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!
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!