Reindeer Chow Snack Mix
This no-bake Reindeer Chow Snack Mix is a festive, sweet-and-salty holiday treat made with cereal, pretzels, peanuts, chocolate, and a creamy peanut butter 'snow' coating. Perfect for parties, gifting, and kid-friendly holiday snacking.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal or Corn Chex, or any plain Chex cereal
- 3 cups mini pretzels twists or mini pretzel sticks
- 2 cups Cheerios or toasted oat cereal
- 1 1/2 cups salted peanuts or mixed nuts, or omit for nut-free
- 1 1/2 cups red and green chocolate candies such as holiday M&M’s
- 1 cup holiday sprinkles optional; jimmies or small shapes
- 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips high-quality melts best
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter not natural; use a shelf-stable brand
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt omit if peanut butter is very salty
- 1-1 1/2 cups powdered sugar sifted; start with 1 cup and add to taste
Instructions
- Line two large baking sheets with parchment or wax paper. Set out a very large mixing bowl, larger than you think you need, to help prevent spills when stirring.
- In the large bowl, add the Rice Chex cereal, mini pretzels, Cheerios, and salted peanuts. Gently toss with your hands or a large spoon until evenly combined. Set the chocolate candies and sprinkles aside for later so they don’t melt.4 cups Rice Chex cereal, 3 cups mini pretzels, 2 cups Cheerios or toasted oat cereal, 1 1/2 cups salted peanuts
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and glossy, about 1 1/2–2 minutes total.1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips, 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Stir the vanilla extract and fine sea salt into the melted chocolate mixture. The mixture should be pourable but not thin; it should resemble warm fudge sauce. If it seems too thick, microwave for another 10–15 seconds and stir again.1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Pour the warm chocolate–peanut butter mixture over the cereal and pretzel mixture in the large bowl. Using a silicone spatula, gently fold and scoop from the bottom until all the cereal is evenly coated. Work fairly quickly so the coating doesn’t begin to set.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of powdered sugar over the coated mixture. Toss gently until most pieces are coated and look snowy. If you prefer a sweeter or more powdery mix, add up to an additional 1/2 cup powdered sugar, a little at a time, until you reach your desired look and taste.1-1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- Divide the coated snack mix between the two prepared baking sheets, spreading it into an even single layer. Let cool at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, or until the coating is set and dry to the touch.
- Once the mix is completely cool, sprinkle the red and green chocolate candies and holiday sprinkles evenly over the trays. Use clean hands to gently toss on the baking sheets so the colorful pieces are well distributed without melting.1 1/2 cups red and green chocolate candies, 1 cup holiday sprinkles
- Transfer the finished Reindeer Chow Snack Mix to a large serving bowl, individual treat bags, jars, or airtight containers for gifting or storage.
Notes
For larger clumps, avoid spreading the mix too thin while cooling and use a lighter hand with the powdered sugar. For a looser snack mix, spread it out more and toss occasionally as it cools. Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 5–7 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in a sealed container to prevent condensation. To make nut-free, omit peanuts and peanut butter, use sunflower seed butter instead, and add more cereal or pretzels.
Love this recipe?Follow us at @thenandnowspace for more