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Reindeer Chow Chocolate and Pretzel Snack Mix Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 107 reviews

Reindeer Chow is a festive, sweet snack mix featuring crispy cereal coated in rich chocolate and peanut butter, dusted with brownie mix or powdered sugar, and mixed with mini chocolate peanut butter cups, red chocolate candies, and pretzels. This no-bake treat is perfect for holiday gatherings and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Coating

  • 4 cups Rice Chex or Corn Chex cereal
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
  • ½ cup peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Coating Mixes

  • 2 cups brownie mix (from an 18.4oz box)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar

Add-ins

  • 1 cup mini chocolate peanut butter cups
  • 1 cup red chocolate candy
  • 2 cups mini pretzels (any shape)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
  2. Add Cereal to Bowl: Place 4 cups of Rice Chex or Corn Chex cereal into a medium bowl, ensuring it’s ready for coating.
  3. Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup chocolate chips, ½ cup peanut butter, and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir. Continue heating in 10-20 second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate mixture is almost melted.
  4. Smooth Chocolate Mixture: Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir until the chocolate, peanut butter, and butter are completely smooth and combined.
  5. Coat Cereal: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
  6. Coat with Brownie Mix: Transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the 2 cups of brownie mix. Seal the bag and shake vigorously until the cereal is thoroughly coated. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Coat with Powdered Sugar: Repeat the same coating process for a second batch or portion of coated cereal, but use 2 cups powdered sugar instead of brownie mix. Pour out onto the baking sheet as well.
  8. Let Set: Allow the coated cereal to sit for about 15 minutes at room temperature so the coating can harden slightly, making it less sticky and easier to handle.
  9. Combine Mix: In a large bowl, combine both the brownie mix-coated and powdered sugar-coated puppy chow along with 2 cups mini pretzels. Stir gently to mix evenly.
  10. Add Final Toppings: Top the combined mix with 1 cup mini chocolate peanut butter cups and 1 cup red chocolate candy. Stir gently for an even distribution or leave as a topping for presentation.

Notes

  • Use Rice Chex or Corn Chex cereal for the best texture and coating adherence.
  • Microwave chocolate mixture in short bursts to avoid burning the chocolate.
  • If you prefer, you can melt the chocolate ingredients on the stovetop over low heat instead of microwaving.
  • This snack is best stored in an airtight container at room temperature and consumed within 5 days for optimal freshness.
  • Feel free to swap red chocolate candies for other festive colored candies to customize for holidays or events.
  • The mix can also be portioned into small gift bags for holiday gifting.

Keywords: Reindeer Chow, Puppy Chow, holiday snack, chocolate peanut butter cereal mix, festive snack mix

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/reindeer-chow-chocolate-and-pretzel-snack-mix-recipe/