Go Back

Reindeer Chow

A festive spin on classic puppy chow that swaps chocolate for peanut butter and adds fun reindeer-themed toppings. This no-bake snack takes just 15 minutes from start to finish and features crispy cereal coated in rich peanut butter and powdered sugar, studded with red and green candies.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 145
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 3 cups Rice Square cereal like Chex
  • 1 cup Reese's Peanut Butter Cups roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup red and green M&M candies or holiday-colored candies
  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips optional, for extra decadence

Equipment

  • Large microwave-safe bowl
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Large zip-top plastic bag or gallon-sized container
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small bowl for mixing powdered sugar and cinnamon
  • Baking sheet or parchment paper for cooling

Method
 

  1. Measure out your cereal into a large bowl and set it nearby, and chop the peanut butter cups into small pieces about the size of pea gravel.
  2. Combine the chopped peanut butter cups, white chocolate chips, and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl, then microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each one, until completely melted and smooth (usually 1 to 2 minutes total).
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract until it's fully incorporated into the warm chocolate mixture.
  4. Pour the warm chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the measured cereal and stir gently with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until every piece is evenly coated.
  5. Combine the powdered sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and stir to blend them evenly.
  6. Pour the chocolate-coated cereal into a large zip-top bag or gallon-sized container and add the powdered sugar mixture. Seal the bag and shake vigorously for 2 to 3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even coating.
  7. Spread the sugar-coated chow in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes.
  8. Once cooled slightly, toss in the red and green M&Ms and mini chocolate chips (if using) and stir gently to distribute them throughout.

Notes

Let your Reindeer Chow cool completely before storing it, because residual warmth will make the powdered sugar turn into a sticky clump instead of staying fluffy and dry. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.