Reindeer Chow Chex Mix (Christmas Puppy Chow!)

Sweet and salty, this Reindeer Chow Chex Mix is the perfect party snack mix for the holidays. A twist on the classic Puppy Chow dessert, this colorful and sweet treat is great for potlucks, parties or to give out as gifts in tins for Christmas! Santa’s reindeer will be flying to your house fast for these Christmas treats!

 

Why We Love Christmas Reindeer Chow Chex Mix

• Sweet Party Mix– Perfect for Christmas movie nights, a little extra magic for Christmas Eve, or a special treat for potlucks or a holiday party. This sweet and salty mix is so fun and colorful, and is the perfect treat for Christmas time.
• Easy To Make – This Christmas snack mix comes together fast, no baking is required for this easy recipe.
• Makes Great Gifts– Homemade gifts can mean so much, and this sweet mix is perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season.

What Is Puppy Chow?

Puppy Chow, also known as Muddy Buddies is a party treat made with a chocolate peanut butter sauce that coats Chex cereal, then the sweet treat is often tossed in powdered sugar. This easy reindeer chow is a sweet twist on the classic puppy chow mix, which has tons of peanut butter chocolate flavor.

Puppy chow gets its name from looking similar to puppy kibble in a bowl, but it’s a delicious treat that is not safe for dogs – only humans!

Prefer more chocolate? Try the hilarious chocolate reindeer poop for a treat that will make everyone giggle!

Ingredients For Christmas Reindeer Chow Chex Mix

• ¾ cup peanut butter – I used creamy peanut butter.
• ½ cup butter unsalted
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips semi-sweet
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups Corn Chex cereal
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup pretzels
• 1/2 cup M&Ms I used red and green
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup candy canes broken pieces about 12 candy canes
• 2 tablespoons red and green sprinkles

How To Make Christmas Reindeer Chow Chex Mix

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, add the peanut butter and butter. Microwave for 20-second intervals, mixing in between until the butter and peanut butter melt into a smooth sauce.

2. Add half of the chocolate chips to the peanut butter. Microwave for 30- second intervals at half power, mixing in between each interval until the chocolate is fully melted.

3. Add the other half of the chocolate chips and melt at 30 second intervals. Pour the vanilla into the mixture and stir.

4. Place half of the cereal into a large mixing bowl. Pour half of the peanut butter chocolate mixture over the cereal.

5. Gently fold the melted chocolate into the cereal with a large spoon or silicone spatula.

6. Add the chocolate coated cereal and half of the powdered sugar to a large zip-top bag, at least gallon size. Seal the bag and shake the bag well until the cereal is fully coated in powdered sugar. Pour the coated cereal pieces into a large serving bowl.

7. Repeat the process with the second half of the cereal. Coat the cereal with the chocolate peanut butter mixture, followed by shaking the cereal with powdered sugar in a large zip-top bag.
8. Top the first layer of the chocolate Chex cereal with half of the pretzels, M&Ms, white chocolate chips, candy canes pieces, and sprinkles.

9. Add the rest of the cereal mixture, then add the remaining pretzels, M&Ms, white chocolate chips, candy canes pieces and sprinkles. Serve and enjoy!

Variation Ideas

Swap The Cereal– I’ve used Corn Chex Mix, but other varieties such as Rice Chex Cereal work, or the store brand works too.

Change The Chocolate Candies – Try peppermint chocolate candies, chocolate chips, or pieces of Andes mints! Raid the holiday chocolate aisle at the grocery store and use your favorites!

Swap The Peppermint Candy– You can swap out the candy cane pieces for mini candy canes, or crush gently some of the round peppermint candies and sprinkle on top.

Leave Out A Mix In- Don’t have M&Ms? Can’t stand white chocolate? Don’t like salty pretzels? After the reindeer chow muddy buddies have been mixed with chocolate, any of the mix-ins can be swapped for your favorite mix-ins, or left out of this fun reindeer mix.

How Long Does Reindeer Chow Chex Mix Last?

Store this Reindeer Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature and it will last for 1-2 weeks. Expect that it will taste it’s best within the first few days, but honestly, it usually is eaten long before it is no longer good! If I’m making it for gifts, you can make it ahead of time a day or two.

Really the only part I would be concerned with is the pretzels may go a little soft if they absorb moisture from the peanut butter. You could leave the pretzels out, or mix them into the party mix as you portion it and easily make this mix a couple days ahead of time.

I’ve never tried freezing this party mix before. Let me know if you try it, it seems like it should freeze but I can’t recommend freezing if I haven’t tried it.