If you’re looking for an easy and festive holiday treat, this Reindeer Food Recipe is just what you need! Also known as Christmas Puppy Chow, this sweet, crunchy, and chocolatey snack is perfect for sharing with friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Made with only seven ingredients and packed with holiday cheer, this recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat.
What Is Reindeer Food?
Reindeer Food is a festive twist on classic Puppy Chow (also called Muddy Buddies). It’s a delightful mix of Chex cereal, pretzels, chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar, enhanced with holiday-themed candies like red and green M&Ms. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy—ideal for holiday parties, edible gifts, or a cozy night in with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
• 1 ½ cups semisweet or dark chocolate chips: Adds rich chocolatey goodness.
• 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter: The creamy base that binds everything together.
• 5 cups Rice Chex Cereal: The classic foundation for Puppy Chow.
• 1 ½ cups mini pretzels (broken into pieces): Adds a salty crunch.
• 2 cups powdered sugar: Creates the iconic “snowy” coating.
• 1 ½ cups red and green M&Ms: Brings festive colors to the mix.
• 1 cup mini peanut butter cups: A fun and indulgent addition.
How to Make Reindeer Food
Step 1: Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine the Rice Chex cereal and broken pretzel pieces. Set aside.
Step 2: Melt and Coat
Melt the peanut butter and chocolate chips together, either in the microwave or on the stovetop. Stir until smooth, then pour the mixture over the cereal and pretzels. Gently stir to coat everything evenly.
Step 3: First Chill
Refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes, or until it just begins to set.
Step 4: Add Powdered Sugar
In a large bowl, sprinkle ½ cup of powdered sugar on the bottom. Add half of the chilled cereal mixture, then sprinkle another ½ cup of powdered sugar over it. Add the remaining cereal mixture and gently toss with more powdered sugar until everything is well coated.
Step 5: Final Chill
Refrigerate again for another 30–60 minutes until the mixture is set. Add more powdered sugar, ¼ cup at a time, until the cereal and pretzels are fully coated.
Step 6: Add the Holiday Cheer
Stir in the M&Ms and mini peanut butter cups. Transfer to a serving bowl or package in festive containers for gifting.
Tips and Substitutions
• Chocolate: Dark or semisweet chocolate is recommended for the perfect balance of sweetness. Allergy-friendly options like Enjoy Life are great alternatives.
• Nut Butters: Swap peanut butter for almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter for a customized flavor.
• Cereal: Rice Chex is a classic, but Crispex is a great alternative.
• Candy: Feel free to get creative with the candy mix-ins—peppermint bark pieces or holiday sprinkles work well too.
Storage and Freezing
• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
Why Everyone Loves Reindeer Food
Reindeer Food is a holiday favorite because it’s:
• Quick and Easy: No baking required!
• Customizable: Mix and match candies to suit your style.
• Perfect for Gifting: Package in festive tins or bags for a thoughtful, edible gift.
Whether you’re whipping up a batch for your family or spreading Christmas cheer to friends and coworkers, this Reindeer Food Recipe is sure to bring smiles all around. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to make a holiday treat that’s as delightful as it is delicious!
Happy holidays and happy snacking!
Reindeer Food Recipe (Christmas Puppy Chow)
This festive Reindeer Food is a delicious Christmas Puppy Chow recipe that’s simple to make with just 7 ingredients! It’s the perfect holiday treat to gift to friends, neighbors, or coworkers.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 365 kcal
- 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 into pieces
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups red and green M&Ms
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex cereal and pretzel pieces.
Melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together in the microwave or on the stovetop until smooth.
Pour the melted mixture over the cereal and pretzels, stirring until evenly coated.
Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, until it just begins to set.
In another large bowl, add ½ cup powdered sugar to the bottom. Add half of the chilled mixture, then sprinkle with another ½ cup powdered sugar. Add the remaining cereal mixture and gently toss until evenly coated.
Chill again for 30-60 minutes, or until fully set.
Gradually add more powdered sugar, ¼ cup at a time, until the cereal and pretzels are fully coated.
Stir in the M&Ms and mini peanut butter cups.
Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy, or store in an airtight container.
Storage
• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: Store for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month.
Notes and Substitutions
• Chocolate: Use semisweet or dark chocolate for balanced sweetness. Allergy-friendly options include Hu Kitchen or Enjoy Life.
• Peanut Butter: Substitute with other nut or seed butters, such as almond or sunflower butter.
• Cereal: Rice Chex or Crispex work best.
• Pretzels: Use mini pretzels or sticks broken into smaller pieces. Avoid thick rods.
• Powdered Sugar: Stick with powdered sugar for the best coating.
• Candy: Customize with your favorite holiday candies, but red and green M&Ms and mini peanut butter cups add a festive touch.
This Reindeer Food is a fun and tasty holiday treat everyone will love!