Reindeer Chow

Every holiday season, I find myself searching for that one special treat to share with family and friends. This year, I’ve fallen head over heels for Reindeer Chow. It’s a delightful mix of sweetness and crunch that brings back fond memories of holiday gatherings filled with laughter and joy. I remember the first time I made it; the kids were so excited to help mix the ingredients and decorate it with colorful M&Ms. It’s become a beloved tradition in our home, one that never fails to bring smiles to our faces. The combination of crispy rice cereal, peanut butter, and chocolate is simply irresistible. If you’re looking for a festive snack that’s easy to make and even easier to devour, Reindeer Chow is the way to go!

Reindeer Chow Shopping List

Gathering the right ingredients is essential for making the perfect Reindeer Chow. Each component plays a crucial role in creating that rich flavor and satisfying texture. The key players like crispy rice cereal and peanut butter come together to create an indulgent treat that everyone will love.

• 9 cups crispy rice cereal squares: This forms the base of our sweet mix, giving it the signature crunch.
• ½ cup peanut butter: Creamy and nutty, it adds a rich flavor that binds everything together.
• ¼ cup butter: Helps in melting and mixing everything, ensuring a smooth consistency.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds sweetness and a decadent chocolate flavor—an essential ingredient for that indulgent taste!
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, making it even more delightful.
• 1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar: This provides a sweet coating that makes the mixture irresistible.
• 1 cup red and green M&Ms: These not only add color but also a fun crunch with every bite.
• 1 cup mini peanut butter cups: For those who want an extra dose of peanut butter goodness in every mouthful.

Making This Reindeer Chow

Making Reindeer Chow is a simple and rewarding process. You’ll find that the steps are straightforward, allowing you to enjoy the journey of creating this delightful treat. Let’s dive into the details of how to bring this festive dish to life!

1. Start by taking a large bowl and adding the crispy rice cereal squares. Set this aside for now; we’ll come back to it shortly.
2. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir them gently until they create a smooth mixture. The aroma of melting chocolate is simply delightful!
3. Once melted, add the peanut butter to the pan. Mix it in thoroughly until everything is well combined and smooth. If it seems a bit thick, don’t hesitate to raise the heat slightly but keep it low to avoid burning.
4. If you prefer the microwave, you can also microwave the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter together in a large bowl. Start with one minute on high, then stir, and keep microwaving in 30-second intervals until it’s all melted and smooth.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract until the mixture is evenly blended. This step adds a wonderful depth to the flavor!
6. Now, pour the melted chocolate mixture over the bowl of crispy rice cereal. Using a spatula, gently stir everything together until the cereal is well coated, ensuring no dry pieces remain.
7. Once mixed, transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable food storage plastic bag. This makes it easy to coat everything with the powdered sugar.
8. Next, add the confectioners’ sugar into the bag, seal it tightly, and shake it vigorously. This step is not just fun; it ensures that every piece is evenly coated.
9. Spread the mixture onto waxed paper to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial as it allows the chocolate to harden.
10. After it has cooled down completely, mix in the M&Ms and mini peanut butter cups. Gently stir to combine, being careful not to break any of the cereal pieces.
11. Store your Reindeer Chow in an airtight container. It can last for several days, but I doubt it will stick around that long!

Tips and Variations

As you prepare to make your own batch of Reindeer Chow, here are some helpful tips and variations to consider:

• Storage: Store leftover Reindeer Chow in an airtight container at room temperature; it will stay fresh for up to one week.
• Freezing: You can freeze this treat! Just ensure it’s in a well-sealed container, and it should be good for a month.
• Pairing: Reindeer Chow pairs well with hot cocoa or coffee, making it a perfect snack for cozy evenings.
• Variations: Swap out the M&Ms for different candies like nuts or pretzels for a different crunch.
• Portioning: Consider making smaller bags for sharing. They make adorable gifts during the holiday season!

