Christmas Puppy Chow. I remember the first time I made it, after one of our Christmas tree decorating sessions and how it quickly became a family favorite.
The perfect balance of sweet and salty, with the festive holiday sprinkles, it’s just the treat that everyone loves during the holidays. And I must say, it’s easy to make, which is always a win for me.
Short Description
Reindeer Chow Christmas Puppy Chow is a fun and festive twist on the classic treat. Made with a mixture of crunchy cereal, creamy chocolate, and holiday sprinkles, this snack is sure to become a seasonal favorite in your house too.
Key Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal (or similar cereal like Corn Chex or Crispix)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
Festive Mix-ins:
- 1 cup red and green M&Ms (holiday-themed)
- 1 cup pretzel pieces (optional, for salty crunch)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- ½ cup holiday sprinkles (red, green, and white)
Tools Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium microwave-safe bowl
- Parchment or wax paper
- Zip-top bag (2-gallon size, or two 1-gallon bags)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workstation
Clear enough space to work comfortably. Line two large baking sheets with parchment or wax paper—this will be where the coated cereal cools.
Step 2: Measure and Prepare the Cereal
Pour 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Set this aside while you prepare the chocolate-peanut butter coating.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
Microwave on high for 60 seconds. Stir the mixture thoroughly, and if the chocolate hasn’t fully melted, continue microwaving in 15-second intervals until smooth and creamy. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Step 4: Coat the Cereal
Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal in the large bowl. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the cereal until each piece is evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal.
Step 5: Add the Powdered Sugar
Transfer the coated cereal to a 2-gallon zip-top bag (or divide it between two 1-gallon bags). Add 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar, seal the bag tightly, and shake, shake, shake!
The powdered sugar will coat the cereal in a snowy layer. If you don’t have a large enough bag, you can also sprinkle the powdered sugar directly over the cereal in the bowl and stir gently.
Step 6: Add the Mix-ins
Once the cereal is evenly coated with powdered sugar, pour it out onto the lined baking sheets. Scatter 1 cup of holiday M&Ms, 1 cup of pretzel pieces (if using), and 1 cup of mini marshmallows over the top. You can even add some fun holiday sprinkles at this point for extra festive flair.
Step 7: Let it Cool
Allow the Reindeer Chow to cool completely on the baking sheets, letting the coating set.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion: The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and the crispy, crunchy cereal creates a sweet and salty treat that’s simply irresistible.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, this recipe comes together in no time.
Versatile: Add your own twist! You can swap the M&Ms for other holiday candy, or mix in different nuts or dried fruit for variety.
Kid-Friendly: This treat is perfect for the kids to help with—whether they’re shaking the bag of powdered sugar or adding the sprinkles, it’s a fun activity for the whole family.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overmixing the Cereal: If you stir too aggressively, you could break the delicate cereal. Just gently fold the chocolate coating over the cereal to keep it in one piece.
Using Too Much Powdered Sugar: While the powdered sugar creates that signature snowy look, be sure not to add too much. The right balance will give you a perfect coating, not a sugary clump.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve this Reindeer Chow as a snack at your holiday parties, or give it away in festive gift bags to family and friends.
It pairs wonderfully with hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover Reindeer Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
No need to reheat—just enjoy straight from the jar!
FAQs
1. Can I use another type of cereal for this recipe?
Yes! You can use Corn Chex or Crispix if you prefer. Just ensure it’s a similar-sized cereal for even coating.
2. Can I make this recipe without peanut butter?
Sure! You can substitute the peanut butter with almond butter or sunbutter for a nut-free version.
3. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use dairy-free chocolate chips and butter substitutes to make this a completely dairy-free treat.
4. Can I use other mix-ins besides M&Ms and pretzels?
Absolutely! You can add dried cranberries, mini marshmallows, or any other holiday candies you love.
5. Can I freeze this Reindeer Chow?
Yes, this treat freezes well. Just store it in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Make it extra festive: Top your finished Reindeer Chow with extra holiday sprinkles or edible glitter for some sparkle.
Get creative with toppings: Add a dash of cinnamon or a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top for added flavor.
Recipe Variations
Nutty Reindeer Chow: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts (like almonds, cashews, or pecans) for some extra crunch.
Coconut Reindeer Chow: Stir in ½ cup of shredded coconut to the mix for a tropical twist.
Final Thoughts
Every year, this Reindeer Chow becomes a holiday tradition in our house. It’s easy to make, fun to eat, and always brings a smile to my family’s faces. Whether we’re sitting around the tree or enjoying a cozy evening, this treat has a way of making everything feel a little brighter.
It’s one of those simple joys that make the season special, and I’m so glad it’s become part of our celebration. I hope it finds its way into your holiday festivities too.
Reindeer Chow Christmas Puppy Chow
Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal or similar cereal like Corn Chex or Crispix
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
Festive Mix-ins:
- 1 cup red and green M&Ms holiday-themed
- 1 cup pretzel pieces optional, for salty crunch
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- ½ cup holiday sprinkles red, green, and white
Instructions
- Clear space and line two baking sheets with parchment or wax paper for cooling the coated cereal.
- Pour 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large bowl and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave for 60 seconds, stir, and continue in 15-second intervals until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the melted mixture over the cereal and fold gently with a rubber spatula until evenly coated.
- Transfer coated cereal to a zip-top bag with powdered sugar. Seal and shake until coated. Alternatively, sprinkle sugar over the cereal in the bowl and stir gently.
- Spread the coated cereal onto the baking sheets. Scatter M&Ms, pretzel pieces, marshmallows, and sprinkles for festive flair.
- Allow to cool completely, letting the coating set before serving.
