Description
Reindeer Chow is a delightful no-bake holiday snack mix combining crunchy cereal, salty pretzels, sweet marshmallows, festive M&M’s, and a rich, creamy coating of peanut butter and chocolate. It’s a perfect treat for Christmas parties, gifting, or cozy movie nights, offering a delicious balance of sweet and salty flavors.
Ingredients
Dry 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
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large heat-safe bowl, mix together the rice or corn cereal and pretzel twists. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the chocolate coating.
- Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
- Add Vanilla: Stir the vanilla extract into the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture to enhance flavor.
- Coat Cereal and Pretzels: Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal and pretzels. Gently stir until every piece is evenly coated with the chocolate mixture.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Transfer the chocolate-coated mixture into a large resealable plastic bag or a bowl with a lid. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag or cover the bowl, and shake vigorously until the mixture is well coated with powdered sugar.
- Cool and Add Final Ingredients: Spread the coated mixture onto parchment paper and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, gently fold in the mini marshmallows and red and green M&M’s, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Store: Store the finished Reindeer Chow in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower butter for a nut-free version.
- Extra Festive: Enhance the look and flavor by adding holiday sprinkles or mini candy canes.
- Storage: Keeps fresh at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Gifting: Package in clear bags tied with festive ribbon to create charming holiday treats.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