Serve This Reindeer Chow With

When it comes to serving Reindeer Chow, the options are endless! Here are some ideas to enhance your experience:

• Holiday Treat Table: Serve it on a festive dessert table alongside cookies, cakes, and other sweet treats during the holidays.
• Gift Baskets: Include Reindeer Chow in homemade gift baskets for friends and family. It adds a personal touch to any gift!
• Movie Night: Set it out during a movie night with your loved ones; it’s a perfect snack to munch on while enjoying a film.
• School Parties: It’s a hit at school celebrations! Kids love it, and teachers appreciate the easy cleanup.
• Picnic Treat: Take it along on picnics or road trips; it’s a no-mess, easy-to-share snack that everyone will love.
• Seasonal Parties: Ideal for any festive gathering, Reindeer Chow adds cheer wherever it’s served!

FAQ

Conclusion

Reindeer Chow is a joyful treat that combines the crunch of cereal with the sweetness of chocolate and peanut butter, making it a standout snack for any occasion. Its vibrant colors and delightful mix of flavors can brighten up any gathering. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite in your home too!

Reindeer Chow

The perfect holiday snack, Reindeer Chow combines crispy rice cereal, creamy peanut butter, and sweet chocolate for a festive treat. Easy to make and delicious, it's a great addition to any occasion!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 minutes mins

Total Time 12 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 290 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Frying Pan
• Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

  

• 9 cups crispy rice cereal squares
• ½ cup peanut butter
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 cup red and green M&Ms
• 1 cup mini peanut butter cups

Instructions

 

• Start by taking a large bowl and adding the crispy rice cereal squares. Set this aside for now; we'll come back to it shortly.
• In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir them gently until they create a smooth mixture. The aroma of melting chocolate is simply delightful!
• Once melted, add the peanut butter to the pan. Mix it in thoroughly until everything is well combined and smooth. If it seems a bit thick, don’t hesitate to raise the heat slightly but keep it low to avoid burning.
• If you prefer the microwave, you can also microwave the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter together in a large bowl. Start with one minute on high, then stir, and keep microwaving in 30-second intervals until it’s all melted and smooth.
• Stir in the vanilla extract until the mixture is evenly blended. This step adds a wonderful depth to the flavor!
• Now, pour the melted chocolate mixture over the bowl of crispy rice cereal. Using a spatula, gently stir everything together until the cereal is well coated, ensuring no dry pieces remain.
• Once mixed, transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable food storage plastic bag. This makes it easy to coat everything with the powdered sugar.
• Next, add the confectioners’ sugar into the bag, seal it tightly, and shake it vigorously. This step is not just fun; it ensures that every piece is evenly coated.
• Spread the mixture onto waxed paper to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial as it allows the chocolate to harden.
• After it has cooled down completely, mix in the M&Ms and mini peanut butter cups. Gently stir to combine, being careful not to break any of the cereal pieces.
• Store your Reindeer Chow in an airtight container. It can last for several days, but I doubt it will stick around that long!

Notes

As you prepare to make your own batch of Reindeer Chow, here are some helpful tips and variations to consider:

• Storage: Store leftover Reindeer Chow in an airtight container at room temperature; it will stay fresh for up to one week.
• Freezing: You can freeze this treat! Just ensure it’s in a well-sealed container, and it should be good for a month.
• Pairing: Reindeer Chow pairs well with hot cocoa or coffee, making it a perfect snack for cozy evenings.
• Variations: Swap out the M&Ms for different candies like nuts or pretzels for a different crunch.
• Portioning: Consider making smaller bags for sharing. They make adorable gifts during the holiday season!

Keyword festive recipes, holiday snack, Reindeer Chow, sweet treats

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Meet Camila Rivera

I’m Camila, and I believe the very best meals are the ones that bring the whole family together. My passion is taking classic, beloved dishes and adding a spicy or zesty twist to wake up your palate. I have cooked, tweaked, and taste-tested this recipe right here in my own home kitchen to ensure it works perfectly for you. I hope you enjoy every single bite let me know how it turns out!