Reindeer Food
Whenever the holiday season kicks in, Holiday Muddy Buddies—or as we lovingly call it, Reindeer Food—takes a special spot on our table. This sweet treat is one of those easy, no-bake recipes that my family can’t get enough of. Sarah loves helping me in the kitchen, and even Alex, with his teenage appetite, can’t resist grabbing handfuls of this crunchy goodness. Plus, it’s a perfect recipe for those busy nights when you want to keep things simple yet festive. If you're looking for more holiday dessert ideas, check out my Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies.
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Why you’ll love this recipe
Creating Holiday Muddy Buddies is delightfully straightforward. You toss everything in a bowl, and in no time, you’ve got a snack both kids and adults adore. It’s a playful mix of cereal, chocolate, and peanut butter, delivering joy in every crunchy bite. The balance of sweet and salty offers a delightful flavor that makes it irresistible.
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 into pieces
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups red and green M&Ms
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups
Step-by-step instructions
- Combine the Base: In a large bowl, mix the Rice Chex cereal and pretzel pieces.
- Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter: Either on the stovetop or in the microwave, melt the peanut butter and chocolate together until smooth.
- Mix Everything Together: Pour the melted mixture over your cereal and pretzels, stirring to ensure everything is well coated.
- First Chill: Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes until it just starts to set.
- Powdered Sugar Coating: In another large bowl, sprinkle ½ cup of powdered sugar at the bottom. Add half the chilled mixture, sprinkle with another ½ cup powdered sugar, then add the remaining chocolate mixture.
- Toss & Coat: Stir gently to distribute the powdered sugar evenly, ensuring every piece is coated.
- Second Chill: Return the mixture to the fridge for an additional 30-60 minutes until it’s completely set.
- Final Touches: Gradually add more powdered sugar, ¼ cup at a time, until everything is fully coated.
- Add Mix-Ins: Stir in M&Ms and mini peanut butter cups.
- Serve: Transfer to a festive serving bowl and enjoy!
Recipe tips & variations
Feel free to mix and match with different types of chocolate or add nuts for an extra crunch. If you’re making this with young kids, introducing colorful sprinkles can also be a fun twist.
Storage & reheating
Store Holiday Muddy Buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. It can also be stored in the refrigerator if you prefer it chilled.
FAQs
What is the best way to keep Reindeer Food Puppy Chow from getting soggy?
Keep it stored in an airtight container to maintain crispness. If it gets soggy, popping it in the fridge can help firm it back up.
Can you freeze Christmas Reindeer Chow for later?
Yes, you can freeze it. Just ensure it's in an airtight container and let it thaw to room temperature before serving.
How do you melt chocolate and peanut butter so it doesn’t seize?
Use a low heat setting and stir continuously. If using a microwave, short 30-second intervals while stirring helps maintain the desired texture.
What cereal works best for making Reindeer Food Puppy Chow?
Rice Chex Cereal is perfect due to its texture and ability to hold the coating well.
Recipes you may like
- Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies
- Creamy Mango Banana Smoothie for a Fresh Morning Boost
- Pineapple Green Smoothie
Holiday Muddy Buddies
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful no-bake treat known as Reindeer Food made with chocolate, peanut butter, and Rice Chex cereal.
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 into pieces
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups red and green M&Ms
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups
Instructions
- Combine the Base: In a large bowl, mix the Rice Chex cereal and pretzel pieces.
- Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter: Either on the stovetop or in the microwave, melt the peanut butter and chocolate together until smooth.
- Mix Everything Together: Pour the melted mixture over your cereal and pretzels, stirring to ensure everything is well coated.
- First Chill: Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes until it just starts to set.
- Powdered Sugar Coating: In another large bowl, sprinkle ½ cup of powdered sugar at the bottom. Add half the chilled mixture, sprinkle with another ½ cup powdered sugar, then add the remaining chocolate mixture.
- Toss & Coat: Stir gently to distribute the powdered sugar evenly, ensuring every piece is coated.
- Second Chill: Return the mixture to the fridge for an additional 30-60 minutes until it’s completely set.
- Final Touches: Gradually add more powdered sugar, ¼ cup at a time, until everything is fully coated.
- Add Mix-Ins: Stir in M&Ms and mini peanut butter cups.
- Serve: Transfer to a festive serving bowl and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to mix and match with different types of chocolate or add nuts for an extra crunch.
- If you’re making this with young kids, introducing colorful sprinkles can also be a fun twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
