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Best Easy Reindeer Chow Recipe – 5-Ingredient No-Bake Christmas Snack

reindeer chow recipe - featured image

This easy 5-ingredient reindeer chow recipe is a quick, no-bake Christmas snack mix made with Rice Chex, chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. It’s crunchy, sweet, and perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or a cozy night by the tree.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 1½ cups powdered sugar
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)
  • ½ cup mini pretzels or salted peanuts (optional)
  • Christmas sprinkles or red and green M&Ms (optional)

Instructions

  1. Measure 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a very large mixing bowl. Set aside.
  2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, ½ cup creamy peanut butter, and ¼ cup unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until smooth and glossy (about 1 to 1½ minutes total).
  3. Stir in a pinch of flaky sea salt (optional).
  4. Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently fold with a rubber spatula until every piece is coated.
  5. Transfer the coated cereal to a large resealable plastic bag.
  6. Add 1½ cups powdered sugar to the bag. Seal tightly, leaving a little air inside.
  7. Shake vigorously for 30 to 45 seconds until all cereal is evenly coated with powdered sugar.
  8. Open the bag carefully and pour the reindeer chow onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread in an even layer and let cool for 15 to 20 minutes until set.
  9. Gently break apart any clumps. Serve at room temperature.

Notes

Use processed peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) for the smoothest coating. Natural peanut butter can make the coating grainy. Let the reindeer chow cool completely before storing to maintain crunch. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. Do not refrigerate.

Nutrition

Keywords: reindeer chow, muddy buddies, Christmas snack, no-bake, 5-ingredient, holiday treat, Chex mix, peanut butter chocolate