The holidays always bring a sense of excitement in our home, but this year, I wanted a treat that was quick, fun, and full of festive cheer. One chilly afternoon, with Christmas music humming in the background, I decided to make a snack that would be perfect for my kids to nibble on while decorating the tree. The idea of a sweet, chocolatey, and crunchy mix with bright holiday colors sparked instantly.
As I gathered the cereal, chocolate, and peanut butter, my kids crowded around, eager to help with the stirring and sprinkling. Watching them sneak a piece here and there while giggling reminded me that some of the best holiday memories happen in small, messy ways. I wanted something that felt magical, easy to assemble, and shareable with friends and neighbors.
By the time the mixture was coated in powdered sugar and decorated with red and green M&Ms, tiny marshmallows, and festive sprinkles, our kitchen looked like a holiday wonderland. The smell of chocolate and peanut butter mingled in the air, and it became clear that this snack wasn’t just for eating—it was a celebration in itself.
Short Description
Reindeer Chow Christmas Puppy Chow a festive, crunchy, chocolate-peanut butter snack coated in powdered sugar, mixed with M&Ms, mini marshmallows, pretzels, and holiday sprinkles. Perfect for holiday snacking, gifting, or a playful treat for the whole family.
Key Ingredients
Base Ingredients
-
9 cups Rice Chex cereal
-
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
-
½ cup creamy peanut butter
-
¼ cup unsalted butter
-
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
-
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
Festive Mix-ins
-
1 cup red and green M&Ms
-
1 cup pretzel pieces (optional)
-
1 cup mini marshmallows
-
½ cup holiday sprinkles (red, green, white)
Tools Needed
-
Large mixing bowl
-
Medium microwave-safe bowl
-
Rubber spatula
-
2 large baking sheets lined with parchment paper or wax paper
-
2-gallon zip-top bag (or two 1-gallon bags)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workstation
Clear enough counter space to work comfortably. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper for cooling the coated cereal. Have a large mixing bowl ready for the cereal and a medium microwave-safe bowl for melting the chocolate mixture.
Step 2: Measure and Prepare the Cereal
Pour 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into the large mixing bowl and set aside while preparing the chocolate and peanut butter coating.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
In the medium microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, ½ cup creamy peanut butter, and ¼ cup unsalted butter. Microwave on high for 60 seconds. Stir thoroughly. If not fully melted, continue microwaving in 15-second intervals until smooth. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract and stir to combine.
Step 4: Coat the Cereal
Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal. Gently fold with a rubber spatula until each piece is evenly coated, taking care not to crush the cereal.
Step 5: Add the Powdered Sugar
Transfer coated cereal into a 2-gallon zip-top bag. Add 1 ½ cups powdered sugar. Seal tightly and shake vigorously until the cereal is fully coated. If a large bag isn’t available, sprinkle powdered sugar in the mixing bowl and stir gently.
Step 6: Cool and Set
Spread coated cereal on the parchment-lined baking sheets. Allow to cool and set for about 20 minutes so the chocolate coating firms.
Step 7: Add Festive Mix-ins
Once set, transfer cereal to a large serving bowl. Add 1 cup holiday M&Ms, 1 cup pretzel pieces (optional), 1 cup mini marshmallows, and ½ cup holiday sprinkles. Gently fold to combine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy holiday schedules
Crunchy, sweet, and salty flavors in every bite
Fun to make with kids, turning snack time into a festive activity
Visually festive with bright colors and holiday-themed toppings
Great for sharing, gifting, or party platters
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Chocolate mixture too thick
If the chocolate and peanut butter mixture isn’t smooth, it can clump and not coat the cereal evenly.
Solution: Microwave in short intervals, stirring each time until fully melted.
Cereal crushes during mixing
Rough folding can break the Chex, leaving small crumbs.
Solution: Use a rubber spatula and fold gently, coating each piece evenly without pressing.
Powdered sugar clumps
If powdered sugar isn’t distributed correctly, some pieces remain uncovered.
Solution: Use a large bag and shake thoroughly. Divide into two bags if needed.
Chocolate doesn’t set
The mix stays sticky and messy.
Solution: Allow the coated cereal to cool on parchment paper for at least 20 minutes before adding mix-ins.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve in a festive bowl for holiday gatherings
Pair with hot cocoa, milk, or coffee
Pack in treat bags as homemade gifts for neighbors or friends
Great for holiday snack tables or movie nights
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
Avoid refrigeration, as moisture can make the cereal soggy
No reheating needed; serve at room temperature for best crunch
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cereal?
Yes, Corn Chex or Crispix work just as well.
2. Can I skip the peanut butter?
You can, but the peanut butter adds richness and helps the chocolate adhere to the cereal.
3. How can I make it less sweet?
Reduce the powdered sugar slightly or skip the marshmallows.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble up to a day in advance. Store in an airtight container to maintain crunch.
5. Are there nut-free alternatives?
Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for a nut-free version.
Tips & Tricks
Ensure the cereal is fully dry before adding the chocolate mixture
Use festive M&Ms and sprinkles for visual appeal
Shake the bag thoroughly for even powdered sugar coating
Let the mixture cool completely for best crunch
Recipe Variations
Chocolate Mint: Swap ½ cup semisweet chocolate for mint chips and add ¼ cup crushed peppermint candies.
White Chocolate Holiday: Use 1 cup white chocolate chips and ½ cup freeze-dried cranberries.
Peanut Butter & Jelly: Stir ¼ cup peanut butter into chocolate coating and add ½ cup mini dried strawberries.
Extra Crunch: Mix in 1 cup chopped nuts and 1 cup pretzel sticks for added texture.
Funfetti: Fold ½ cup rainbow sprinkles into coated cereal for a colorful, festive touch.
Final Thoughts
Making Reindeer Chow Christmas Puppy Chow is more than creating a holiday snack—it’s a chance to bring the family together in a simple, playful way. The crunch of cereal, sweet chocolate-peanut butter coating, and colorful mix-ins turn an ordinary afternoon into a festive event.
This treat is quick to prepare, easy to share, and adds a cheerful touch to any holiday gathering. Watching little hands grab handfuls of colorful puppy chow while laughing and talking makes the effort feel magical. It’s a snack that celebrates fun, creativity, and the joy of the season.
Reindeer Chow Christmas Puppy Chow
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
Festive Mix-ins
- 1 cup red and green M&Ms
- 1 cup pretzel pieces optional
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- ½ cup holiday sprinkles red, green, white
Instructions
- Line two baking sheets with parchment; have a large bowl for cereal and a microwave-safe bowl for chocolate.
- Pour 9 cups Rice Chex into the large bowl.
- Melt 1 cup chocolate chips, ½ cup peanut butter, ¼ cup butter in microwave; stir in 1 tsp vanilla.
- Pour chocolate mixture over cereal and fold gently to coat.
- Place coated cereal in a large bag, add 1½ cups powdered sugar, seal, and shake until fully coated.
- Spread on baking sheets to cool and set for 20 minutes.
- Add 1 cup M&Ms, 1 cup pretzels, 1 cup mini marshmallows, ½ cup sprinkles; fold gently to combine.
