Simplified Reindeer Chow Mix

Featured in: Snack Bang

This festive blend combines crunchy rice or corn cereal coated in a smooth chocolate and peanut butter mixture, dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. After cooling, it’s enhanced with colorful chocolate candies and optional mini pretzels, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Simple to prepare in under 15 minutes, it's ideal for holiday sharing or gifting. Nut-free substitutions and extra festive toppings can add variety.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:45:00 GMT
A delightful close-up of Simplified Reindeer Chow mix, a sweet holiday snack with colorful candies. Save
A delightful close-up of Simplified Reindeer Chow mix, a sweet holiday snack with colorful candies. | ticktaste.com

A festive and easy-to-make sweet snack mix featuring crunchy cereal, chocolate, and peanut butter—perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting.

This treat has been a hit at every holiday party I've brought it to, loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

  • Base: 6 cups rice or corn Chex cereal
  • Coating: 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • Topping: 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 cup red and green chocolate candies (such as M&Ms), 1/2 cup mini pretzels (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth (about 12 minutes).
Step 2:
Add the Chex cereal to the bowl. Gently fold until all the cereal is evenly coated with the chocolate-peanut butter mixture.
Step 3:
Transfer the mixture to a large zip-top bag or a large bowl with a lid. Add the powdered sugar, seal, and shake until the cereal is well-coated.
Step 4:
Spread the coated cereal onto a lined baking sheet to cool for 5 minutes.
Step 5:
Once cool, transfer to a serving bowl and gently mix in the chocolate candies and mini pretzels, if using.
Save
| ticktaste.com

My family loves gathering around to enjoy this snack, sharing stories and laughs with every bite.

Notes

Add festive sprinkles for extra color or adjust ingredients to suit dietary needs.

Required Tools

Large microwave-safe bowl, spatula, zip-top bag or container with lid, baking sheet, measuring cups

Allergen Information

Contains peanuts and dairy. Chocolate candies may contain or be processed with nuts, milk, or soy. Always check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.

This amazing photo of Simplified Reindeer Chow shows a crunchy, coated snack ready for sharing and enjoyment. Save
This amazing photo of Simplified Reindeer Chow shows a crunchy, coated snack ready for sharing and enjoyment. | ticktaste.com

This mix is a crowd-pleaser that’s quick to make and perfect for festive occasions.

Recipe Questions

Can I substitute peanut butter for a nut-free alternative?

Yes, sunflower seed butter works well as a nut-free substitute while maintaining creaminess and flavor.

How can I ensure the coating evenly covers the cereal?

Gently folding the cereal into the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture ensures an even, thorough coating without breaking the cereal pieces.

Is it necessary to let the mixture cool before adding candies and pretzels?

Allowing the coated cereal to cool prevents the candies and pretzels from melting or becoming soggy, preserving their texture and color.

Can this snack mix be stored for later consumption?

Store the mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness and crunch.

What variations can add a festive touch to this mix?

Sprinkles in holiday colors or different types of chocolate candies can enhance visual appeal and flavor variety.

Simplified Reindeer Chow Mix

Crunchy cereal coated with chocolate and peanut butter, mixed with festive candies and pretzels for a sweet treat.

Setup time
10 min
Heat time
5 min
Complete duration
15 min
Created By Jamie Torres

Classification Snack Bang

Complexity Easy

Cultural Background American

Output 8 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-Free

Components

Base

01 6 cups rice or corn Chex cereal

Coating

01 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
02 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
03 1/4 cup unsalted butter

Topping

01 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
02 1/2 cup red and green chocolate candies (such as M&Ms)
03 1/2 cup mini pretzels (optional)

Directions

Phase 01

Melt Coating Mixture: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and melted, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Phase 02

Coat Cereal: Add Chex cereal to the melted mixture and gently fold until each piece is evenly coated.

Phase 03

Sugar Coating: Transfer the coated cereal to a large zip-top bag or container with a lid. Add powdered sugar, seal tightly, and shake until cereal is thoroughly coated.

Phase 04

Cool Mixture: Spread the sugar-coated cereal evenly on a lined baking sheet and allow to cool for 5 minutes.

Phase 05

Add Toppings and Serve: Once cooled, transfer the mixture to a serving bowl. Gently fold in red and green chocolate candies and mini pretzels if desired.

Tools needed

  • Large microwave-safe bowl
  • Spatula
  • Zip-top bag or container with lid
  • Baking sheet
  • Measuring cups

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare guidance if you're uncertain.
  • Contains peanuts and dairy. Chocolate candies may contain or be processed with nuts, milk, or soy. Verify ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy Value: 320
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Proteins: 4 g