Chocolate Peanut Butter Reindeer Mix
So yesterday, we were kit between Alex's soccer practice and rushing home when he asked if we had any fun snacks ready. It got me thinking about our Chocolate Peanut Butter Reindeer Mix. This isn’t just any snack — it's a lifesaver on busy days and always a hit during the holidays. With zero cooking involved, it's perfect for those hectic weekdays when we all wish we had an extra pair of hands. Plus, the smiles I get from Alex and Sarah when they see it is just heartwarming. For other delightful snack ideas, check out our Stuffed Peanut Butter Nutella Cookies.
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Why you’ll love this recipe
This mix is a lifesaver. It's quick, requiring just 20 minutes and no actual cooking. Your family will love its combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and the fun of munching on something sweet and slightly salty all at once. Plus, it’s a cinch to make, even on the busiest weeknights or for holiday parties. It's our go-to treat when holiday buzz sets in, bringing a bit of festive spirit to any ordinary day.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Chex Corn cereal
- 3 cups Chex Rice cereal
- 2 cups Honey Nut Cheerios
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 ⅓ cup chocolate chips
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 bag (10oz) Christmas M&M’s
- 2 cups (7.6oz bag) mini peanut butter cups
- 2 cups pretzel twists
Step-by-step instructions
- Combine Chex cereal and Cheerios in a large bowl.
- In a different microwave-safe bowl, mix butter, chocolate chips, and peanut butter by microwaving for 30 seconds. Stir until smooth; if lumps remain, microwave an extra 30 seconds.
- Pour the chocolate blend over the cereal mix; stir gently to incorporate all ingredients.
- In a gallon ziplock bag, combine powdered sugar and cocoa. Add the cereal mixture, seal the bag, then shake until well coated.
- Spread the coated cereal onto a cookie sheet, let it cool completely.
- Finally, mix in the M&M’s, peanut butter cups, and pretzels, giving it all a good mix to combine.
Recipe tips & variations
One trick I've learned: if you're a fan of extra peanut butter flavor, consider adding an extra tablespoon to the chocolate mixture. Also, feel free to swap out the Honey Nut Cheerios with any favorite cereal your family loves. It’s so versatile — you can't go wrong. And if the cocoa flavor seems too intense, consider reducing it by half for a sweeter mix.
Storage & reheating
Store this delightful mix in an airtight container at room temperature, and it'll stay fresh for up to a week. If you prefer to prep ahead, it can be kept in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just ensure it’s sealed tight to avoid any moisture sneaking in.
FAQs
How do you prevent Reindeer Chow from becoming soggy or clumping together?
To keep it from becoming soggy, ensure your coating is even and let the cereal cool completely before adding M&M’s and pretzels. A good shake in a ziplock helps!
Can you make Reindeer Chow ahead of time for holiday gifting?
Absolutely! Make it a day or two in advance and store it in airtight containers or festive bags for gifting.
What cereals work best for making Reindeer Chow?
Chex and Cheerios are classic, but any combo of crunchy cereals works. Mix it up with what you have!
Can you freeze Reindeer Chow to keep it fresh longer?
Yes, freezing is great. Just ensure it’s in a well-sealed bag or container, and it’ll last for about a month.
Recipes you may like
If you enjoyed this, you might also like our Creamy Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls, perfect for any chocolate-peanut butter lover. Or try our Fudgy Buckeye Brownies, which are perfect for an easy weeknight treat.
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Reindeer Mix
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 10 1x
Description
A quick and easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Reindeer Mix that requires no cooking, perfect for busy holidays.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Chex Corn cereal
- 3 cups Chex Rice cereal
- 2 cups Honey Nut Cheerios
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 ⅓ cup chocolate chips
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 bag (10oz) Christmas M&M’s
- 2 cups (7.6oz bag) mini peanut butter cups
- 2 cups pretzel twists
Instructions
- Combine Chex cereal and Cheerios in a large bowl.
- In a different microwave-safe bowl, mix butter, chocolate chips, and peanut butter by microwaving for 30 seconds. Stir until smooth; if lumps remain, microwave an extra 30 seconds.
- Pour the chocolate blend over the cereal mix; stir gently to incorporate all ingredients.
- In a gallon ziplock bag, combine powdered sugar and cocoa. Add the cereal mixture, seal the bag, then shake until well coated.
- Spread the coated cereal onto a cookie sheet, let it cool completely.
- Finally, mix in the M&M’s, peanut butter cups, and pretzels, giving it all a good mix to combine.
Notes
- If you're a fan of extra peanut butter flavor, consider adding an extra tablespoon to the chocolate mixture.
- Feel free to swap out the Honey Nut Cheerios with any favorite cereal your family loves.
- If the cocoa flavor seems too intense, consider reducing it by half for a sweeter mix.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
