Name: Reindeer Chow: Festive No-Bake Holiday Snack Mix Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups rice or corn square cereal (such as Chex); 1 cup pretzel twists or sticks; 1 cup mini marshmallows; 1 cup red and green M&M’s; 1½ cups powdered sugar; ½ cup peanut butter; ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; ¼ cup butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract

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If you’re looking for a sweet, salty, and utterly addictive treat to brighten your holiday gatherings, you have to try this Reindeer Chow: Festive No-Bake Holiday Snack Mix Recipe. It brings together crunchy cereal, luscious melted chocolate and peanut butter, and a snowy dusting of powdered sugar, all studded with cheerful red and green M&M’s and gooey mini marshmallows. This snack is not only incredibly simple to whip up but also perfect for sharing, gifting, or munching while cozy inside on a chilly winter night. I promise, once you try this, it’ll become a new holiday tradition you’ll look forward to year after year!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a large clear glass bowl filled with four different snack layers divided into sections: light brown square cereal pieces with a woven texture, small round beige cereal loops, thin golden-brown pretzel sticks, and some smaller orange pretzel pieces. Around the bowl, there are three smaller white bowls on a white marbled surface: one bowl with light beige peanuts, one with white candy melts shaped like chips, and one with bright red and green M&M candies. A small clear glass cup is also nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Reindeer Chow: Festive No-Bake Holiday Snack Mix Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each item plays a special role in creating the perfect combination of flavors and textures that dance on your palate. From crunchy cereal for body and bite, to the creamy chocolate-peanut butter blend that wraps everything in sweetness, these ingredients are simple yet essential.

6 cups rice or corn square cereal: Provides the crispy, light base that soaks up all the delicious coating but keeps its crunch.
1 cup pretzel twists or sticks: Adds a salty, crunchy contrast that balances the sweetness beautifully.
1 cup mini marshmallows: Offers soft, chewy bursts that melt just slightly when mixed in.
1 cup red and green M&M’s: Brings festive color and a fun, chocolatey pop with every bite.
½ cup peanut butter: Gives creamy richness and a nutty depth that holds the mix together.
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Brings smooth, melty chocolate flavor that coats every piece.
¼ cup butter: Adds silkiness and helps the chocolate and peanut butter blend smoothly.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness with warm, inviting undertones.
1½ cups powdered sugar: Creates that classic snowy coating that makes this mix so irresistible.

How to Make Reindeer Chow: Festive No-Bake Holiday Snack Mix Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cereal and Pretzels

Start by combining your rice or corn cereal with pretzel twists in a large, heat-safe bowl. This mix sets the festive stage with a combination of sweet and salty crunchy bits that will soak up the chocolaty goodness to come. Make sure the bowl is big enough because you’ll want plenty of room to toss everything evenly later on.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl, add the peanut butter, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and butter. Microwave the mixture in 30-second increments, stirring after each burst, until it’s smooth and fully melted. This slow melting process prevents overheating and ensures a perfectly glossy coating that envelops the cereal and pretzels in luscious flavor.

Step 3: Add the Vanilla Extract

Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract to bring a warm, aromatic sweetness that ties the whole mix together. Vanilla is a subtle but crucial player that elevates the familiar chocolate and peanut butter pairing into something truly festive and enchanting.

Step 4: Coat the Cereal Mixture

Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the cereal and pretzels and gently fold them together until every piece is evenly coated. Take your time folding to avoid breaking the cereal but ensure thorough coverage. This step is key because it transforms simple snack components into a harmoniously twinkling holiday treat.

Step 5: Toss with Powdered Sugar

Transfer your coated snack mix to a large resealable bag or a bowl with a lid. Add the powdered sugar and seal it up. Now comes the fun part: shake vigorously until every bit is dusted in a snowy white layer. This sugary coat adds sweetness and that nostalgic “puppy chow” look that’s part of the charm of Reindeer Chow.

Step 6: Cool and Add Marshmallows and M&M’s

Spread the mixture on parchment paper and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, gently fold in the mini marshmallows and festive red and green M&M’s. Adding these at the end keeps them fresh and prevents melting, ensuring you get a delightful burst of color and texture in every handful.

How to Serve Reindeer Chow: Festive No-Bake Holiday Snack Mix Recipe

Reindeer Chow: Festive No-Bake Holiday Snack Mix Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, sprinkle some holiday-themed sprinkles or crushed peppermint candy canes over the finished mix. This adds a sparkly, festive touch and a subtle crunch that enchants your guests. Alternatively, toss in some festive nuts like candied pecans if you want to amplify the texture and flavor layers.

Side Dishes

Reindeer Chow is a stand-alone snack, but it pairs beautifully with cozy drinks. Think hot cocoa topped with whipped cream, a spiced holiday latte, or even a chilled glass of eggnog. These beverages complement the sweetness and add to the festive vibe of your holiday spread, turning a simple snack into a joy-filled experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Package the mix in clear cellophane bags tied with vibrant red and green ribbons for charming homemade gifts. For parties, serve the Reindeer Chow in festive bowls or mason jars with themed spoons or scoops for an inviting, interactive snack station. Layering it in a trifle dish with whipped cream or pudding also makes for a playful, holiday-themed dessert centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Reindeer Chow in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh and crunchy. It stays at its best for up to one week, making it perfect for prepping ahead of holiday gatherings or gift-giving sessions.

Freezing

If you want to keep the snack mix even longer, freezing is an option. Place it in a sealable freezer bag and remove as much air as possible before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw at room temperature. While marshmallows may lose a bit of their texture, the rest of the mix remains deliciously intact.

Reheating

This snack mix doesn’t require reheating. It’s meant to be enjoyed as a cool, crunchy treat. However, if you prefer a slightly melty experience, warm it gently in a low oven for a few minutes and then let it cool slightly before snacking.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or another nut-free spread. The recipe still turns out creamy, chocolatey, and just as festive without nuts, making it safe for allergy-sensitive friends and family.

What type of cereal works best for Reindeer Chow?

Rice or corn square cereals like Chex are ideal because they’re light, sturdy, and have a neutral flavor that absorbs the chocolate-peanut butter coating well. Avoid cereals that are too sugary or crumbly to maintain the perfect crunch.

Can I customize the candy mix-ins?

Yes! While red and green M&M’s add a festive punch, you can use any mix of your favorite candies, nuts, or dried fruits. Just keep in mind that adding moist ingredients too early can affect the mix’s texture.

Is this healthy for kids?

While Reindeer Chow is a treat best enjoyed in moderation because of its sugar content, it’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients and can be a fun way to involve kids in holiday cooking. Serving it alongside fruit or nuts can balance the snack table nicely.

How long does it take to make this recipe?

From start to finish, this recipe comes together in about 15 minutes, making it an ideal quick holiday snack. No baking or complicated prep required, which means more time to enjoy your festive fun!

Final Thoughts

This Reindeer Chow: Festive No-Bake Holiday Snack Mix Recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that never fails to bring smiles and seasonal cheer. It’s easy to make, irresistibly tasty, and versatile enough for snacking, gifting, or holiday parties. Give it a try this season — I bet it will become one of your go-to festive treats!