Chocolate Peanut Butter Reindeer Chow Recipe

If you’re anything like me, snack mixes that blend salty, sweet, and a little bit of holiday magic are pure joy. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Chocolate Peanut Butter Reindeer Chow Recipe with you—it’s one of those treats that everyone will go wild for during the festive season. Crunchy cereal coated in rich chocolate and peanut butter, dusted with brownie mix, and then tossed with colorful M&Ms, peanut butter cups, and pretzels? Heaven. Stick with me and I’ll walk you through how to make this addictive snack, plus share some insider tips that I’ve learned from my own kitchen adventures.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Reindeer Chow Recipe relies on simple pantry staples that combine into a fun and festive snack. Most ingredients are easy to find, and I’ll share a couple tricks to help you pick the best versions for tastier results.

• Rice Chex Cereal: This cereal holds up well without getting soggy, making it perfect for coating in chocolate and peanut butter.
• Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Go for good quality chocolate here—smooth melting chocolate chips create that silky coating we all love.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Smooth works best to blend easily with the chocolate and evenly coat everything.
• Dry Brownie Mix (or Powdered Sugar + Cocoa Powder): Brownie mix gives an extra fudgy flavor, but if you don’t have it, a powdered sugar and cocoa blend works like a charm.
• Christmas M&Ms (12 oz bag): The festive colors add a pretty pop and a crunchy texture contrast.
• Mini Peanut Butter Cups: These surprise you with little pockets of peanut butter delight in every bite.
• Pretzel Twists: I love the salty crunch these add—they balance out the sweetness beautifully.

Variations

I love how versatile this Chocolate Peanut Butter Reindeer Chow Recipe is—you can tweak it to match what you have or suit dietary preferences. Sometimes I swap out the M&Ms for dried cranberries for a bit of tartness, or use gluten-free cereal for my gluten-intolerant friends. You can even make it spicier with a pinch of cinnamon if that’s your vibe!

• Nut-Free Version: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and swap peanut butter cups for allergy-friendly chocolate chips—this keeps the festive feel minus the nuts.
• Less Sweet Option: Try omitting the M&Ms and cutting the brownie mix in half to let the salty pretzels shine through more.
• S’mores-Inspired: Add mini marshmallows and swap pretzels for graham cracker pieces for a cozy twist.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Reindeer Chow Recipe

Step 1: Melt Your Chocolate and Peanut Butter Together

Start by combining your semisweet chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well between each until the mixture is smooth and silky. Take your time here—if your chocolate overheats, it can seize up and become grainy. I usually find 1 to 2 intervals do the trick. This luscious blend is the heart of your reindeer chow’s flavor, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Coat the Cereal in the Chocolate Mixture

Pour the melted mixture over your Rice Chex cereal in a large bowl. Use a spatula (I like a big silicone one) to gently toss and fold the cereal until every piece is coated. Be careful not to overmix and break the cereal, but make sure the chocolate covers evenly. It’s super fun to see all those little pieces turning glossy and sticky.

Step 3: Shake It Up with Brownie Mix

Here’s where the magic continues: place your dry brownie mix (or powdered sugar/cocoa blend) into a resealable gallon-sized plastic bag. Add your chocolate-coated cereal, seal it tight, and shake vigorously until every piece is dusted. This coating adds that classic “powdered” appearance and a delicious fudgy edge. It’s so satisfying to hear that shake and know you’re halfway to snack heaven.

Step 4: Let It Cool and Add the Mix-Ins

Spread the coated cereal in a single layer on parchment paper to cool and dry completely. This step is important so your reindeer chow isn’t sticky and clumped together. Once cooled, mix in your colorful M&Ms, mini peanut butter cups, and salty pretzels. Now, isn’t that a delightful combo? It’s like a little festive party in each bite.

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Reindeer Chow Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a sprinkle of crushed pretzels on top for extra crunch and a few festive sprinkles if I’m feeling fancy. For holiday parties, a little edible glitter or a few candy canes broken up on the side can make the presentation pop without overpowering the flavors.

Side Dishes

This reindeer chow is a perfect party snack on its own, but if you want to serve it more formally, I love pairing it with a simple cheese board or fresh fruit platter. The salty and sweet notes complement crisp apples and sharp cheeses beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cute festive touch, try serving this reindeer chow in clear glass jars or holiday-themed tins tied with ribbons. It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift if you portion it into small bags and add personalized gift tags. One holiday, I even layered it in a trifle bowl with whipped cream and crushed candy canes for a fun dessert twist—totally worth trying!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover reindeer chow in an airtight container at room temperature—this keeps it fresh and crunchy for up to a week. Just make sure it’s fully dry before sealing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftovers by portioning the chow into freezer bags. When you want to enjoy it again, just thaw for about 30 minutes at room temperature and it’s as fresh as when I made it. The texture holds up surprisingly well!

Reheating

Since this is a no-bake snack, reheating isn’t necessary—but if you want to slightly soften the peanut butter cups before serving, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave works wonders. Just don’t overdo it or the chocolate will melt away!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Reindeer Chow Recipe is one of those holiday staples that always gets me excited for the season. It brings together nostalgic flavors with a fun, crunchy texture that my family absolutely adores. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a festive gift idea, or just want a delicious snack to nibble on while watching holiday movies, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for seconds (or thirds!) before you know it.

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