If you’re searching for a festive snack that delivers big on holiday cheer and irresistible flavor, look no further than this delightful Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe. It’s a crunchy, chocolaty treat bursting with the perfect balance of sweetness and a little festive flair. This simple mixture of Rice Chex cereal coated in a luscious peanut butter and chocolate glaze, then dusted generously with powdered sugar and sprinkled with colorful holiday M&M’s and sprinkles, is sure to become a beloved tradition. It’s the ultimate easy-to-make snack that’s perfect for sharing around the holidays, gifting, or just sneaking a handful when no one’s looking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe comes from a handful of straightforward ingredients that work together to create a crunchy, creamy, and festive sensation. Each element plays an essential role, from the crisp Rice Chex cereal to the smooth peanut butter and rich chocolate that glue everything together with a sweet coating.
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal: The crisp base that holds the chocolate and sugar, providing the perfect crunch.
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips: Melts into a silky coating that envelopes every piece in decadent chocolate goodness.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Adds smooth richness and a subtle nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Contributes to that melt-in-your-mouth texture and helps blend all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate and peanut butter flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Provides a sweet, snowy coating that makes this snack irresistible.
- 1/2 cup red and green mini M&M’s: Adds pops of festive color and an extra chocolate crunch.
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles: Brings fun, seasonal cheer and a little sparkle to every bite.
How to Make Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter
Begin by gently melting the semisweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. This silky blend forms the heart of your Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe, ensuring every crunchy piece gets a perfect coating of rich flavor. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to infuse a warm hint of sweetness.
Step 2: Coat the Cereal
Next, pour the Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Slowly drizzle the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the cereal, gently folding to coat each piece evenly without crushing the crunch. This step is where the magic happens, transforming simple cereal into a decadent holiday treat that will have everyone reaching for more.
Step 3: Add the Powdered Sugar
Transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. Add the powdered sugar, seal securely, and shake well—this is what gives the mix its signature snowy, sweet dusting. Take your time here to ensure every morsel is beautifully covered for that authentic Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe look and taste.
Step 4: Finish with Festive Touches
Spread the coated cereal onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it cool to set. Once the mixture is no longer warm, stir in the red and green mini M&M’s and holiday sprinkles. These colorful accents bring the recipe to life with holiday cheer, making it perfect for gifts, parties, or holiday snacking.
How to Serve Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, consider sprinkling some crushed candy canes or a pinch of edible glitter on top before serving. These whimsical garnishes add a delightful crunch and sparkle that will make your Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe stand out at any holiday gathering.
Side Dishes
This treat is fantastic on its own but pairs wonderfully alongside warm beverages like hot cocoa, spiced cider, or a rich cup of coffee. Its sweet crunch balances beautifully with creamy or spicy drinks, making your holiday snack time feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Package your Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe in festive mason jars, clear cellophane bags tied with ribbons, or colorful holiday tins for gift-giving that looks as good as it tastes. You can also layer it in clear containers alternating with sprinkles to create a pretty, decorative effect that’s sure to impress friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps the mixture crunchy and fresh. If you prefer a firmer, chilled version, keep it in the refrigerator—just beware it may lose a bit of its crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe in a sealed bag or container for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw at room temperature, and it will regain much of its original texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake treat, reheating is not necessary. If you find the mixture has become a bit stale, you can spread it on a sheet and warm it lightly in a low oven (about 250°F) for 5 minutes to refresh the crispiness, but be careful not to melt the M&M’s or sprinkles.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter to accommodate nut allergies without sacrificing creamy texture or flavor.
Is the Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe difficult to make?
Not at all! This recipe comes together in about 15 minutes with simple steps, making it perfect for last-minute holiday treats or fun cooking sessions with kids.
How long does the Reindeer Food stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, it stays fresh and crunchy for up to 5 days, making it great for preparing ahead of holiday events.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate chips?
Yes, dark chocolate can be used if you prefer a richer, less sweet flavor. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness if needed by tasting the mix before adding powdered sugar.
Is this recipe suitable for gifting?
Definitely! The Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe makes a charming and delicious homemade gift when packaged in festive containers, perfect for neighbors, teachers, or coworkers.
Final Thoughts
This Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe is more than just a snack — it’s a joyous celebration of holiday spirit in every bite. Its irresistible combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and festive colors makes it perfect for sharing, gifting, and making memories with those you love. I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch and experience that cozy, crunchy fun that only this treat can bring. Happy holidays and happy snacking!
Print
Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Reindeer Food, also known as Christmas Puppy Chow, is a festive and delicious holiday snack mix featuring crispy Rice Chex cereal coated in a rich blend of melted chocolate, peanut butter, and butter, dusted generously with powdered sugar, and sprinkled with colorful mini M&M’s and holiday sprinkles. This easy no-bake treat is perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or a sweet crunchy snack during the Christmas season.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup red and green mini M&M’s
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate Mixture: In a medium saucepan, melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter over low heat, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Coat the Cereal: Place the Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently fold with a spatula or spoon to ensure every piece is evenly coated without breaking the cereal.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag or a container with a lid. Add the powdered sugar, seal tightly, and shake vigorously until all pieces are thoroughly coated with powdered sugar, creating a sweet, crunchy texture.
- Cool and Set: Spread the coated cereal out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature so the coating can set properly and become less sticky.
- Add Festive Mix-ins and Store: Once the cereal has cooled, sprinkle the red and green mini M&M’s and holiday sprinkles over the mixture. Gently mix them in to distribute evenly. Store the finished Reindeer Food in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter to make this recipe peanut-free.
- Store in the refrigerator for a firmer texture or keep at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- This snack mix makes a thoughtful and tasty edible gift when packaged in festive bags or jars during the holiday season.
