Ingredients for reindeer chow recipe
Gathering these simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first joyful step toward creating your holiday snack mix. I love how this combination of textures and flavors comes together—crispy, chewy, sweet, and salty all in one delightful handful.
For the mix
- Crispy rice cereal squares – The classic base that adds that perfect crunch.
- Rolled oats – Gives a hearty texture and balances the sweetness.
- Salted peanuts – Adds a salty contrast that’s absolutely essential.
For the coating
- White chocolate chips – Melts into creamy perfection for the base of the coating.
- Creamy peanut butter – A must for that rich, nutty flavor we all love.
- Unsalted butter – Helps everything melt together smoothly.
- Vanilla extract – A little splash elevates the flavor beautifully.
For finishing
- Powdered sugar – A snowy dusting that makes this treat irresistible.
Cook Time for No Bake Reindeer Chow
One of my favorite things about this reindeer chow recipe is that it’s a no-bake treat. You can whip up a big batch in almost no time, which is a lifesaver during the hectic holiday season. The active prep is quick, and the setting time is just enough to build a little anticipation!
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Chill Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
If you’re looking for more no bake desserts to simplify your holiday spread, you’ll adore these easy and healthy no-bake dessert ideas.
How to Make Holiday Reindeer Chow
Making this festive treat is such a fun kitchen activity. I often recruit my little helpers for the shaking step—their giggles are the best seasoning! Follow these simple steps for a perfect reindeer chow recipe every time.
Step 1: Combine Your Dry Ingredients
In a very large mixing bowl, combine 8 cups of crispy rice cereal squares, 3 cups of rolled oats, and 1 cup of salted peanuts. This creates the foundation of our sweet and salty snack. Set the bowl aside for now.
Step 2: Melt the Coating
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine 12 ounces of white chocolate chips, 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter, and 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring after each one, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. This creamy peanut butter reindeer snack mix coating is what binds all the goodness together.
Step 3: Add the Vanilla
Stir 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture until it’s fully incorporated. That hint of vanilla really makes the flavors sing!
Step 4: Coat the Cereal Mixture
Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the dry ingredients in your large bowl. Use a large spatula to gently fold everything together. You want every cereal square, oat, and peanut to be evenly coated in that luscious, melted goodness.
Step 5: The Powdered Sugar Shower
Place 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar in a large, clean paper bag or a sealed plastic container. Add the coated cereal mixture in batches, close it up, and shake vigorously! This is the magical step that creates those beloved powdered sugar coated peanut clusters.
Step 6: Set and Serve
Spread the finished reindeer chow in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let it set completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the coating to firm up, giving you the perfect chewy oats and crispy cereal squares texture.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years of making this reindeer chow recipe for everything from school parties to cozy family nights, I’ve picked up a few tricks. Here are my favorite ways to customize this holiday party sweet and salty snack and ensure it turns out perfectly.
- Flavor Swap: Not a fan of white chocolate? Simply swap it for semisweet or milk chocolate chips for a different twist on this no bake Chex mix with white chocolate concept.
- Diet Tweak: To make it a bit lighter, you can use a powdered sugar alternative. The result is still deliciously sweet and perfect for those watching their sugar intake.
- Texture Fix: If your mixture seems a little wet after coating, just add a bit more cereal or oats before the powdered sugar step. This ensures your clusters stay separate and crunchy.
- Storage Tip: Keep your reindeer chow fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It’s the perfect make-ahead treat for your holiday breakfast or brunch spread. For more great snacks that keep well, explore our collection of easy and healthy muffin recipes.
reindeer chow recipe
Ingredients
- 8 cups crispy rice cereal squares
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup salted peanuts
- 12 ounces white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Equipment
- microwave-safe bowl
- spatula
- paper bag or plastic container
- baking sheet
Method
- In a very large mixing bowl, combine the crispy rice cereal, rolled oats, and salted peanuts. Set the bowl aside.
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
- Stir the vanilla extract into the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture until fully incorporated.
- Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Use a large spatula to gently fold everything together until all the cereal, oats, and peanuts are evenly coated in the chocolate mixture.
- Place the powdered sugar in a large, clean paper bag or a sealed plastic container. Add the coated cereal mixture in batches, close the bag or container, and shake vigorously until the pieces are thoroughly coated in a layer of powdered sugar.
- Spread the finished reindeer chow in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it set completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving or storing.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
While this reindeer chow recipe is certainly a treat, I love that it incorporates some wholesome ingredients too. The rolled oats provide heart-healthy fiber, while peanuts offer a nice protein boost. It’s all about balance during the holidays—enjoying special treats while still getting some nutritional benefits!
| Nutrient | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Rolled Oats | Provides soluble fiber for digestive health |
| Peanuts | Offers protein and healthy fats |
| Peanut Butter | Contains vitamin E and magnesium |
For more nutritious holiday treats, check out our collection of healthy Thanksgiving sides and Thanksgiving desserts. You might also explore the history of snack mixes to appreciate how recipes like this have evolved over time.
A Lighter Version of Holiday Reindeer Chow
I know many families are looking for ways to enjoy holiday treats while being mindful of ingredients. Over the years, I’ve developed some simple swaps that lighten up this reindeer chow recipe without sacrificing that festive flavor we all love.
For a lighter sweet and salty snack, try using sugar-free white chocolate chips and natural peanut butter without added sugars. You can also reduce the powdered sugar coating by half—the result is still deliciously festive! Another trick I love is adding extra rolled oats and nuts to boost the protein content while naturally reducing the sugar ratio per serving.
