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 Video
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 12 ounce bag
- 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.
Freya says
So good! Had to sift some extra powdered sugar afterwards cause it wasn’t getting all the nooks n’ crannies in the ziplock bag. Otherwise DELISH! Going to put small portions in cupcake liners for COVID friendly serving.
Karen says
I make this every year now for holiday gifts as everyone loves it! I get cute tins at the dollar store and an amazing gift is done! Love your recipes!
Dee says
Can I use any brownie mix?
Sara says
Yes that’s fine!
Leah says
Have you used the Honey Chex for this recipe before ?
Sara says
I have not but I think it would work just fine!
Carol says
I used the honey chex and it was delicious.
Amy says
Can this be made ahead and frozen?
Sara says
I’m not sure how well this would hold up to the freezer, the powdered sugar would probably melt as would the M&M’s from the condensation when thawing. But it will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for a while!
Katie says
How long should it take for the mix to dry?
Sara says
About 30 minutes!
Leah says
I want to make this in my classroom but we won’t have heat! Do you think I could use chocolate syrup instead of melting chocolate?
Sara says
You have to use melted chocolate or the coating won’t set.
Cortney says
Wilton sells a candy melter…looks like a little melting pot type thing. Just plug it in and put the candy in there.
Virginia Teter says
You can use a crockpot to melt the chocolate
Erica says
Does this call for unsweetened or sweetened cocoa powder?
Sara says
Unsweetened
Robin says
At Christmas time, Hershey’s sells a candy that looks like M&Ms but is safe for people with peanut/treenut allergies. (M&Ms aren’t safe.). Rolos are a nice suggestion. If you still want a safe peanut flavor, Sunbutter is an option for replacing peanut butter.
Rachel Rauh says
This is a really great recipe! Its also so easy to make Gluten free!
Rachel says
How can you make G.F..?
Linda says
Is the cocoa powder necessary if using powdered sugar?
Sara says
You can skip the cocoa but your chex will be white instead of brown like the photos!
Sandra says
What is the serving size?
Sara says
3/4 cup!
Darlene says
If put in an airtight container does this chow stay fresh? How long can it be stored that way?
Looks wonderful and sounds delish.Thank you.
Sara says
It should keep for up to a week!
Jenny says
Hi, what size m and m bag is used for this recipe?
Sara says
11.4 ounce bag!
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!