Looking for a fun, festive, and downright irresistible holiday treat? Reindeer Food, also known as Christmas Puppy Chow, is a must-try recipe for the holiday season. This easy no-bake snack combines crunchy Rice Chex cereal, salty pretzels, creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and powdered sugar, all topped off with red and green M&Ms and mini peanut butter cups.
Perfect for holiday parties, family movie nights, or as an edible gift, this sweet and salty mix is as easy to make as it is to devour. The best part? It comes together in under an hour with minimal effort, making it a great recipe to prepare with kids.
Let’s explore why this recipe is a holiday favorite, how to make it step-by-step, and some tips to customize it to your taste!
Why You’ll Love Reindeer Food
1. Quick and Easy
This no-bake recipe requires only a few simple steps and ingredients, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
2. Festive and Fun
With red and green M&Ms and peanut butter cups, this snack mix is bursting with holiday cheer.
3. Sweet and Salty Perfection
The combination of crunchy pretzels, creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and powdered sugar creates the ultimate sweet-and-salty flavor explosion.
4. Crowd-Pleasing Snack
Reindeer Food is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a perfect addition to holiday gatherings.
5. Customizable
You can easily swap ingredients or add your favorite mix-ins to make it your own.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this festive holiday treat:
- 1 ½ cups semisweet or dark chocolate chips: Provides a rich, chocolatey coating.
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter: Adds smooth, nutty flavor and helps the chocolate adhere to the cereal.
- 5 cups Rice Chex cereal: The crispy base for the mix.
- 1 ½ cups mini pretzels (broken into pieces): Adds a salty, crunchy element.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Coats the mixture for a snowy, festive appearance.
- 1 ½ cups red and green M&Ms: Brings a pop of holiday color.
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups: Adds an extra burst of peanut butter and chocolate goodness.
Preparation Time and Yield
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8–10
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 5 cups Rice Chex cereal and 1 ½ cups broken mini pretzels. Set aside.
2: Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter
- In a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop, melt 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips and 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter together.
- Stir the mixture until smooth and fully combined.
3: Coat the Cereal and Pretzels
- Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the cereal and pretzels.
- Gently toss to coat the pieces evenly, ensuring every bite is covered in the chocolatey goodness.
4: Chill the Mixture
- Place the coated mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, just until it begins to set.
5: Add Powdered Sugar
- In a second large bowl, sprinkle ½ cup powdered sugar on the bottom.
- Add half of the chilled cereal mixture, then top with another ½ cup powdered sugar.
- Add the remaining cereal mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Chill the mixture again for 30–60 minutes, allowing the sugar to adhere.
6: Add Festive Mix-Ins
- Once the mixture is fully set, sprinkle in 1 ½ cups red and green M&Ms and 1 cup mini peanut butter cups.
- Toss everything together gently to combine.
7: Serve and Store
- Transfer the Reindeer Food to a serving bowl or holiday-themed container.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 5–7 days.
How to Serve
Reindeer Food is versatile and festive. Here are some serving ideas:
- Holiday Parties: Place in a decorative bowl for a sweet and salty snack.
- Edible Gifts: Package in festive bags or jars with a ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade gift.
- Movie Nights: Serve as a treat for cozy holiday movie marathons.
- Cookie Swaps: Include this snack mix alongside traditional cookies for variety.
Tips for Perfect Reindeer Food
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your chocolate and peanut butter are fresh for the best flavor and consistency.
- Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Chilling the mixture helps the powdered sugar adhere and prevents the chocolate from melting.
- Mix Gently: Be careful when tossing the mixture to avoid breaking the cereal.
- Customize the Mix-Ins: Add pretzel sticks, crushed candy canes, or holiday sprinkles for extra festive flair.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Add more or less powdered sugar to suit your taste.
Recipe Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or cookie butter.
- White Chocolate Twist: Use white chocolate chips instead of semisweet for a different flavor profile.
- Candy Cane Crunch: Add crushed candy canes for a peppermint twist.
- Salty-Sweet Balance: Include salted caramel chips or roasted nuts for extra crunch.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pretzels and ensure the Rice Chex cereal is certified gluten-free.
Storage and Freezing
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week for a firmer texture.
- Room Temperature: Keeps well at room temperature for 5–7 days in a cool, dry place.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQ
Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
A: Yes, but creamy peanut butter ensures a smoother coating. Crunchy adds extra texture if that’s your preference.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! It keeps well for several days, making it a perfect make-ahead treat.
Q: What if I don’t have M&Ms?
A: Substitute with holiday sprinkles, chopped candy bars, or chocolate chips for a colorful mix.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes! This recipe doubles easily, making it perfect for feeding a crowd.
Conclusion
Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) is the ultimate holiday snack that’s easy to make, fun to share, and impossible to resist. With its combination of chocolate, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and festive mix-ins, this no-bake treat captures the spirit of the season in every bite.
Whether you’re prepping for a holiday gathering or looking for a simple yet thoughtful gift idea, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Gather your ingredients, get the kids involved, and enjoy the magic of making (and eating) this holiday favorite. Happy snacking!
Print
Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) – Festive Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8–10 1x
Description
A sweet and salty holiday treat made with Rice Chex, chocolate, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and festive candies
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
- 5 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 ½ cups mini pretzels (broken)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups red and green M&Ms
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups
Instructions
- Mix Rice Chex and pretzels in a large bowl.
- Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter, then pour over the cereal mixture.
- Chill for 30 minutes, then toss with powdered sugar.
- Add festive candies and chill for another 30–60 minutes.
- Serve or store in an airtight container for 5–7 days.
Notes
Store at room temperature for 5–7 days or freeze for up to 1 month
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes