Reindeer Chow Muddy Buddies are the perfect no-bake Christmas treat! It's a blend of Chex cereal coated in a sweet chocolate and peanut butter concoction and dusted with powdered sugar. This easy Christmas Chex Mix Puppy Chow is a must-make during the holidays!
If you're looking for more easy Christmas treats, try Marshmallow Reindeer, adorable Christmas Kabobs, or salty and sweet Christmas Crack!
It's time to start belting out Christmas carols and planning your holiday treats!
The one thing that should definitely be on your list is Reindeer Chow. Of course, you'll want to make a batch to feed Santa's reindeer because they love reindeer food!
This festive recipe has been around for years, so we can't claim it as our own, but we just love it. Whether you call it Christmas puppy chow or Christmas muddy buddies, there are plenty of recipes around the web, and it's so good we can't help but share!
Our Bunny Chow is a huge hit every year, so we know you'll like this one too!
We love cute Christmas recipes with a theme. These sweet Rolo Reindeer are a hit with kids, and so are these Reese's Reindeer!
Jump to:
Why You'll Love Reindeer Food with Chex Cereal
- The Addictive Flavor & Crunch: This is one crave-worthy flavor combo--chocolate + peanut butter that coats the crunchy cereal perfectly.
- It's SO Easy: In literally 10 minutes (less if you start snacking before it cools), you've got a wonderful DIY holiday treat to share at parties or give as homemade gifts.
- No-Bake Christmas Treat: No oven needed to make this festive Christmas snack! It's perfect for filling holiday tins or treat bags.
Because they come from the heart, Edible Christmas Gifts are the best!
Ingredient Notes
Here's what you'll need to make this Holiday Muddy Buddy Recipe with M&Ms:
- Chex Cereal: The classic choice is Rice Chex, but you can use Corn Chex or a combination of both for a different flavor and texture.
- Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips, Creamy Peanut Butter, and Butter: These ingredients create a delicious coating for the Chex mix. You can use either semi-sweet, milk chocolate chips or white chocolate based on your taste. The peanut butter adds a creamy, nutty flavor to the mix. If you have peanut allergies, you can substitute it with almond or cashew butter.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the mix. If you don't have any on hand, you can omit it, but it does add a nice touch.
- Powdered Sugar (confectioners): The powdered sugar coats the Chex mix and creates a sweet, powdered finish. You can adjust the amount of powdered sugar to your taste, but 1 ½ cups is a good starting point.
- M&Ms (or other seasonal candy): M&M's are a popular choice for their colorful appearance, especially if you go red and green. But you can substitute them with other small candies like Reese's Pieces or holiday-themed candy.
The full recipe and instructions are in the printable recipe card below.
Substitutions
If you don't have the exact ingredients in your pantry, you can substitute or add any of the following ingredients to your Reindeer Puppy Chow.
- Popcorn
- Kettle corn
- Pretzels
- Peanuts
- Bugles (the chips)
- Chocolate chips
- Marshmallows
Gluten-Free Reindeer Chow
Reindeer Chow with M&Ms is most commonly made with Chex Mix cereal; if you use the Rice version, it's gluten-free! So grab a box, and let's go! Making a Christmas version of a muddy buddies recipe is so fun!
How to Make this Delicious Reindeer Chow
This snack mix is an easy recipe; you'll want to get the kids involved.
First, place your cereal in a large mixing bowl.
STEP 1 - MELT CHOCOLATE, PEANUT BUTTER, AND BUTTER: Prep a cookie sheet with parchment or wax paper and set it aside.
It's time to melt that delicious chocolate and peanut butter concoction, so place your chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl (Image 1).
Cook for 1 minute and stir. If it's not completely melted, put it back in for a few more seconds. Once it's melted, add your vanilla and mix (Image 2).
STEP 2 - POUR OVER CHEX CEREAL: Now, pour it over your Chex Cereal in your bowl and mix with a spatula until well coated (Image 3).
STEP 3 - ADD POWDERED SUGAR AND MIX: Take a large plastic zip-top bag and place your powdered sugar inside, then add your chocolatey cereal. Close and shake it up so that all the squares are evenly covered with sugar (Image 4).
Finally, place the Reindeer Chow on the baking sheet and let it cool to room temperature.
Once you're ready to serve, add your holiday M&MS or other season candy and chow down (Image 5)!!
Expert Tips to Make the Best Christmas Muddy Buddy Recipe
- Mixing: Be careful not to roughly stir the chocolate mixture into the cereal. And don't over-stir your Reindeer Mix when adding the candy; it may crush the cereal.
