Reindeer Chow is a fun, festive, and irresistible Christmas snack made with crunchy Chex cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and colorful holiday candies. This easy Brownie Batter Chex Mix Reindeer Chow tastes like a rich brownie in snack-mix form and takes only a few minutes to prepare. It’s perfect for Christmas parties, movie nights, cookie exchanges, or packaging into cute homemade gifts.
Brownie Batter Chex Mix Reindeer Chow
If you love muddy buddies or puppy chow, you’re going to love this holiday version. Reindeer Chow combines the familiar crunchy texture of Chex cereal with a chocolatey brownie-batter coating and plenty of festive mix-ins.
The best part is that you don’t need to turn on the oven. Everything comes together in one bowl, making this an easy Christmas treat when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
The combination of chocolate and peanut butter gives the cereal a rich, dessert-like flavour, while powdered sugar adds that classic sweet coating. Holiday M&M-style candies, sprinkles, or other festive toppings make the mix look extra special.
It’s also a great recipe to make with children. Once the chocolate mixture is prepared, kids can help shake the cereal with powdered sugar and add the colorful decorations.
The Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy Reindeer Chow:
Chex cereal: Rice or Corn Chex works well. You can also combine different varieties for extra texture.
Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips give the snack a rich chocolate flavour. Milk chocolate can be used if you prefer something sweeter.
Creamy peanut butter: Peanut butter creates a smooth chocolate-peanut butter coating that sticks beautifully to the cereal.
Butter: Butter helps create a smooth, rich coating and adds extra flavour.
Vanilla extract: A little vanilla enhances the chocolate and peanut butter flavours.
Powdered sugar: This is what gives Reindeer Chow its classic snowy appearance and sweet finish.
Brownie mix: A small amount of dry brownie mix can be added to create that delicious brownie-batter flavour.
Holiday candies: Red and green chocolate candies are perfect for a Christmas theme.
Christmas sprinkles: Add festive sprinkles in red, green, white, or gold for extra colour.
You can also add mini pretzels, chocolate chunks, peanuts, pecans, or mini marshmallows depending on the flavour and texture you want.
How to Make Reindeer Chow
Making this Christmas snack is incredibly easy.
Step 1: Prepare the Cereal
Place the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Use a bowl that gives you plenty of room to stir without crushing the cereal.
Set the bowl aside while you prepare the chocolate coating.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
Add the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter to a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each one, until the mixture is smooth and completely melted.
Be careful not to overheat the chocolate. Gentle heating and frequent stirring will help keep the mixture smooth.
Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Coat the Chex
Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the Chex cereal.
Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold everything together until the cereal is evenly coated.
Try not to stir too aggressively because the cereal can break easily.
Step 4: Add the Powdered Sugar
Transfer the coated cereal to a large resealable food-storage bag or another large container with a lid.
Add the powdered sugar.
Seal the bag and gently shake until all of the cereal pieces are covered in a snowy layer of powdered sugar.
If you prefer a thicker coating, add a little more powdered sugar and shake again.
Step 5: Add the Brownie Flavour
Once the cereal is coated, add the dry brownie mix and gently toss everything together.
The brownie mix adds an extra layer of rich chocolate flavour that makes this version different from traditional puppy chow.
Step 6: Add the Christmas Decorations
Spread the Reindeer Chow onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Allow it to cool completely.
Once cooled, add your holiday candies and Christmas sprinkles.
You can mix everything together or sprinkle the decorations over the top for a more attractive presentation.
Step 7: Serve
Transfer the finished Reindeer Chow to a large serving bowl and serve immediately.
It’s perfect for Christmas parties, holiday gatherings, family movie nights, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot chocolate.
How to Give Reindeer Chow as a Gift
Reindeer Chow makes a fantastic homemade Christmas gift because it is inexpensive, easy to prepare, and looks beautiful when packaged.
Christmas Treat Bags
Fill clear cellophane bags with Reindeer Chow and tie them with red or green ribbon.
Add a small Christmas gift tag with a message such as:
“A Special Treat for Santa’s Reindeer!”
This makes a cute gift for neighbours, teachers, coworkers, friends, or family members.
Mason Jars
For a more polished presentation, fill small mason jars with Reindeer Chow.
Add a festive ribbon around the lid and attach a handwritten gift tag. You can also layer the ingredients or candies in the jar for a decorative effect.
Christmas Tins
Holiday tins are another great option, especially if you’re giving the snack to a family.
Line the tin with parchment paper, add the Reindeer Chow, and close it tightly. Decorate the outside with a Christmas ribbon or sticker.
Homemade Gift Baskets
Include Reindeer Chow in a Christmas snack basket with homemade cookies, chocolate-covered pretzels, hot cocoa mix, marshmallows, and other holiday treats.
This makes a wonderful edible gift for Christmas morning or a holiday party.
Variations
One of the best things about Reindeer Chow is how easy it is to customize.
White Chocolate Reindeer Chow
Replace the semi-sweet chocolate with white chocolate chips. Add red and green candies for a beautiful snowy Christmas snack.
Dark Chocolate Version
Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk or semi-sweet chocolate for a richer, less sweet flavour.
Peanut-Free Reindeer Chow
If you need a peanut-free version, replace the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or another suitable nut-free spread.
Always check the labels of your other ingredients if you’re preparing the snack for someone with an allergy.
Mint Chocolate Reindeer Chow
Add a small amount of peppermint extract to the melted chocolate mixture and finish the snack with crushed peppermint candies.
The combination of chocolate and peppermint is perfect for the holiday season.
Pretzel Reindeer Chow
Add mini pretzels to the cereal before coating it. The salty crunch balances the sweetness of the chocolate and powdered sugar.
Extra Chocolate Version
For serious chocolate lovers, add chocolate chunks, chocolate candies, and chocolate-covered pretzels after the cereal has cooled.
Nutty Reindeer Chow
Add roasted peanuts, chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts for extra crunch.
Festive Sprinkle Mix
Change the sprinkles according to the holiday. Red and green are classic for Christmas, while white and gold can give the snack a more elegant look.
How to Store Leftover Chex Mix
If you have leftover Reindeer Chow, store it properly so it stays crunchy and delicious.
Place the cooled snack mix in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
Avoid storing it in the refrigerator unless necessary. Moisture from the refrigerator can affect the texture and make the cereal less crunchy.
For the best texture, enjoy the Reindeer Chow within several days.
If you’re making it ahead for a Christmas party or gift giving, prepare it once completely cooled, store it in an airtight container, and package it shortly before giving it away.
Keep the container tightly sealed whenever you’re not serving the snack.
Final Thoughts
Reindeer Chow is one of those easy Christmas treats that looks impressive but takes very little effort to make. The combination of crunchy Chex cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, powdered sugar, brownie flavour, and festive candies creates a snack that both kids and adults will love.
Whether you’re serving it at a Christmas party, making it for a holiday movie night, or packaging it as a homemade gift, this Brownie Batter Chex Mix Reindeer Chow is a simple and delicious way to add some extra holiday cheer to your celebrations.
PrintReindeer Chow
Reindeer Chow is a delicious brownie batter Chex mix that is so simple to make and just the perfect holiday treat. Crispy Rice Chex coated in chocolate and peanut butter then dusted with brownie mix. Add M&M’S, pretzels, and Reese’s Cups and you’ll be ready for Christmas snacking!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup dry brownie mix
- 1 12-ounce bag Christmas M&M’s
- 2 cups miniature Reese’s peanut butter cups unwrapped
- 2 cups pretzel twists
Instructions
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter and heat in the microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each interval, until melted and smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate mixture with the Rice Chex and toss gently with a spatula until the cereal is coated. Pour the brownie mix over top of the cereal and toss until coated.
- Add the M&M’s, peanut butter cups, and pretzel twists and toss gently to combine.
