Introduction

This festive Reindeer Food Recipe, also known as Christmas Puppy Chow, is a delightful mix of sweet and crunchy treats perfect for holiday snacking. With chocolate, peanut butter, pretzels, and colorful M&Ms, it’s a fun and easy recipe to make with kids or for holiday gatherings.

A close-up view of a snack mix in a white bowl filled with three main layers: the first layer is made up of irregular, chunky pieces covered in white powder that looks soft and powdery; the second layer features small, smooth chocolate candy pieces in bright green, red, and dark red colors scattered unevenly on and between the chunky pieces; the third layer includes small chocolate peanut butter cups with ridged sides and a smooth top, placed randomly across the mix, some standing on their side while others lay flat. The background shows a subtle white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the Rice Chex cereal and broken pretzel pieces.
Step 2: Melt the peanut butter and chocolate chips together, either on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth.

Step 3: Pour the melted peanut butter and chocolate mixture over the cereal and pretzel mix, then stir gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 4: Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, until it just starts to set up.
Step 5: Remove the mixture from the refrigerator.

Step 6: In a separate large bowl, spread ½ cup powdered sugar on the bottom. Add half of the chilled cereal mixture, then sprinkle another ½ cup powdered sugar over it. Add the remaining cereal mixture on top.
Step 7: Gently stir and toss the cereal in the powdered sugar until evenly coated.
Step 8: Return the coated mixture to the refrigerator and chill for another 30 to 60 minutes until set.

Step 9: Add more powdered sugar in ¼ cup increments, tossing gently after each addition, until the mixture is fully coated to your liking.
Step 10: Stir in the red and green M&Ms and mini peanut butter cups until well combined.
Step 11: Transfer the finished mixture to a serving bowl and enjoy.

Step 12: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 to 7 days.

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and use nut-free chocolate chips.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or peppermint extract to the melted chocolate mixture for a festive flavor twist.

Try swapping the M&Ms for holiday-themed candy like candy canes pieces or white chocolate chips.
If you prefer a crunchier texture, toast the pretzels lightly before adding.

Storage

Store the reindeer food mix in an airtight container at room temperature, away from heat or moisture. It will stay fresh for up to 5 to 7 days. To restore some crispness if it softens, spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 250°F (120°C) for 5–10 minutes, then cool completely before storing again.

How to Serve

A large white bowl filled with a layered snack mix starting with a base layer of square cereal pieces covered in white powdered sugar, creating a rough textured surface. Scattered on top are small round red and green candy-coated chocolates, adding bright shiny spots across the mixture. Interspersed throughout are pieces of mini chocolate peanut butter cups, their smooth, ridged surfaces contrasting with the powdery cereal. The bowl is placed on a white marbled texture surface with a pinkish cloth in the background, and some pretzels purple and red and green chocolates spilled on the surface around the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter, but the texture of the coating might be slightly less smooth. It will add a nice crunch if you prefer.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free chocolate chips and ensure your peanut butter is free from dairy additives. This makes the recipe suitable for dairy-free diets.