Introduction

Reindeer Chow is a festive, sweet, and crunchy snack mix perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a delightful treat. Combining chocolate, peanut butter, pretzels, and colorful candies, this puppy chow variation is sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Two bright red metal buckets filled with snack mix sit on a red and white patterned cloth on a white marbled surface. One bucket is upright and fully filled with a mix of light brown pretzels, dark brown mini peanut butter cups, and pieces of chocolate and powdered sugar-covered squares. The second bucket lies on its side, spilling out the same mix of snacks with pretzels visibly scattered outside the bucket. The contrast between the red buckets, the mixed snack colors, and the white marbled background creates a festive, inviting display. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups Rice Chex or Corn Chex cereal
1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
½ cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups brownie mix (from an 18.4 oz box)
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup mini chocolate peanut butter cups
1 cup red chocolate candy
2 cups mini pretzels (any shape will work)

Instructions

Step 1: Line a rimmed baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper to prepare for coating the snack mix.
Step 2: Place the cereal in a medium-sized bowl.
Step 3: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Heat for 1 minute, then stir. Continue heating in 10 to 20-second intervals, stirring each time, until the chocolate is mostly melted and smooth.
Step 4: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
Step 5: Transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the brownie mix to the bag, seal it, and shake vigorously to coat the cereal thoroughly with the mix.
Step 6: Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly.
Step 7: For the snowy effect, repeat the coating process with another batch of chocolate-covered cereal, this time shaking it with the powdered sugar instead of brownie mix. Spread the powdered sugar-coated cereal onto a separate lined baking sheet.
Step 8: Allow both coated mixtures to set for about 15 minutes to harden slightly.
Step 9: In a large bowl, combine both the brownie puppy chow and the snowy puppy chow along with the mini pretzels. Stir gently to mix evenly.
Step 10: Top the mixture with mini chocolate peanut butter cups and red chocolate candies, then toss lightly so the candies are distributed without breaking.
Step 11: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container until ready to enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Use gluten-free cereal and brownie mix if you need a gluten-free version of this snack.
Swap the mini pretzels for salted nuts like peanuts or almonds for a crunchy twist.
For extra festive flair, add holiday-themed sprinkles or colored sugar on top.
Try using white chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate for a sweeter coating.

Storage

Store Reindeer Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate for up to two weeks. To refresh texture, let it come to room temperature before serving. Avoid storing in humid areas to keep the mix crisp.

How to Serve

Two small red metal buckets filled with snack mix sit on a white marbled surface over a red and white patterned cloth. The snack mix layers include light tan pretzels with a smooth surface, chocolate-covered pieces with a darker brown color, and powdered sugar-coated crunchy bits in light grayish white. One bucket is upright and full to the brim, showing the mix piled high above the edge with visible peanut butter cup chocolates, while the other bucket lies on its side with the mix spilling out onto the cloth and surface. The scene is bright and clean with a festive feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or another nut-free spread, and replace peanut butter cups with nut-free candies to keep the recipe safe for those with nut allergies.

How do I keep the chocolate coating from melting too much?

Ensure the chocolate mixture is fully melted but not overheated; stirring frequently helps regulate the temperature. Also, toss the cereal gently when coating to prevent breaking pieces. Keeping the finished mix in a cool, dry place avoids excessive melting.