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Home » Dessert » Reindeer Chow

Published: November 26, 2017 Last Modified: March 29, 2019 By Sara 55 Comments

Reindeer Chow

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Reindeer Chow | Christmas Chex Mix | Christmas Muddy Buddies | Holiday Chex Mix

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!

Reindeer Chow | Christmas Chex Mix | Christmas Muddy Buddies | Holiday Chex Mix

A tin of reindeer chow with chocolate coated chex, M&M's and pretzels.

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.

A sheet pan of Christmas muddy buddies mixed with candy and peanut butter cups.

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.

A tin filled with reindeer chow snack mix.

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

  • Christmas Tree Brownies
  • Crock Pot Candy
  • Peppermint Patties
  • Rocky Road Fudge
  • Candy Cane Hearts

Reindeer Chow Video

Christmas Chex Mix
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5 from 12 votes

Reindeer Chow

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.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 11 minutes
Servings 20
Calories 434kcal
Author Sara Welch

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.

Notes

1. Adapted from Your Cup of Cake
2. To make this reindeer chow peanut free, use white candy melts instead of peanut butter in the chex and swap out the peanut butter cups for mini marshmallows.

Nutrition

Calories: 434kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 686mg | Potassium: 306mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 220IU | Vitamin C: 2.5mg | Calcium: 76mg | Iron: 8.6mg
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Filed Under: Dessert

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    Comments

    1. Melissa says

      November 8, 2018 at 6:01 pm

      5 stars
      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.!!

      Reply
    2. Caitlyn Fontaine says

      October 12, 2018 at 9:21 am

      quick question! How long does this stay good for? if you were guessing! thanks!

      Reply
      • Sara says

        October 12, 2018 at 10:09 am

        I’d say 5-7 days!

        Reply
    3. AnnMarie John says

      November 28, 2017 at 4:21 pm

      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!

      Reply
    4. Myrah Duque says

      November 28, 2017 at 10:12 am

      5 stars
      First of all….I LOVE The name of your blog!!! This is something my nephews would die for. It was their favorite yummies!

      Reply
    5. Toni | Boulder Locavore says

      November 27, 2017 at 10:43 pm

      5 stars
      I am sure my kids will love this!! Such a great snack idea for Christmas!

      Reply
    6. Heather says

      November 27, 2017 at 9:13 pm

      Salty & sweet- you can’t get better than that! This Reindeer Chow sounds yummy to make and to share!

      Reply
    7. Crystal says

      November 27, 2017 at 9:12 pm

      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!

      Reply
    8. Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place says

      November 27, 2017 at 8:50 pm

      5 stars
      Definitely a sweet holiday treat. Bookmarking this for later.. thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    9. brianne says

      November 27, 2017 at 7:47 pm

      I love that you just called it Reindeer chow! my kids would love this!

      Reply
    10. JOyce Brewer says

      November 27, 2017 at 7:47 pm

      I can’t believe i’m just learning about this recipe. It looks amazing and easy-to-make.

      Reply
    11. Claudia Krusch says

      November 27, 2017 at 7:24 pm

      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.

      Reply
    12. Theresa says

      November 27, 2017 at 5:36 pm

      reindeer CHOW SOUNDS LIKE A HOLIDAY PARTY MUST HAVE. i THINK IT WOULD BE A HUGE HIT WITH ADULTS AND CHILDREN ALIKE!

      Reply
      • travel blogger says

        November 27, 2017 at 6:00 pm

        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!

        Reply
    13. adriana says

      November 27, 2017 at 5:07 pm

      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!!

      Reply
    14. Maureen says

      November 27, 2017 at 3:06 pm

      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.

      Reply
    15. Liz Mays says

      November 27, 2017 at 2:39 pm

      This sounds like such a wonderful treat. I like having snacks like this that people can grab and go around the holidays.

      Reply
    16. Bill Sweeney says

      November 27, 2017 at 7:39 am

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
    17. Stacie says

      November 27, 2017 at 4:11 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    18. robin rue says

      November 27, 2017 at 2:20 am

      What a fun Christmasy snack. My kids are really going to love this.

      Reply
    19. Rosey says

      November 27, 2017 at 1:03 am

      ’tis the season and a big hurrah for it. I agree, this treat makes it official and I Love it!

      Reply
    20. Our Family World says

      November 26, 2017 at 11:25 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
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