Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow), is a delightful and festive treat that adds a touch of holiday magic to any celebration. Made with Chex cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, and a dusting of powdered sugar, this snack mix is enhanced with vibrant holiday sprinkles or candies for an extra festive flair.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s incredibly simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of sweet, crunchy, and colorful ingredients makes it perfect for Christmas gatherings, movie nights, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift. It’s also easy to customize with different mix-ins to suit your preferences. Plus, no baking is required!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
9 cups Rice or Corn Chex cereal
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup red and green sprinkles or colored candies (like M&Ms)
Directions
Prepare the Cereal:
Place the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl.
Melt the Chocolate Mixture:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Coat the Cereal:
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently stir with a spatula until all the cereal pieces are evenly coated.
Add the Powdered Sugar:
Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the powdered sugar to the bag, seal it, and shake vigorously until the cereal is fully coated in powdered sugar.
Mix in the Festive Additions:
Pour the coated cereal into a large serving bowl or onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently mix in the red and green sprinkles or candies.
Cool and Serve:
Let the mixture cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Servings and Timing
Servings: About 12 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
Nut-Free Option: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or cookie butter for a nut-free alternative.
Extra Festive: Add mini pretzels, holiday-themed marshmallows, or white chocolate chips for extra texture and color.
Double the Fun: Make a second batch using white chocolate and divide into red and green sections with food coloring for a layered effect.
Storage/Reheating
To keep Reindeer Food fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Avoid refrigerating, as this can make the cereal less crunchy. This snack doesn’t require reheating—just grab a handful and enjoy!
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FAQs
What is the best type of cereal for this recipe?
I prefer Rice or Corn Chex cereal because they hold the chocolate mixture well and provide the perfect crunch.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Reindeer Food up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free Chex cereal and check the labels on your chocolate chips and candies to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
Yes, white chocolate works wonderfully and adds a festive touch. Consider using food coloring to tint the white chocolate red or green for extra holiday spirit.
What are some other festive mix-ins I can try?
Try adding crushed candy canes, shredded coconut, or holiday-themed sprinkles to give your Reindeer Food even more personality.
Conclusion
Reindeer Food is a versatile, festive, and delicious holiday treat that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re making it for a party, a movie night, or as a gift, this recipe is sure to spread holiday cheer. Give it a try, and let me know how you customize your batch.
📖 Recipe:
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Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Reindeer Food, also known as Christmas Puppy Chow, is a festive no-bake holiday treat made with Chex cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and festive sprinkles. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or as a homemade gift, this sweet snack is easy, customizable, and a holiday crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
9 cups Rice or Corn Chex cereal
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup red and green sprinkles or colored candies (e.g., M&Ms)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cereal:
Place the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. - Melt the Chocolate Mixture:
Combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract. - Coat the Cereal:
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently toss with a spatula until evenly coated. - Add Powdered Sugar:
Transfer the coated cereal to a large resealable bag. Add powdered sugar, seal, and shake until cereal is fully coated. - Incorporate Festive Mix-Ins:
Pour cereal onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a serving bowl. Mix in sprinkles or candies. - Cool and Serve:
Allow to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Notes
Nut-Free Version: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or cookie butter.
Extra Festive Touch: Add crushed candy canes, holiday marshmallows, or white chocolate chips for variety.
Storage Tip: Avoid refrigeration to keep the cereal crunchy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 12 servings
