If there’s one thing that screams holiday cheer in my house, it’s Reindeer Chow. After whipping up another batch this week, I just couldn’t wait to share how fantastic, festive, and downright addictive this recipe is! It’s a fun mix of sweet, salty, and crunchy goodies that everyone—from kids to grown-ups—is guaranteed to love.
What makes it even better is how easy it is to make. With a handful of pantry staples and just a little effort, you’ll have a treat that’s perfect for gifting, snacking, or serving at your holiday gatherings. Trust me, this will quickly become one of your favorite traditions!
Making it is not only a joy (seriously, melting chocolate is therapeutic!), but it also doubles as an activity to do with your kids or friends. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or mix in your own creative touches, every batch feels like a little holiday magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Simple and Quick to Make
You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to nail this recipe. With only a few steps and no actual baking required, even beginners can make this with ease. It takes just 10 minutes of prep time, and then your fridge does all the hard work.
Highly Customizable
Reindeer Chow is a blank canvas for your creativity! While the classic version calls for cereals, pretzels, and colorful M&Ms, you can swap in your favorite snacks, chocolates, or nuts to match your tastes.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This isn’t just a holiday treat. Change up the candies or toppings to fit any celebration. Think pastel sprinkles for Easter or orange and brown M&Ms for Halloween. It’s versatile enough for year-round snacking.
Kid-Friendly Fun
Want to entertain the kids or get them involved in holiday prep? This recipe’s easy steps make it ideal for little hands to help. They’ll love mixing the ingredients and sneaking a few bites along the way!
Irresistible Flavor
Every bite is the perfect mix of sweet, salty, and creamy, with just the right amount of crunch. It’s so good you might find yourself going back for seconds (or thirds) without even realizing it!
Cooking Time
Here’s how long it’ll take to whip up your Reindeer Chow:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for the classic Reindeer Chow recipe:
- Rice Chex
- Cheerios
- Pretzel sticks
- M&Ms (holiday colors recommended)
- Salted peanuts
- White chocolate
- Coconut oil
Variations and Equipment
Ingredient Swaps
- Cereal: Swap Rice Chex for Rice Krispies or add some Corn Chex for variety.
- Pretzels: Use regular mini pretzels or even pretzel chips.
- Candy: Feel free to add Reese’s Pieces, Twix chunks, or crushed peppermint candies for festive flair.
- White Chocolate: Replace with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or peanut butter chips to change up the flavor.
- Add-ons: Toss in shredded coconut, sprinkles, or dried cranberries for extra texture and color.
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl: To combine all the dry ingredients easily.
- Small Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting chocolate and coconut oil.
- Stirring Utensil: A sturdy spatula works best for mixing.
- Baking Sheet: To spread out the chow for chilling.
- Parchment Paper: Keeps the mixture from sticking to the baking sheet.
How to Make Reindeer Chow?
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients 🥣
Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in your Rice Chex, Cheerios, pretzel sticks, M&Ms, and peanuts. Mix them all up until you get an even distribution of all the tasty elements.
Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate 🍫
Place your white chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Be careful not to overheat it!
Step 3: Coat the Snack Mix 🥄
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over your dry ingredient mix. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently stir everything together until each piece is coated in that creamy, delicious chocolate.
Step 4: Spread and Chill ❄️
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the coated mix out in an even layer. Pop the baking sheet into your refrigerator and chill for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate hardens.
Step 5: Break and Serve 🎉
Once chilled, break the mixture into smaller chunks. Place it in a bowl for serving, or pack it into gift bags to spread the holiday cheer!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh, crunchy cereals and pretzels for the best texture.
- Temperature Matters: Don’t overheat the chocolate in the microwave. Stir between rounds to avoid burning.
- Balance the Sweetness: If you prefer a slightly less sweet mix, reduce the amount of M&Ms or add extra peanuts for a salty balance.
- Chill Thoroughly: Make sure the mixture cools completely in the fridge before breaking and serving. This helps it hold its shape.
How to Serve Reindeer Chow?
Presentation makes a difference! Serve your Reindeer Chow in a large, festive bowl adorned with holiday-themed napkins. You can sprinkle a little extra red and green candy on top for added cheer. If gifting, pack portions into clear treat bags tied with ribbon or place the mix in decorative tins for a beautiful homemade gift.
For parties, pair it with other holiday desserts like cookies or hot cocoa. It’s an easy finger food that guests can snack on throughout the evening.
Make Ahead and Storage
This is the perfect make-ahead treat! Store your Reindeer Chow in the following ways:
- Room Temperature: Keep it in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer freshness, store it in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze it! Pack the chow into a freezer-safe container or ziplock bags, and it will last up to 3 months. Simply defrost it for a few hours before eating.
With its amazing flavor, customizable ingredients, and simple preparation, Reindeer Chow is bound to become your new holiday favorite. Whether you’re treating your family, making gifts, or putting together a party platter, this recipe is a surefire hit. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when it disappears within minutes of serving!
Reindeer Chow
If there's one thing that screams holiday cheer in my house, it’s Reindeer Chow. After whipping up another batch this week, I just couldn’t wait to share how fantastic, festive, and downright addictive this recipe is! It’s a fun mix of sweet, salty, and crunchy goodies that everyone—from kids to grown-ups—is guaranteed to love.
Ingredients
- Rice Chex
- Cheerios
- Pretzel sticks
- M&Ms (holiday colors recommended)
- Salted peanuts
- White chocolate
- Coconut oil
Instructions
- Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in your Rice Chex, Cheerios, pretzel sticks, M&Ms, and peanuts. Mix them all up until you get an even distribution of all the tasty elements.
- Place your white chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Be careful not to overheat it!
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over your dry ingredient mix. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently stir everything together until each piece is coated in that creamy, delicious chocolate.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the coated mix out in an even layer. Pop the baking sheet into your refrigerator and chill for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate hardens.
- Once chilled, break the mixture into smaller chunks. Place it in a bowl for serving, or pack it into gift bags to spread the holiday cheer!
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh, crunchy cereals and pretzels for the best texture.
- Temperature Matters: Don’t overheat the chocolate in the microwave. Stir between rounds to avoid burning.
- Balance the Sweetness: If you prefer a slightly less sweet mix, reduce the amount of M&Ms or add extra peanuts for a salty balance.
- Chill Thoroughly: Make sure the mixture cools completely in the fridge before breaking and serving. This helps it hold its shape.
