We all have that one snack mix we just can’t stop grabbing by the handful—and this is mine. Reindeer Chow has made its way into our home as a yearly tradition, and trust me, it disappears faster than a snowflake in Florida. I mean, who could resist a sweet mix of crunchy cereal, peanut butter, and chocolate, all dusted with powdered sugar? It’s part candy, part memory-maker. This recipe is one of those super easy recipes that just works. It’s a winner with kids, adults, and even the picky ones at the holiday party. If you’re on the hunt for super low calorie recipes or healthy tea recipes, okay… maybe look the other way. But if you need a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing snack? Right here. It also makes a cute little gift—just pop it into festive bags or jars, add a ribbon, and boom, you’ve nailed the holiday spirit. This is what I’d call an easy healthy sweet snack (well, mostly sweet), a sugary hug in snack form. And if you’ve got a warm mug of hot tea nearby, you’re in business. Now let’s get into this blend of sweet desserts and homemade tea recipes magic.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Reindeer Chow Recipe
3) Ingredients for Reindeer Chow
4) How to Make Reindeer Chow
5) Tips for Making Reindeer Chow
6) Making Reindeer Chow Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Reindeer Chow
8) Try these snacks next!
9) Reindeer Chow Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This Reindeer Chow is a chocolatey, crunchy mix of cereal, peanut butter, and powdered sugar.
It takes just minutes to prepare and requires no baking at all.
Perfect for parties, edible gifts, or a fun sweet treat to make with kids.
Keep it in an airtight container for several days of snacking.

2) Easy Reindeer Chow Recipe

When I say this Reindeer Chow falls squarely into the category of super easy recipes, I mean it. If you’ve got a microwave, a spoon, and five fingers to sneak some from the bowl, you’re good. It checks the box for sweet desserts and does it in a way that brings the room to silence, because everyone’s too busy munching.

We’ve made it for cookie swaps, school parties, family movie night—you name it. It always goes fast. And while it might not be on your list of super low calorie recipes, it makes up for it by being outrageously satisfying. We keep the ingredients simple, the method foolproof, and the flavor through the roof.

Pair it with a mug from your collection of hot tea recipes and you’re set for the evening. I love how this can be a last-minute, throw-together kind of thing, yet still feels like a hug in snack form. It’s pure joy in a bowl.

3) Ingredients for Reindeer Chow

Rice Chex Cereal: This is the base of everything. It’s crunchy, light, and holds the chocolate-peanut butter glaze like a dream.

Semisweet Chocolate Chips: These melt down smooth and give the mix its rich backbone. I usually go for the classic chips you find in every grocery aisle.

Creamy Peanut Butter: The salty peanut butter wraps itself around the cereal and adds that melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Use your favorite brand and don’t overthink it.

Unsalted Butter: Just enough to pull everything together and make it smooth. Salted works too if that’s what you have on hand.

Vanilla Extract: Adds a soft, round note to all that chocolate and peanut butter. You don’t need much, but it matters.

Powdered Sugar: This gives the chow its signature look and sweetness. Shake it like you mean it to coat everything evenly.

Holiday M&M’s: The color is part of the fun. Red and green turn this from regular snack mix into a festive favorite. You can swap colors for any season.

Mini Pretzels: They break up the sweetness with crunch and salt. Plus, they look cute poking out of the mix.

4) How to Make Reindeer Chow

Step 1: Grab a large microwave-safe bowl. Toss in the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in short bursts, 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each round. It should be smooth but not scorching.

Step 2: Stir in your vanilla extract while the mix is still warm. It’ll give everything that homey aroma you recognize instantly.

Step 3: Pour your cereal into a big mixing bowl—big enough that nothing spills out while stirring. Drizzle the warm chocolate mix over the cereal and gently fold it all together. Try not to crush the cereal too much.

Step 4: Time to coat! Add the powdered sugar. You can either stir it in with a spatula or pour everything into a large resealable bag and shake it like a snow globe until every piece is covered.

Step 5: Once cooled, mix in the M&M’s and pretzels. They add crunch, color, and just enough salty bite to balance the sweetness.

Step 6: That’s it. You’re done. Sneak a few bites before everyone else finds it, then seal it up or share it out.

5) Tips for Making Reindeer Chow

Don’t rush the microwave. If you overheat the chocolate, it can seize or taste burnt. Take it slow and stir often.

Work quickly once you pour the chocolate mix over the cereal. It sets up fast, and you want each piece coated evenly.

If you want to make it fit your list of easy healthy sweet snacks, you can cut back on the sugar and toss in some dried fruit or roasted nuts instead. It’s your snack—make it yours.

6) Making Reindeer Chow Ahead of Time

This is one of those super easy recipes that actually tastes better after it sits for a bit. Make it a day or two ahead if you’re planning for a party or gift bags. It’ll hold up great and gives the flavors time to blend.

To keep it from getting soggy, make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing it. Let it hang out on parchment or a baking tray while it dries. That step makes a big difference in texture.

If you’re giving it as gifts, portion it into small clear bags or jars. Add some ribbon, maybe a handwritten tag, and you’ve got something charming and thoughtful—without spending all day in the kitchen.

7) Storing Leftover Reindeer Chow

Once made, keep your Reindeer Chow in an airtight container at room temp. It stays crunchy and sweet for up to a week, though ours rarely makes it that long.

If it’s warm in your kitchen, store it in the fridge. That keeps the chocolate firm and the texture crisp. Just don’t let it hang out uncovered or it’ll get chewy fast.

And if you need a quick dessert idea? This is one of those sweet desserts that always saves the day. Just scoop and serve. Done.

8) Try these snacks next!

9) Reindeer Chow Recipe