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Reindeer Chow Snack Mix Recipe
This Reindeer Chow Snack Mix Recipe is a no-bake, sweet-and-salty holiday snack mix packed with crunchy cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, and festive candies—perfect for Christmas parties, movie nights, and edible gifts.
Every December, this big bowl of reindeer chow snack disappears faster than the cookie plate on Christmas Eve. It’s one of those easy, kid-friendly treats that feels festive without keeping you stuck in the kitchen. Think classic Chex cereal mix meets chocolate peanut butter puppy chow…then dressed up in its Christmas best with red-and-green candies and holiday sprinkles.
I started making this reindeer chow mix when my kids were in elementary school and I needed something quick for classroom parties. Now my grandkids help stir, sprinkle, and “taste test.” It’s colorful, it’s crunchy, and it makes the whole house smell faintly of warm chocolate and peanut butter—even though you never turn on the oven.
If you’re looking for a Christmas snack mix that travels well, doubles easily, and works as a last-minute holiday treat recipe, this one checks every box. Let’s walk through it together.
Why You’ll Love This Reindeer Chow Snack Mix Recipe
- No baking required – Everything happens in a big bowl and the microwave; your oven gets the night off.
- Ready in about 20 minutes – Quick prep, short cooling time, and done; ideal for busy December schedules.
- Sweet and salty flavor – Crunchy Chex cereal mix, pretzels, peanuts, and chocolate make every handful addictive.
- Perfect for Christmas parties – Bright colors and fun mix-ins make it look festive on any snack table.
- Great edible holiday gift – Package this holiday snack mix in jars or treat bags and you’ve got instant neighbor or teacher gifts.
- Kid-friendly and fun to make – Little hands can help stir, shake the bag with powdered sugar, and add candies.
- Easy to customize – Make it nut-free, gluten-free, extra chocolatey, or loaded with sprinkles; you’re in control.
- Stores well – This Christmas snack mix keeps its crunch for days, so it’s perfect for making ahead.
- Budget-conscious – Feeds a crowd using simple pantry ingredients you can grab at any grocery store.
Ingredients for This Festive Holiday Snack Mix
Here’s what you’ll need to make a big batch of this Reindeer Chow Snack Mix Recipe. I’ll share simple tweaks and substitutions along the way so you can adjust it to your family’s needs.
Dry Mix
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal (or store-brand rice squares – very budget-friendly and gluten-free)
- 3 cups Corn Chex cereal (or corn squares; you can also use Wheat Chex if gluten isn’t an issue)
- 2 cups mini pretzel twists (or pretzel sticks; choose gluten-free pretzels if needed)
- 1 cup salted peanuts (or mixed nuts; leave out or replace with extra pretzels for nut-free)
- 1 ½ cups red and green M&M’s (holiday blend; regular or peanut, your choice)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (adds a soft, chewy bite that kids love)
- 2–3 tablespoons holiday sprinkles (nonpareils or jimmies; optional but very cute)
Chocolate Peanut Butter Coating
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- (You can use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter mix, or dark chocolate for a richer flavor.)
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- (Something like Jif or Skippy works well; use no-stir natural peanut butter so it’s not too oily.)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (half a stick; salted works in a pinch, just skip extra salt)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for a cozy, rounded flavor)
Sugar Topping
- 2–2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- (Also called confectioners’ sugar; start with 2 cups and add more if you like a thicker coating.)
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt (optional, but brings out flavor and balances the sweetness)
If you’re counting, that’s a good amount of cereal and crunchy bits—this recipe feeds a crowd. For a smaller household, you can easily halve it, but I’ll warn you: people tend to come back for “just one more handful.”
Step-by-Step Directions for Reindeer Chow Snack Mix
You really don’t need much equipment here—just a couple of big bowls, a microwave-safe measuring cup or small bowl, and a large zip-top bag or container with a lid.
1. Prep your workspace
Set out a large mixing bowl (or even a clean roasting pan if you’re doubling the batch).
Measure the powdered sugar into a very large zip-top bag or a big container with a tight-fitting lid. This will make coating the reindeer chow snack much easier later.
2. Build the dry snack mix base
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In your large bowl, add:
- Rice Chex cereal
- Corn Chex cereal
- Mini pretzel twists
- Salted peanuts
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Gently toss with clean hands or a big spoon so everything is somewhat evenly combined.
Don’t add the M&M’s, marshmallows, or sprinkles yet—we want to keep them bright and pretty, not covered in melted chocolate.
3. Make the chocolate peanut butter mixture
-
In a microwave-safe bowl or large glass measuring cup, combine:
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Creamy peanut butter
- Butter
-
Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, for 1½–2 minutes total, or until the chocolate mixture is smooth and glossy.
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Stir in the vanilla extract.
