Reindeer Chow Chex Mix
I grew up watching my family disappear into a bowl of sweet, salty, and chocolatey Reindeer Chow whenever holiday music crept into the kitchen. This version is the quick, microwave-friendly Chex mix that turns a handful of pantry staples—Chex cereal, chocolate chips, peanut butter, powdered sugar, M&M’s, and pretzels—into a crunchy, festive snack in under 15 minutes. It’s great for last-minute teacher gifts, holiday movie nights, or a kid-friendly baking afternoon.
Why you’ll love this dish
This Reindeer Chow Chex Mix delivers instant holiday comfort: crunchy cereal coated in a sweet chocolate-peanut layer, tossed with salty pretzels and colorful M&M’s for fun. It’s fast, requires no baking, and scales up easily for a crowd. If you need a snack that’s portable, giftable, and universally kid-approved, this is it.
“I made a double batch for a holiday party and it vanished before dinner—easy, addictive, and perfect for gifting in mason jars.” — happy home baker
The cooking process explained
Quick overview: melt, mix, coat, cool. First you melt chocolate chips and peanut butter together until glossy and smooth, then gently fold that mixture through the Chex to coat every square. Add pretzels and M&M’s so they don’t get crushed, then shake everything in powdered sugar (in a bag or bowl) so each piece gets a snowy dusting. Finally, spread on parchment to cool and set.
This method is microwave-friendly and avoids soggy cereal because the melted coating dries relatively fast. If you prefer stovetop melting, use a double boiler and scrape frequently to prevent scorching. If you’re curious about other no-bake treats, try one of my brownie-based cookie recipes like this easy brownie mix cookie for another quick crowd-pleaser.
What you’ll need
- 9 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn work best; gluten-free Chex available)
- 12 oz (about 2 cups) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or regular)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, brightens flavor)
- 2–3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup mini pretzels (or pretzel sticks broken into bite-size pieces)
- 1 cup M&M’s (holiday colors or regular)
Substitution notes:
- For a nut-free version, swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter and use allergy-friendly chocolate chips.
- Use vegan chocolate chips for dairy-free needs; check M&M alternatives for vegan candy.
- If you want extra crunch, stir in 1/2 cup roasted nuts (almonds, pecans) after coating.
Step-by-step instructions
- Put chocolate chips and peanut butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in 20–30 second bursts, stirring between bursts, until fully melted and smooth. Add vanilla and stir once combined.
- Pour the Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate-peanut mixture over the cereal. Gently fold with a spatula or wooden spoon until the cereal is evenly coated. Work carefully to avoid breaking the squares.
- Add pretzel pieces and M&M’s. Fold in gently so the candy doesn’t melt or crack under pressure.
- Transfer the coated mix to a large zip-top bag. Add the powdered sugar, seal (leave a small corner open to release air if necessary), then shake until the mix is well dusted. Alternatively, use a large bowl with a lid.
- Spread the coated mixture onto parchment paper in a single layer to cool and set, about 10–15 minutes. Once cooled, break apart any clumps and serve.
Safety note: don’t overheat the chocolate—short bursts and stirring prevent burning. If using natural peanut butter, the oil may separate; stir well before melting.
Best ways to enjoy it
- Scoop into small cellophane bags or mason jars tied with ribbon for quick homemade gifts.
- Serve in a large communal bowl at holiday movie nights or family gatherings.
- Pair with hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced cider for a cozy snack pairing.
- Use as a crunchy topping for vanilla ice cream or yogurt parfaits for a festive twist.
If you like throw-together snacks that travel well, this mix joins other no-bake sweets like these brownie mix cookies as perfect portable desserts.
Storage and reheating tips
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 5–7 days. Keep away from heat or direct sunlight to prevent the candy from melting.
- Make-ahead: You can prepare this up to 48 hours before serving; keep sealed until needed.
- Freezing: Freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature; powdered sugar may re-distribute—toss gently before serving.
- No reheating needed; if the mix softens, chill briefly in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to firm the coating.
Food safety: don’t leave the snack mix in a warm car or near heaters; melted chocolate can become sticky and attract insects.
Helpful cooking tips
- Stir gently to keep the Chex pieces intact—less force keeps them crispy.
- Use mini M&M’s to distribute color more evenly without adding too much weight that could break cereal.
- If powdered sugar clumps in the bag, add in 1/4 cup increments and shake between additions for an even coating.
- For glossy coating, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to the chocolate-peanut mix while melting.
- To toast the Chex a touch for more flavor, spread them on a baking sheet and bake 5–7 minutes at 300°F, then cool before coating.
For shortcuts and other quick snack hacks, check this simple brownie mix cookie idea—same spill-and-shake spirit.
Creative twists
- White chocolate cranberry: swap semisweet chips for white chocolate and add dried cranberries instead of M&M’s.
- Spiced holiday: stir 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg into the melted chocolate mixture.
- Peanut butter cup: fold in chopped mini peanut butter cups after coating for an ultra-decadent mix.
- Healthy-ish swap: substitute some cereal with air-popped popcorn and use dark chocolate chips; reduce powdered sugar to taste.
- Savory-sweet: add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt when the mix is still slightly tacky for a gourmet finish.
Common questions
Q: How long does this take to make?
A: Active time is about 10 minutes (melting + mixing) and cooling takes another 10–15 minutes. Plan for 20–30 minutes total.
Q: Can I make this nut-free?
A: Yes—use sunflower seed butter and allergy-friendly chocolate chips. Avoid cross-contaminated M&M’s or choose allergy-safe candy.
Q: Will the M&M’s melt when mixed with warm chocolate?
A: If you fold them in after the cereal is coated and the melted chocolate has cooled slightly, the M&M’s should keep their shell. Use gentle folding and don’t add while the chocolate is piping hot.
Q: Can I use other cereals?
A: Yes—Wheat Chex or a mix of Chex varieties works. Avoid overly fragile cereals that’ll crumble in the coating process.
Q: How to prevent powdered sugar clumps?
A: Shake in small batches, add gradually, and use a large enough bag so the pieces can move freely.
Conclusion
If you want more Reindeer Chow ideas and variations, these classic recipes are great reads: Reindeer Chow – Erin Lives Whole, Reindeer Chow (Holiday Muddy Buddies) – Chelsea’s Messy Apron, and Reindeer Chow – The Country Cook.
Reindeer Chow Chex Mix
Ingredients
Method
- Put chocolate chips and peanut butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in 20–30 second bursts, stirring between bursts, until fully melted and smooth. Add vanilla and stir once combined.
- Pour the Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate-peanut mixture over the cereal. Gently fold with a spatula or wooden spoon until the cereal is evenly coated. Work carefully to avoid breaking the squares.
- Add pretzel pieces and M&M’s. Fold in gently so the candy doesn’t melt or crack under pressure.
- Transfer the coated mix to a large zip-top bag. Add the powdered sugar, seal (leave a small corner open to release air if necessary), then shake until the mix is well dusted.
- Alternatively, use a large bowl with a lid.
- Spread the coated mixture onto parchment paper in a single layer to cool and set, about 10–15 minutes. Once cooled, break apart any clumps and serve.
