Reindeer Chow

Reindeer Chow is a festive and irresistible holiday treat that’s perfect for sharing. This sweet and salty snack mix combines Chex cereal, pretzels, M&M’s, and holiday sprinkles, all coated in a rich chocolate and peanut butter mixture and dusted with powdered sugar. It’s a crowd-pleaser at holiday parties and a fun recipe to make with kids.

Ingredients

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Heaping ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• One 12.8-ounce box Chocolate Chex (other varieties of Chex may be substituted if necessary)
• 4 cups small pretzel twists, divided
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 one-pound bag Holiday M&M’s
• 1 cup holiday sprinkles, or to taste

Instructions

1. Melt the Chocolate Mixture:

• In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Stir frequently until melted and smooth.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat, add the vanilla extract and salt, and stir to combine. Set aside.

1. Combine with Chex and Pretzels:

• In a very large bowl, add the Chex cereal and 1 cup of the pretzels.
• Pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the top and stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.

1. Add Confectioners’ Sugar:

• Add the confectioners’ sugar to the bowl and stir to combine. For easier mixing, transfer everything to a jumbo (2.5-gallon) plastic storage bag. Shake the bag to coat the mixture evenly with the sugar.

1. Add Remaining Ingredients:

• Add the remaining 3 cups of pretzels, the Holiday M&M’s, and the holiday sprinkles to the bag or bowl. Shake or stir to combine thoroughly.

1. Serve:

• Serve the Reindeer Chow immediately, or store it in an airtight container until ready to enjoy.

Tips

• Mixing Tip: Using a large plastic storage bag for mixing makes it easier to distribute the confectioners’ sugar evenly and avoids mess.
• Substitutions: Feel free to use any variety of Chex cereal you prefer. Rice, corn, or peanut butter Chex can all work well.
• Storage: Reindeer Chow can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. It’s also a great make-ahead treat for busy holiday schedules.
• Customizing: Adjust the amount of M&M’s and sprinkles based on your preference. You can also add other festive candies or nuts for extra variety.
• Serving Ideas: Reindeer Chow is perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or simply as a festive snack to enjoy with family and friends.

This Reindeer Chow recipe is not only delicious but also fun to make, making it an ideal activity to get into the holiday spirit. Enjoy this sweet and crunchy treat with loved ones, and spread some holiday cheer!