If you see any little chocolate chunks left, just keep stirring—the residual heat usually melts them. You’re going for a thick, pourable sauce that clings nicely to the cereal.
4. Coat the cereal and pretzels
Slowly pour the warm chocolate peanut butter mixture over the cereal mix.
Use a large spatula to gently fold everything together, scraping the bottom of the bowl and rotating the bowl as you go. You want all the cereal and pretzels to be lightly coated; some bare spots are fine, but aim for even coverage so the powdered sugar sticks well.
Tip from my kitchen: work gently so you don’t crush the Chex. You’re folding, not stirring like soup.
5. Powdered sugar time
Once the cereal mixture is well-coated:
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Transfer the coated cereal mixture into your large bag or container with the powdered sugar and salt. Depending on your bag size, you might need to do this in two batches.
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Seal the bag well, leaving a little air inside, and shake-shake-shake.
- Turn on some Christmas music and let the kids help here—it’s the fun part.
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Shake until the cereal pieces look dry and are evenly dusted with powdered sugar. If it still looks a bit wet or clumpy, sprinkle in another ¼–½ cup powdered sugar and shake again.
6. Cool and set
Spread the coated reindeer chow mix out onto a large baking sheet (line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup). Let it sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes to cool and firm up.
This quick rest helps the coating set so it doesn’t smear on the candies you’re about to add.
7. Add the festive mix-ins
Once the mixture feels mostly cool and dry to the touch, gently stir in:
- Red and green M&M’s
- Mini marshmallows
- Holiday sprinkles
Fold with your hands or a large spoon, just until everything looks evenly sprinkled throughout.
Now take a little taste. You know…for quality control.
Servings & Timing
- Yield: About 12–14 servings (roughly 10–12 cups of Reindeer Chow Snack Mix)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooling/Rest Time: 10–15 minutes
- Total Time: Around 25–30 minutes
If you’re making treat bags or edible holiday gifts, this batch usually fills about 10–12 small cellophane bags or mason jars (½–1 cup each), depending on how generous you’re feeling.
Fun Variations and Flavor Twists
Once you’ve made this Reindeer Chow Snack Mix Recipe once, you’ll probably start dreaming up your own versions—there are so many ways to customize this Christmas snack mix.
- Peppermint Reindeer Chow – Stir ½ teaspoon peppermint extract into the melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
- Extra Chocolatey Christmas Snack Mix – Use chocolate Chex and add ½ cup extra chocolate chips or white chocolate chips during the final stir.
- Nut-Free Reindeer Chow Mix – Replace peanuts with more pretzels and cereal, and use sunflower seed butter or cookie butter instead of peanut butter.
- White Chocolate Reindeer Chow – Use 2 cups white baking chips or almond bark in place of semi-sweet chocolate, and keep the rest of the recipe the same.
- Salty-Sweet Party Mix – Add 1 cup cheese crackers or seasoned pretzels before coating to bring more salty crunch.
- “Grown-Up” Version – Use dark chocolate, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika, and sprinkle with flaky salt at the end for a more sophisticated holiday treat.
If you’re gluten-free, choose gluten-free cereal, pretzels, and candies, and you’re good to go—this winter snack mix is very adaptable.
How to Store Your Reindeer Chow Mix
One of my favorite things about this festive party mix is how well it holds up. That makes it perfect for busy weeks when you want to prep a big batch ahead.
-
Room Temperature:
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5–6 days.
- Keep it away from direct light or heat so the chocolate coating doesn’t soften too much.
-
Refrigerator:
- If your kitchen runs warm, you can store it in the fridge for up to 1–2 weeks.
- Let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving so the flavors bloom and the texture isn’t too firm.
-
Freezer:
- Yes, you can freeze this reindeer chow snack.
- Place it in a freezer-safe container or double-bag it, then freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw at room temperature, still sealed, so condensation doesn’t make it soggy.
For make-ahead holiday gifting, prepare the mix up to 3–4 days before you plan to bag it up. Keep it in a big airtight container, then divide into gift bags or jars closer to the day you’re handing them out so everything looks fresh.
Helpful Notes from My Kitchen
- Chocolate choice matters: Semi-sweet chocolate chips strike a nice balance between rich and not-too-sweet, especially since we’re adding powdered sugar and candies. If you know your crowd loves sweet treats, milk chocolate is a safe bet.
- Don’t overheat the chocolate: Microwaving in short bursts and stirring often keeps the chocolate smooth. Burnt chocolate smells a bit like scorched popcorn—if that happens, it’s better to start again.
- Use a big enough bowl: It sounds silly, but a shallow roast pan or extra-large mixing bowl makes tossing the cereal mix so much easier and helps prevent breakage.
