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Reindeer Chow

Category: Finger Foods and Party Snacks

This holiday twist on classic muddy buddies combines Chex cereal coated in chocolate and peanut butter with festive M&Ms. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's perfect for holiday snacking or gifting.

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Fatiha
By Fatiha Fatiha
Last updated Thu, 13 Mar 2025 00:06:20 GMT
A bowl filled with a sweet snack mix of cereal pieces coated in powdered sugar, featuring red and green candy-coated chocolates. Pin
A bowl filled with a sweet snack mix of cereal pieces coated in powdered sugar, featuring red and green candy-coated chocolates. | zestplate.com

Looking for an easy homemade holiday treat? This homemade Reindeer Chow recipe is pure Christmas magic! It's such an easy recipe to make - just mix Chex cereal with melty chocolate and peanut butter, shake in powdered sugar, and add festive candies. No baking needed for these homemade treats!

Why Everyone Loves This Recipe

This easy homemade snack is perfect for busy holiday days. You can whip up this recipe in minutes, and kids love helping make these easy treats. The homemade Reindeer Chow makes the sweetest gifts too - just package it up in pretty jars or bags!

What You'll Need

  • Chex Cereal: Any kind works for this easy recipe.
  • Peanut Butter: Makes this homemade treat extra yummy.
  • Chocolate Chips: The easy way to perfect coating.
  • Powdered Sugar: For that classic homemade look.
  • Holiday M&Ms: Makes this recipe festive.
  • Vanilla: Adds flavor to these easy treats.

Let's Make Some Magic

Start With The Good Stuff
This easy recipe begins by melting your peanut butter, butter and chocolate until smooth - just 30 seconds at a time!
Coat Every Piece
Pour that homemade chocolate mix over your cereal and toss gently.
The Fun Part
Pop everything in a paper bag with powdered sugar and shake! It's the easiest way to coat every piece.
Make It Festive
Mix in those colorful candies to make this homemade recipe extra special.
Ready to Share
Your easy homemade treats are ready to enjoy or gift!

My Best Tips

After making this easy recipe countless times, here's what works: use Rice Chex for the crispiest homemade treats, mix everything gently, and try popping some in the freezer - it's amazing cold! This homemade recipe is so fun to customize too.

A bowl of holiday snack mix containing chocolate-coated cereal, powdered sugar, and red and green candy-coated chocolates.
A bowl of holiday snack mix containing chocolate-coated cereal, powdered sugar, and red and green candy-coated chocolates. | zestplate.com

Keep It Fresh

Your homemade Reindeer Chow stays crunchy in an airtight container for a week. This easy recipe even freezes great - up to a month! It's such an easy treat to make ahead for holiday parties or last-minute gifts.

Holiday Memories

This easy homemade recipe brings back such sweet memories! Whether you're making these homemade treats for movie night or packaging them up for neighbors, it just feels like Christmas. It's become our favorite easy holiday tradition!

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of Chex cereal works best?

Rice Chex is recommended but any variety works. Rice provides best texture and coating.

→ Can I freeze this mix?

Yes, freezes well and many enjoy eating it frozen. Store in airtight container.

→ Why use two paper bags?

Double bagging prevents breaks and spills when shaking to coat with sugar.

→ Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, adds extra texture. Both smooth and crunchy work well.

→ How long does it keep?

Stays fresh 1-2 weeks in airtight container at room temperature, longer if frozen.

Reindeer Chow

A holiday version of classic muddy buddies made with Chex cereal, chocolate, peanut butter and festive M&Ms. Perfect for gifting or snacking.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
~
Total Duration
15 min
By Fatiha: Fatiha


Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Output: 20 Servings (1)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 14 cups Chex cereal.
02 18 oz holiday M&Ms.
03 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate.
04 1/2 cup unsalted butter.
05 1 cup peanut butter.
06 1 tsp vanilla extract.
07 4-5 cups powdered sugar.

Directions

Step 01

Melt peanut butter and butter in microwave using 30-second intervals.

Step 02

Gradually add chocolate to melted mixture until smooth.

Step 03

Stir in vanilla extract once everything is melted.

Step 04

Pour half the cereal into large bowl and add half chocolate mixture.

Step 05

Place double paper bags inside each other with 1/2 cup powdered sugar.

Step 06

Add coated cereal to bags and shake vigorously to coat.

Step 07

Add more powdered sugar as needed for complete coating.

Step 08

Mix in 1/4 of M&Ms and transfer to container.

Step 09

Repeat process with remaining ingredients.

Step 10

Store in airtight container or freeze.

Notes

  1. Can be frozen.
  2. Great for gifting.
  3. Customizable M&M colors.
  4. Quick holiday treat.

Required Equipment

  • Large bowl.
  • Paper bags.
  • Microwave-safe bowl.

Allergen Information

Review each component for possible allergens and consult a health professional when concerned.
  • Peanuts.
  • Dairy (butter, chocolate).
  • Wheat (if using wheat Chex).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These figures serve as estimates and are not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 586
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 88 g
  • Protein: 9 g