Simplified Reindeer Chow Mix

Featured in: Movie Night Snacks

This festive sweet snack features crunchy cereal coated in a smooth blend of chocolate and peanut butter. Easy to prepare in under 15 minutes, the mix is dusted with powdered sugar and finished with colorful candies and optional pretzels for added texture. It's a delightful treat ideal for sharing during holiday celebrations or gifting to friends and family.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:47:00 GMT
A wooden bowl filled with colorful Simplified Reindeer Chow mix ready to be enjoyed. Save to Pinterest
A wooden bowl filled with colorful Simplified Reindeer Chow mix ready to be enjoyed. | snackandmack.com

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

This snack mix quickly became a family favorite during the holidays, bringing everyone together with its sweet and crunchy goodness.

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 1–2 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.
Close-up of sweet and crunchy Simplified Reindeer Chow, perfect for sharing at holiday parties. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of sweet and crunchy Simplified Reindeer Chow, perfect for sharing at holiday parties. | snackandmack.com

Our kids love helping toss the mix with powdered sugar, making it a fun holiday tradition we all cherish.

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.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 320 calories, 13 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 4 g protein

This festive batch of Simplified Reindeer Chow shows off the chocolatey, peanut butter goodness, ready to eat. Save to Pinterest
This festive batch of Simplified Reindeer Chow shows off the chocolatey, peanut butter goodness, ready to eat. | snackandmack.com

This reindeer chow mix will add a festive touch to any holiday party or gift basket with minimal effort.

Recipe FAQs

What type of cereal is best for this snack?

Use rice or corn-based cereals like Chex to achieve a crunchy texture that holds the coating well.

Can I substitute peanut butter for allergies?

Yes, sunflower seed butter works great as a nut-free alternative without compromising flavor or texture.

How should the snack be stored?

Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to one week.

What is the purpose of powdered sugar in this mix?

Powdered sugar adds a sweet, light coating that balances the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors.

Are the pretzels necessary?

Pretzels are optional and add a pleasant salty crunch, complementing the sweet elements of the mix.

Simplified Reindeer Chow Mix

A festive sweet snack blend of crunchy cereal, chocolate, and peanut butter for holiday enjoyment.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
5 min
Overall Time
15 min
Recipe by Snack And Mack Ryan Mitchell

Recipe Type Movie Night Snacks

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Output 8 Serving Size

Dietary Details Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredient List

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)

Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Sugar Coat: Transfer coated cereal into a large zip-top bag or container with lid. Add powdered sugar, seal tightly, and shake until well coated.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Add Toppings: Once cooled, transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and gently mix in chocolate candies and mini pretzels, if desired.

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Info

Double-check every item for known allergies. If unsure, reach out to a healthcare provider.
  • Contains peanuts and dairy.
  • Chocolate candies may contain or be processed with nuts, milk, or soy.
  • Check ingredient labels carefully if allergies are a concern.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutrient details are offered for reference only. Speak with your doctor for personal health questions.
  • Calorie Count: 320
  • Fat Content: 13 g
  • Carbohydrate: 48 g
  • Proteins: 4 g