Reindeer Chow (Christmas Chex Mix Snack)

Introduction

When the holidays arrive, I always like to have a big bowl of something festive and fun ready for guests and family — crunchy, sweet‑salty, and impossible to resist. That’s exactly why this Reindeer Chow is a holiday staple: it’s super easy, no baking required, and it mixes together chocolate, peanut butter, cereal, pretzels and candies into one magical snack.

It’s perfect for Christmas parties, movie nights, or even as a cozy treat with hot cocoa by the fireplace. Kids love to help make it, and everyone loves to snack on it. Plus, you can customize it however you like — add nuts, swap candy, or make it extra glitzy.

Ingredients (for ~12–14 servings / a big batch)

• 9 cups cereal (e.g. Rice Chex — or any similar crunchy cereal) Suburban Simplicity+2I Heart Naptime+2

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter I Heart Naptime+1

• 1 cup semi‑sweet (or milk) chocolate chips (or chocolate of your choice) Six Sisters’ Stuff+1

• ¼ cup butter (unsalted or salted) — helps smooth and bind the chocolate‑peanut butter coating. Six Sisters’ Stuff+1

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but adds nice flavor) Six Sisters’ Stuff+1

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (for coating) Six Sisters’ Stuff+1

• 1–1.5 cups holiday candies: red & green M&M’s (or seasonal candy), for festive color & sweetness Chelsea’s Messy Apron+1

• Optional extras (for crunch or variety): mini pretzels, peanuts, mini peanut‑butter cups, candy pieces, etc. Dinner at the Zoo+2Chelsea’s Messy Apron+2

Instructions

1. Prep — Line a large bowl and have a large Ziploc or resealable bag ready. Also prepare a tray lined with parchment or wax paper for final chilling/setting.

2. Melt & Mix Coating

   • In a microwave‑safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter.

   • Microwave for about 1 minute, stir, then continue in ~ 15–30 second intervals until fully melted and smooth. Stir in vanilla (if using). Six Sisters’ Stuff+2Suburban Simplicity+2

3. Coat the Cereal

   • Pour the cereal into the large bowl.

   • Pour the melted chocolate‑peanut butter mixture over the cereal. Stir gently until every piece is evenly coated. Suburban Simplicity+2Tastes of Lizzy T+2

4. Sugar‑Coat

   • Transfer coated cereal to a large zip‑top bag (or two).

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