Reindeer Chow | CookFlash

Reindeer Chow

Introduction

The holiday season is all about sharing special moments with friends and family, and what better way to bring a little extra joy to the occasion than with a sweet and salty snack that everyone can enjoy? Reindeer Chow, also known as Christmas Chex Mix or Muddy Buddies, is the perfect treat to add to your holiday spread. This easy-to-make snack combines Rice Chex cereal with a rich coating of melted chocolate, peanut butter, and butter, which is then tossed with powdered sugar for a sweet, crunchy, and irresistible mix. It’s finished off with red and green M&Ms, mini pretzels, and sprinkles to add a festive flair.

I first made this snack for a family gathering, and it was an instant hit. The sweet and salty combination, along with the colorful M&Ms and sprinkles, made it not only delicious but also fun and festive. My kids loved getting involved in the process, shaking the zip-top bag to coat the cereal, and of course, sampling a few bites along the way! It’s the perfect snack for a holiday movie night, a cookie exchange, or to gift to friends and family. If you’re looking for a treat that’s quick, simple, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, Reindeer Chow is the way to go.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups Rice Chex cereal (or any square cereal of your choice)
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup red and green M&Ms (for a festive touch)
  • 1 cup mini pretzels
  • ½ cup festive holiday sprinkles (optional but highly recommended for a fun, colorful touch)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cereal
    Begin by measuring 6 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. It’s important to use a bowl that’s big enough to easily mix the ingredients without spilling. The more room you have, the easier it will be to toss the cereal with the chocolate mixture and powdered sugar later on.
  2. Make the Chocolate Coating
    In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Microwave the ingredients in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Once it’s melted, stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
  3. Coat the Cereal
    Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal in the large bowl. Using a spatula, gently fold the cereal to coat each piece evenly with the chocolate mixture. Be careful not to crush the cereal as you mix—gentle stirring is key to keeping the pieces intact.
  4. Add Powdered Sugar
    Next, transfer the coated cereal into a large zip-top bag or a mixing bowl with a lid. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag tightly, and shake it vigorously to coat the cereal. Shake until all of the cereal pieces are evenly coated in the powdered sugar. This step ensures that each piece is coated in a light, sweet dusting that adds to the flavor and texture.
  5. Cool and Dry
    Spread the coated cereal mix onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer. Let it cool and dry for about 20 minutes. This step helps the coating firm up and prevents the pieces from sticking together.
  6. Add Festive Touches
    Once the cereal is dry, it’s time to add the finishing touches! Gently toss in the red and green M&Ms, mini pretzels, and sprinkles for a pop of color and added texture. Mix everything together to ensure even distribution.
  7. Serve or Store
    Your Reindeer Chow is now ready to serve! Enjoy it as a festive holiday snack, or package it up in treat bags for an easy and delicious gift. It’s the perfect addition to any holiday party or cookie exchange.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)

  • Serving Size: ½ cup
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 21g
  • Sodium: 75mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients used.

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes

How to Serve
Reindeer Chow is a versatile snack that can be enjoyed in various ways during the holiday season. Here are a few suggestions for serving:

  • Holiday Parties: Serve in a large bowl or individual treat bags for guests to grab and enjoy.
  • Gift Bags: Package the mix in mason jars, clear gift bags, or cute containers and give them away as holiday gifts.
  • Movie Night: Make a batch and set it out during a cozy family movie marathon for a festive snack.
  • Cookie Exchange: Add Reindeer Chow to your holiday cookie exchange or potluck spread for a unique treat that’s sure to stand out.
  • Buffet-Style: Place in a large serving dish on the snack table with other holiday treats like cookies and candies.

Additional Tips

  1. Use a Sturdy Zip-Top Bag: When shaking the coated cereal with powdered sugar, make sure the bag is sturdy and doesn’t rip. A high-quality bag will make the process smoother and less messy.
  2. Avoid Overheating the Chocolate: Be sure to microwave the chocolate mixture in small intervals and stir in between. Overheating the chocolate can cause it to seize, making it harder to coat the cereal.
  3. Switch Up the Cereal: While Rice Chex is traditional, feel free to try different types of cereal, like Corn Chex or even a gluten-free variety, to suit your preference.
  4. Use All-Natural Peanut Butter: For a healthier twist, opt for natural peanut butter with no added sugar or preservatives.
  5. Make It Vegan: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and a peanut butter alternative to make this treat vegan-friendly.

Recipe Variations
Reindeer Chow is a flexible recipe that can easily be customized based on your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:

  • Nut-Free Version: If you’re allergic to peanuts or simply don’t like them, swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or another nut-free spread.
  • Minty Twist: Add a dash of mint extract to the chocolate mixture for a holiday twist, or toss in peppermint candies or candy canes for extra flavor.
  • Coconut Flakes: For a tropical touch, mix in unsweetened coconut flakes along with the M&Ms and pretzels.
  • Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon for a subtle spicy flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweetness.

Serving Suggestions
Reindeer Chow pairs well with many different holiday dishes and drinks. Here are some serving suggestions:

  • Serve with hot cocoa or spiced apple cider for a cozy snack pairing.
  • Enjoy as a stand-alone treat or alongside a charcuterie board filled with cheeses, nuts, and crackers.
  • Pair with gingerbread cookies, shortbread, or other traditional holiday baked goods for a diverse spread.

Freezing and Storage
Reindeer Chow can be stored and even frozen for later enjoyment. Here’s how to handle storage:

  • At Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to one week. Make sure it is fully cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Freezing: If you want to store Reindeer Chow for longer, you can freeze it. Place it in a zip-top bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to serve, let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use a different type of cereal?
    Yes! Feel free to use Corn Chex, Crispix, or any square cereal you prefer.
  2. Can I make this gluten-free?
    Absolutely! Just use certified gluten-free Rice Chex or another gluten-free cereal.
  3. Can I add other mix-ins?
    Yes! Try adding dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, or pretzel sticks for variety.
  4. How long does Reindeer Chow last?
    At room temperature, it will last up to a week. If frozen, it can last for up to 2-3 months.
  5. Can I make this ahead of time?
    Yes, Reindeer Chow can be made a few days ahead of time and stored in an airtight container.
  6. What can I use if I don’t have a microwave?
    You can melt the chocolate and peanut butter mixture on the stovetop using a double boiler or in a saucepan over low heat.
  7. Can I make it dairy-free?
    Yes! Use dairy-free chocolate chips and butter alternatives to make this treat dairy-free.
  8. Can I use chunky peanut butter?
    Yes, using chunky peanut butter will give the mix an extra crunch.
  9. **Can I make Reindeer
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