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
Scale
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.
