No holiday party is complete without a big bowl of reindeer chow! This Christmas chex mix is loaded with chocolate flavor and is perfect for feeding a crowd.
Chocolate muddy buddies, holiday M&M’s, peanut butter cups and pretzels all come together for a festive snack mix that’s easy to make and fun to eat!
You have been warned: this reindeer chow is addicting! I may or may not have grabbed a handful every time I walked by on the day I made this awesome chex mix. It’s the ultimate Christmas snack with the perfect blend of sweet and savory and it features the classic flavor combination of chocolate and peanut butter.
How to make reindeer chow
To make the muddy buddies in this reindeer chow, you’ll need Rice Chex, chocolate chips, peanut butter and dry brownie mix. That’s it! The cereal is coated in melted chocolate and peanut butter, then covered in the brownie mix. If you don’t want to use brownie mix, you can use powdered sugar with some cocoa powder mixed into it. After the muddy buddies are dry, they get mixed together with Christmas M&M’s, miniature peanut butter cups and pretzels.
The end result is an amazing combination of flavors and textures. This Christmas chex mix makes a large batch, so it’s perfect for a holiday party or to package up in tins or cellphone bags for gift giving.
I know there are a lot of peanut allergies out there, and it is possible to make this reindeer chow peanut free! Simply use white candy melts instead of the peanut butter for the muddy buddies, and instead of miniature peanut butter cups, you can use mini marshmallows.
To me, it’s not the holidays without reindeer chow. It’s incredibly delicious and couldn’t be any easier to make. In about 20 minutes you can have a fun and festive treat that’s sure to be enjoyed by all!
More holiday treats
Reindeer Chow
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup dry brownie mix or 1 cup powdered sugar mixed with 1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 bag Christmas M&M's
- 2 cups mini peanut butter cups
- 2 cups pretzel twists
Instructions
- Place the cereal in a large bowl. In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter. Microwave the chocolate mixture for 30 second intervals until melted; stir until smooth.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal and use a spatula to gently toss the cereal in the chocolate until completely coated.
- Place the brownie mix inside a resealable gallon sized plastic bag. Add the chocolate coated cereal. Seal, then shake until cereal is coated in the brownie mix.
- Spread the cereal out in a single layer on a sheet of parchment paper; cool completely until dry.
- Combine the cereal, M&M's, peanut butter cups and pretzel twists, then serve.
Paige says
This a wonderful holiday treat. To make it even more special, take scoops of the chow and put it in holiday themed , foil cupcake holders and bring them to a holiday party. They will disappear quickly!
Sara says
Love the idea of putting them in cupcake holders for a fun presentation!
Nicki says
Thank you so much! Happy Thanksgiving!
Nicki says
Where can I find mini peanut butter cups? Do they sell them at most grocery stores? Thank you very much!
Sara says
They come unwrapped in a bag in the candy section, they’re called Reese’s Mini Unwrapped Peanut Butter Cups!
Melissa says
If Reese cups are an issue for you , I gave used mini rolos and it comes out amazing also.. so good no matter what you use.!!
Caitlyn Fontaine says
quick question! How long does this stay good for? if you were guessing! thanks!
Sara says
I’d say 5-7 days!
AnnMarie John says
This definitely is something that the kids can help you make in the kitchen! Love that it’s packed with all the yummy treats! It looks really yummy!
Myrah Duque says
First of all….I LOVE The name of your blog!!! This is something my nephews would die for. It was their favorite yummies!
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
I am sure my kids will love this!! Such a great snack idea for Christmas!
Heather says
Salty & sweet- you can’t get better than that! This Reindeer Chow sounds yummy to make and to share!
Crystal says
We try to get all of the shopping done early so that we can enjoy things like baking together. Got to add this yummy reindeer chow to our treat list!
Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place says
Definitely a sweet holiday treat. Bookmarking this for later.. thanks for sharing!
brianne says
I love that you just called it Reindeer chow! my kids would love this!
JOyce Brewer says
I can’t believe i’m just learning about this recipe. It looks amazing and easy-to-make.
Claudia Krusch says
Wow this this reindeer chow looks delicious. It will be a great snack for our Holiday movie marathon. I will have to pick up the supplies I need to make some this weekend.
Theresa says
reindeer CHOW SOUNDS LIKE A HOLIDAY PARTY MUST HAVE. i THINK IT WOULD BE A HUGE HIT WITH ADULTS AND CHILDREN ALIKE!
travel blogger says
This does look addicting! Yum! I didn’t realize that it had brownie mix. My kiddos would love to whip this up for the holidays. Great recipe!
adriana says
This looks SO good! I haven’t seen something like this – I need to try making it. I love how festive it is and how tasty too I bet – yum!!
Maureen says
This is a delicious idea for a little treat this holiday season. I will be adding reindeer chow to my list of things to make when I travel to family for gatherings.
Liz Mays says
This sounds like such a wonderful treat. I like having snacks like this that people can grab and go around the holidays.
Bill Sweeney says
I love the combination of sweet M&M’s, pretzels and brownie mix cereal. This type of snack is one of my faves during the holidays.
Stacie says
That looks so good! Other people get excited for presents or decorations for Christmas, but me? I mean, I love everything about Christmas, but treats like that Reindeer Chow is what REALLY makes the season for me. I love holiday nom noms!
robin rue says
What a fun Christmasy snack. My kids are really going to love this.
Rosey says
’tis the season and a big hurrah for it. I agree, this treat makes it official and I Love it!
Our Family World says
That looks awesome! I have to make this too. Pretzels and M&Ms, peanut butter cups and brownie mix coated cereal. Wow. I may add some almond slivers in my mix too. Yum.