- Zippered Bag: A gallon-size bag may not be large enough to mix this recipe. A 2-gallon Ziploc bag is better.
- Half-Batch: This is unlikely, but you can half the Christmas Puppy Chow recipe if you need a smaller batch.
- Make-Ahead: Make a batch up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container until you're ready to serve. It's a great time-saving snack for holiday gatherings.
How To Store
- So your chocolate doesn't melt, store your Reindeer Chow Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If your house isn't overly warm, you can keep it on the kitchen counter.
- Your Reindeer puppy chow lasts 1-2 weeks if stored in an airtight container.
- Freeze your muddy buddies for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
Don't even think about heading to a Christmas party without a batch of this magical reindeer food! Package it up in a cute tin and share it with friends and family.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use a mix of Chex cereal varieties, such as Rice Chex and Corn Chex, or even add other types, like Wheat Chex, for a different texture and flavor.
Absolutely, you can use a different nut butter like almond or cashew butter or simply omit it to accommodate peanut allergies when making your Muddy Buddies.
Make sure to allow the chocolate mixture to cool slightly before tossing it with the dry Chex cereal. This can help prevent sogginess.
More Easy No-Bake Christmas Desserts
Love this Reindeer Chow recipe? Please leave a 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down.
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Printable Recipe
Reindeer Chow
Equipment
- Wax or parchment paper
- Large plastic bag
Ingredients
- 9 cups Chex Cereal (any variety will do)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup seasonal M&Ms
Instructions
- Pour cereal into a very large mixing bowl. Next, prep a cookie sheet with parchment or wax paper and set aside.
- Place chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cook for 1 minute and stir. If it's not completely melted, put it back in for up to 30 seconds more. Once it's melted, add vanilla extract and mix. Pour it over your Chex Cereal and mix with a spatula until well coated.
- Take a large plastic Ziploc bag and place powdered sugar inside, then add chocolatey cereal. Close and begin to shake it up so that all the squares are evenly covered with sugar. Place the Reindeer Chow on the baking sheet and let it cool. Once you're ready to serve, add holiday M&MS or other season candy and chow down!!
Storing
- Store Reindeer Chow in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Video
Notes
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- Mixing: Be careful not to roughly mix the chocolate mixture into the cereal, and don't over-stir your Reindeer Mix when adding the candy; it may crush the cereal.
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- Zippered Bag: A gallon-size bag may not be large enough to mix this recipe. A 2-gallon Ziploc bag is better.
-
- Half-Batch: You can half the Christmas Puppy Chow recipe if you need a smaller batch.
-
- Make-Ahead: Make a batch up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container until you're ready to serve. It's a great time-saving snack for holiday gatherings.
-
Nutrition
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Pam says
We made this for a family movie night last year and my kids have already requested it this year!! Thanks for the fun recipe!
Melissa says
Such a fun holiday snack, delicious kids and adults both loved it!
jess says
this is literally one of my favorite snacks to make in the winter time! its literally the best thing ever! thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe
Erin Henry says
It's a keeper for sure! The crunchy sweetness is amazing! Enjoy, Jess!
Elijah says
The best thing i have tasted in a wile the best
Erin Henry says
We couldn't agree more, Elijah! Enjoy your holiday season.
priscilla says
So easy and so good. Keeping this one on file. Thank you.................
Erin Henry says
Yay! Glad the Reindeer chow was a hit!
Erica says
I've never made before...would it be ok to sub the peanut butter with almond or sun butter?
Erin Henry says
We haven't tried it before, and it would change the flavor profile, but we think it will work, Erica. Let us know how it goes!
Krissy Allori says
This stuff should be called Christmas crack. I made it for my neighbors and friends but can't keep myself from eating it.. So good!
Deena says
I had to used a Reynolds turkey bag to mix the powder sugar. Forgot to use the vanilla but turned out great. I mixed some as well with peppermint m&ms.
Erin Henry says
Love the addition of peppermint M&Ms, Deena. Thanks for the 5-star review!
MorticiaGail says
I was so happy to see your comment, Deena! I, also, forgot to add the vanilla and was freaking out. LOL! Glad to hear that it is still good....
WHEW!!!!
Katie says
One of my all time favorite holiday snacks! The whole family is obsessed with it too! So tasty!
Jennifer says
One of my favorite snacks during the holiday! So tasty and easy! A crowd favorite!
Erin Henry says
It's such an easy and delicious recipe to share with friends...and of course Rudolph!
stephanie says
This recipe was a success not only for the kids, but also adults!!
Erin Henry says
Oh, yay! Our friends and family can't get enough of this yummy recipe!