If you’re looking for more healthier holiday options, you’ll adore these high-protein desserts and my favorite cottage cheese banana bread that’s always a hit with my family.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
I’ve learned through cooking for friends and family with different dietary needs that small adjustments can make big differences in how everyone enjoys holiday treats. Whether you’re sugar conscious or managing specific health considerations, this reindeer chow recipe can be adapted beautifully.
For a diabetic-friendly version, I recommend using a natural sweetener like stevia-based powdered sugar alternative. The texture comes out wonderfully, and you still get that snowy coating effect. You can also try xylitol as a sugar alternative—just be mindful that it’s not pet-friendly if you have curious fur babies around! For better glycemic control, increase the ratio of peanuts and oats to create a more balanced snack that won’t spike blood sugar levels too dramatically.
How to Serve reindeer chow recipe
I remember the first time I served this holiday reindeer chow at our family’s Christmas Eve gathering. My aunt, who usually skips sweet treats, couldn’t stop nibbling from the bowl I’d placed on the coffee table. There’s something magical about how this easy reindeer chow recipe brings people together—the combination of chewy oats and crispy cereal squares seems to delight everyone from kids to grandparents.
I love serving this creamy peanut butter reindeer snack mix in pretty holiday tins or mason jars tied with festive ribbons. It makes wonderful edible gifts for neighbors, teachers, or holiday hostesses. For parties, I set out small bowls throughout the living area so guests can graze while they mingle. These powdered sugar coated peanut clusters pair beautifully with hot cocoa or coffee—the perfect combination for a cozy winter afternoon.
If you’re planning a full holiday menu, this no bake Chex mix with white chocolate complements so many other treats. Try serving it alongside my favorite snickerdoodle banana bread or these oatmeal chocolate chip cookies for a delightful dessert spread that covers all the texture and flavor bases.
Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made my share of mistakes with this reindeer chow recipe over the years, and I want to help you avoid them. First, overheating the chocolate mixture can cause it to seize up and become gritty. I always melt my chocolate and peanut butter on low heat, stirring constantly until just smooth.
Another common error is adding the powdered sugar too soon. If your cereal mixture is still warm when you toss it with sugar, you’ll end up with a sticky mess instead of those perfect powdered sugar coated peanut clusters. Let everything cool completely first!
Finally, don’t skip the stirring step while melting your ingredients. I once left mine unattended for just a minute and ended up with scorched chocolate that ruined the whole batch. Patient stirring makes for the creamiest peanut butter reindeer snack mix.
For more foolproof recipes, check out my favorite healthy no-bake desserts and these easy oatmeal cookie recipes. You might also explore the history of chocolate to better understand how temperature affects its quality.
How to Store reindeer chow recipe
I remember the first Christmas I made this holiday reindeer chow—I stored it in a simple plastic bag, and by morning it had lost its delightful crunch. Through trial and error, I’ve learned the best ways to keep this sweet and salty snack fresh and festive throughout the holiday season.
Store your no bake Chex mix in airtight containers at room temperature. I prefer glass jars or tins with tight-fitting lids, which keep the crispy cereal squares from becoming soft. Properly stored, your reindeer chow will stay fresh for up to two weeks—though in my house, it never lasts that long!
If you need to make it ahead, you can freeze this easy reindeer chow recipe for up to three months. Just thaw it completely at room temperature before serving to maintain that perfect texture. For more make-ahead holiday ideas, try these Christmas cookies or my caramel apple puppy chow that stores just as beautifully.
Try This reindeer chow recipe Yourself
I hope this reindeer chow recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine over the years. There’s something truly special about creating these powdered sugar coated peanut clusters that delight both children and adults alike during the holiday season.
I’ll never forget the year my niece helped me make this no bake reindeer chow—her little hands carefully stirring the chocolate mixture, her eyes widening as we added the festive sprinkles. Those are the moments that make holiday cooking so precious, and I hope this recipe creates similar memories for your family.
Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a holiday treat, this creamy peanut butter reindeer snack mix is sure to become a seasonal favorite. For more festive inspiration, explore our Christmas breakfast ideas, healthy muffin recipes, and peanut butter cookies that complement this treat perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Christmas snack mix?
Christmas snack mix typically combines sweet and salty elements like cereal, pretzels, chocolate, and festive candies. This reindeer chow recipe creates a holiday version with white chocolate, peanut butter, and seasonal M&Ms that’s perfect for parties and gifting.
How to make reindeer chow recipe easy?
This easy reindeer chow recipe requires just melting, mixing, and coating ingredients. You simply combine melted white chocolate and peanut butter with cereal and nuts, then toss with powdered sugar for a simple no-bake treat that comes together in minutes.
Can I make reindeer chow without peanut butter?
Yes, you can substitute sunflower seed butter or almond butter in this reindeer chow recipe if needed. The texture might vary slightly, but you’ll still get that delicious sweet and salty combination that makes this holiday treat so addictive.
What is safe reindeer food recipe?
Safe reindeer food recipes are typically made with edible ingredients like oats and glitter-free sprinkles for outdoor holiday activities. This homemade reindeer chow recipe is for human enjoyment, but you could adapt it with pet-safe ingredients if desired.
More Festive Treats You’ll Love
If you enjoyed making this reindeer chow, you’ll adore these other holiday recipes that bring warmth and joy to your seasonal celebrations.
Spooky Halloween Cookies – Fun and festive treats that are perfect for October parties and trick-or-treat gatherings.
Classic Butter Cookies – Timeless vanilla cookies that melt in your mouth, ideal for cookie exchanges and holiday trays.
Roasted Vegetable Medley – A colorful and nutritious side dish that complements any holiday meal beautifully.
Pumpkin Spice Pudding – A lighter dessert option that captures all the warm flavors of the season without the guilt.
