Add powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake well until cereal pieces are coated thoroughly. If needed, repeat with more powdered sugar to get a nice “snowy” coating. Six Sisters’ Stuff+2I Heart Naptime+2
Add Festive Mix‑Ins
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Spread the coated cereal onto the parchment‑lined tray to cool a little (so candy doesn’t melt).
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Once cool enough, gently fold in holiday M&M’s (or other candies), pretzels, nuts or any optional mix‑ins. Dinner at the Zoo+2Chelsea’s Messy Apron+2
Chill & Set
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Let the mix sit at room temperature or chill briefly so the coating firms up and candies don’t melt.
Serve or Store
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Serve in a big bowl, snack tray or little festive packages/tins for gifting.
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature — ideally consumed within ~4–7 days for best crunch & freshness. Chelsea’s Messy Apron+2Dinner at the Zoo+2
Why You’ll Love This Reindeer Chow
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No bake, no fuss: Takes ~ 15‑20 minutes and no oven time — ideal for busy holiday prep.
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Sweet + salty + crunchy: Chocolate‑peanut butter coating, sugary “snow,” candy bits — all contrasted by crunchy cereal and pretzels. Classic Muddy Buddies / Chex Mix magic. Wikipédia+2Dinner at the Zoo+2
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Party perfect: Great for holiday parties, kid‑friendly snacking, Christmas movie nights, or snack bowls for guests.
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Customizable & giftable: You can easily swap candies/nuts, adjust sweetness, or package portions as holiday gifts or neighbor treats.
Tips & Variations
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For nut-free version: Use a seed butter (e.g. sunflower butter) instead of peanut butter, and skip peanuts/nuts in mix‑ins. Many nut‑free variations of Reindeer Chow exist! HappiHomemade+1
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Prefer white chocolate + festive look: Use white chocolate or candy melts + red/green candies, pretzels or sprinkles for a bright holiday mix. Blackberry Babe+1
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For extra crunch & salty contrast, add pretzels or lightly salted nuts.
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If coating sticks/clumps — Shake gently, separate stuck pieces by hand, and re‑sugar lightly.
Conclusion
This Reindeer Chow is more than a treat — it’s holiday magic in a bowl. With minimal effort, no baking, and simple ingredients, you get a sweet‑salty‑crunchy snack that’s festive, fun, and irresistible. Whether you’re prepping for a party, want a make‑ahead treat, or need giftable snack bags, this mix hits all the right notes.
Grab a big bowl, stir up the mix, let it set, and watch it disappear among family and friends. It’s the perfect easy Christmas snack — cheerful, delicious, and so shareable.