- Balance the sweetness: The little pinch of salt in the powdered sugar makes a difference. If you’re using salted butter and salted nuts, you can skip it, but I often still add a tiny pinch.
- For crispier texture: Spread the coated mix out fully in a single layer and let it cool completely before packing. Trapped steam makes things a bit softer.
- Batch for events: For a large Christmas party snack or a reindeer party food bar, double or triple the recipe and keep some back in the kitchen to refill bowls as needed.
You can also play around with the cereal ratio. I’ve noticed kids gravitate toward the pieces with more coating and candies, while adults often like the salty pretzels and nuts mixed in. A little data from many, many holiday gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this Reindeer Chow Snack Mix Recipe without peanut butter?
Yes—replace the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter, soy nut butter, or cookie butter, and leave out the peanuts or swap in more pretzels or cereal for a nut-free holiday snack mix.
2. How do I keep the chocolate from getting chalky or gray?
Store the Christmas snack mix in an airtight container away from heat and light; that “gray” look is usually from chocolate bloom, which happens when it melts and resets too many times.
3. Can I use a stovetop instead of the microwave for the chocolate?
Absolutely; melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter together in a small saucepan over very low heat, stirring constantly, until just melted and smooth.
4. The cereal got soggy. What went wrong?
Most often, the mix wasn’t cooled fully before storing or there was moisture in the container—spread it on a baking sheet again and let it air out for a bit; it usually crisps back up.
5. Is this safe for very young kids?
Yes, with a small note: watch for choking hazards like whole nuts and pretzels; for toddlers, break pretzels and omit nuts or use smaller candy pieces.
6. How can I reduce the sugar a little?
Use slightly less powdered sugar (start with 1½ cups), choose dark chocolate instead of milk, and use fewer candies—focus more on the cereal and pretzels for a lighter sweet salty snack.
7. Can I use different cereals?
Sure—Cheerios, Cornflakes, or even crisp rice cereal all work; just keep the total cups of cereal about the same so the chocolate coating still covers everything evenly.
8. What’s the best way to package this as an edible holiday gift?
Portion the reindeer chow mix into cellophane treat bags or mason jars, tie with ribbon, and add a simple label or tag with the name of the mix and any allergy notes (like “contains peanuts”).
Final Thoughts on This Festive Party Mix
This Reindeer Chow Snack Mix Recipe has become one of those non-negotiable traditions in my house—right up there with decorating the tree and watching old Christmas movies in fuzzy socks. It’s simple, colorful, and hits that sweet-salty, crunchy-chewy balance we all love in a holiday snack mix.
If you make this Christmas snack mix, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—tell me what variations you tried, whether the kids helped, and which pieces disappeared first. And when you’re ready for more cozy, crowd-pleasing treats, try pairing this with a big pot of homemade hot cocoa or your favorite warm drink for the ultimate winter snack spread.
Reindeer Chow Snack Mix
Ingredients
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal or store-brand rice squares
- 3 cups Corn Chex cereal or corn squares; use Wheat Chex if gluten is not an issue
- 2 cups mini pretzel twists or pretzel sticks; choose gluten-free if needed
- 1 cup salted peanuts or mixed nuts; omit or replace with extra pretzels for nut-free
- 1 1/2 cups red and green M&M’s holiday blend; regular or peanut
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 2-3 tablespoons holiday sprinkles nonpareils or jimmies; optional
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or milk or dark chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter no-stir style; not too oily
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-2 1/2 cups powdered sugar also called confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt optional, to balance sweetness
Instructions
- Set out a large mixing bowl or clean roasting pan. Measure the powdered sugar and sea salt into a very large zip-top bag or big container with a tight-fitting lid for tossing later.
- In the large bowl, add the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, mini pretzel twists, and salted peanuts. Gently toss with clean hands or a large spoon until somewhat evenly combined. Do not add the M&M’s, marshmallows, or sprinkles yet.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or large glass measuring cup, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, for 1 1/2–2 minutes total, or until smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Slowly pour the warm chocolate peanut butter mixture over the cereal mix. Using a large spatula, gently fold until all of the cereal and pretzels are lightly and as evenly coated as possible, taking care not to crush the cereal.
- Transfer the coated cereal mixture into the large bag or container with the powdered sugar and salt. You may need to work in two batches. Seal well, leaving a little air inside, and shake until the pieces look dry and are evenly dusted. If the mix still looks wet or clumpy, add another 1/4–1/2 cup powdered sugar and shake again.
- Spread the coated snack mix out in an even layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes, or until cool and the coating is set and dry to the touch.
- Once the mix is cool and set, gently stir in the red and green M&M’s, mini marshmallows, and holiday sprinkles until evenly distributed. Taste and adjust candies or sprinkles as desired. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
