Simplified Reindeer Chow Mix

Featured in: Sweet Heat Treats

This festive sweet snack combines crunchy cereal with a rich coating of melted chocolate and creamy peanut butter. After mixing and coating the cereal, it's dusted with powdered sugar and enhanced with colorful chocolate candies and optional mini pretzels for added texture and flavor. Preparation is quick, making it ideal for holiday gatherings or gifting. Variations include a nut-free option using sunflower seed butter.

Store in an airtight container for a week to maintain freshness. This easy-to-make treat offers a delightful mix of sweet, salty, and crunchy elements that will please a variety of tastes.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 12:10:00 GMT
Golden-coated Simplified Reindeer Chow mix with colorful candies and pretzels offers a festive treat. Save
Golden-coated Simplified Reindeer Chow mix with colorful candies and pretzels offers a festive treat. | fireandbites.com

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

This is a beloved snack in my family during the holidays and always brings smiles.

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&ndash2 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.
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Making this snack always reminds me of cozy family gatherings and sharing holiday joy.

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

Calories: 320, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 48 g, Protein: 4 g (per serving)

Sweet, chocolatey Simplified Reindeer Chow poured onto a baking sheet, ready for cooling and enjoyment. Save
Sweet, chocolatey Simplified Reindeer Chow poured onto a baking sheet, ready for cooling and enjoyment. | fireandbites.com

This sweet snack mix is sure to become a holiday staple in your home.

Common Questions

Can I make a nut-free version?

Yes, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter to keep it nut-free while maintaining creamy texture.

How do I store this snack mix?

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

Can I use different cereals?

Rice or corn-based cereals work best, providing the ideal crunch and coating surface.

Are mini pretzels necessary?

No, mini pretzels are optional but add a salty crunch that complements the sweet elements well.

What is the best way to melt the coating ingredients?

Microwave in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate, peanut butter, and butter are smooth and fully melted.

Simplified Reindeer Chow Mix

A festive sweet snack featuring crunchy cereal, chocolate, and peanut butter for easy holiday treats.

Setup Duration
10 min
Time at Heat
5 min
Complete Duration
15 min
Created by Logan Hayes

Recipe Type Sweet Heat Treats

Skill Level Easy

Cultural Background American

Output 8 Portion Count

Special Diet Info Meat-Free

What You'll Need

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)

Method Steps

Phase 01

Melt coating ingredients: Combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and unsalted butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Phase 02

Coat the cereal: Add Chex cereal to the melted mixture and gently fold until all cereal pieces are evenly coated.

Phase 03

Sugar coating: Place coated cereal into a large sealable bag or container. Add powdered sugar, seal tightly, and shake thoroughly to achieve an even coating.

Phase 04

Cool the mixture: Spread the coated cereal evenly on a lined baking sheet. Allow to cool for 5 minutes to set the coating.

Phase 05

Add toppings and serve: Transfer cooled cereal to a serving bowl. Gently mix in chocolate candies and mini pretzels, if desired.

Kitchen Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Always review ingredients individually for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains peanuts and dairy. Chocolate candies may contain or be processed with nuts, milk, or soy. Verify labels for allergy safety.

Dietary Information (Single Portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific dietary advice.
  • Energy Content: 320
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Proteins: 4 g