If you’re searching for a festive, fun, and utterly delicious snack to brighten up your holiday celebrations, look no further than this Reindeer Food Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe. It’s a magical mix of crunchy Rice Chex cereal enveloped in creamy chocolate and peanut butter, dusted with powdered sugar, and bursting with colorful sprinkles, M&M’s, and mini marshmallows. This treat delights both the eyes and the taste buds, making it a holiday must-have that brings joy to kids and adults alike. It’s easy to whip up, perfectly shareable, and sure to become a seasonal favorite you’ll reach for year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Reindeer Food Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and festive fun—from the crunchy cereal base to the rich chocolate coating and colorful candy toppings that make this snack truly special.
- Rice Chex cereal: This classic cereal provides a light, crispy crunch that’s perfect for holding all the delicious coating.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These melt down smooth to give a rich, luscious chocolate flavor that wraps the cereal lovingly.
- Creamy peanut butter: Adds creamy texture and a subtle nutty depth that perfectly complements the chocolate.
- Unsalted butter: Helps melt and blend the chocolate and peanut butter into a silky coating.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and enhances the overall flavor of the chocolate mixture.
- Powdered sugar: Dusts the coated cereal with a sweet, snowy finish that makes it truly look like reindeer food.
- Festive sprinkles or edible glitter: These add an eye-catching sparkle and splash of color that screams holiday cheer.
- Red and green M&M’s or chocolate candies: They give bursts of chocolate and candy crunch with perfect Christmas colors.
- Mini marshmallows: Soft and sweet, these little pillows add a playful contrast in texture.
How to Make Reindeer Food Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Cereal
Start by measuring out nine cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. This will be the crunchy backbone of your festive treat, ready to get coated in all the delicious goodness coming next.
Step 2: Melt Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Butter
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine one cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, half a cup of creamy peanut butter, and a quarter cup of unsalted butter. Warm the mixture in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until perfectly smooth and shiny. This velvety base is where the magic begins!
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Once melted, stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract. This little touch enhances the depth of the chocolate and peanut butter combo, making every bite taste like a cozy holiday hug.
Step 4: Coat the Cereal
Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold and mix, ensuring every crunchy piece gets covered with that rich, tasty coating. Take your time to get an even coat—this is what makes it so addictively good.
Step 5: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Sprinkle one cup of powdered sugar over the coated cereal and mix gently. This step gives the treat its signature “snow-kissed” appearance and adds a sweet, delicate finish that balances the rich chocolate and peanut butter.
Step 6: Fold in Festive Extras
Now for the fun part! Add in one cup each of festive sprinkles or edible glitter, red and green M&M’s or chocolate candies, and mini marshmallows. Fold these in carefully so they’re evenly distributed without breaking the coated cereal pieces. This candy mix adds wonderful crunch, softness, and that unmistakable holiday spirit.
Step 7: Set and Store
Transfer your Reindeer Food Christmas Puppy Chow to a large serving dish or an airtight container. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to set before serving, so the coating hardens just right and makes it easy to grab handfuls of festive goodness.
How to Serve Reindeer Food Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special presentation, toss on a few more colorful sprinkles or a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. You can also add a sprinkle of edible glitter to make your puppy chow shimmer like the magic of Christmas night.
Side Dishes
This sweet snack pairs beautifully with hot cocoa or spiced cider to keep the cozy holiday spirit going strong. It’s also wonderful alongside a charcuterie board featuring nuts and cheeses, balancing sweet and savory flavors for your guests.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the puppy chow in cute holiday-themed bowls or mason jars tied with festive ribbons for gifts or party favors. You could also package it in clear cellophane bags with a personalized tag for an easy homemade Christmas treat that spreads cheer wherever it goes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Reindeer Food Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week, making it a perfect make-ahead treat for busy holiday days.
Freezing
You can freeze the puppy chow in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature—though it’s so good fresh, it might not last that long!
Reheating
This snack is best served cold or at room temperature and doesn’t require reheating. If your chocolate coating feels soft, simply give it some time in a cool place to firm back up before serving.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
While you can substitute crunchy peanut butter, the creamy variety blends more smoothly with chocolate, ensuring an even coating on the cereal. Crunchy peanut butter might add extra texture but could make mixing a bit trickier.
Is there a nut-free version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the peanut butter with a nut-free spread like sunflower seed butter to make this recipe safe for those with peanut allergies, without sacrificing the creamy richness.
Can I make Reindeer Food Christmas Puppy Chow ahead of time?
Yes, this treat is perfect for making in advance. Just store it in an airtight container and it will stay fresh and festive for days, making your holiday prep stress-free.
What can I use instead of M&M’s?
If you don’t have M&M’s, you can swap in any small red and green candies like holiday-themed chocolate chips, candy-coated chocolates, or even chopped dried fruit for a different twist.
Is this recipe suitable for kids to help make?
Definitely! With simple steps involving mixing and measuring, kids will love helping make this festive snack. Just be sure to supervise the melting of chocolate and butter for safety.
Final Thoughts
This Reindeer Food Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe is hands down one of the most joyful and tasty treats to whip up during the holiday season. Its combination of textures, flavors, and festive colors makes snacking feel like a celebration all on its own. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your loved ones—it’s guaranteed to spread smiles and holiday cheer with every crunchy, sweet bite!
Print
Reindeer Food Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 2m
- Total Time: 0h 17m
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Reindeer Food Christmas Puppy Chow is a festive, sweet snack mix featuring crunchy Rice Chex cereal coated in a smooth blend of melted chocolate, peanut butter, and butter, then dusted with powdered sugar and mixed with colorful holiday sprinkles, M&M’s, and mini marshmallows. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a playful seasonal treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup festive sprinkles or edible glitter
- 1 cup red and green M&M’s or chocolate candies
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Chocolate Mixture
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Measure the cereal: Begin by measuring out 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set it aside.
- Melt chocolate mixture: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter, and 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Heat in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add vanilla extract: Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture until well incorporated.
- Coat cereal: Pour the chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently mix using a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring all cereal pieces are evenly coated.
- Add powdered sugar: Sprinkle 1 cup of powdered sugar over the coated cereal. Stir gently to ensure the mixture is evenly coated with the powdered sugar.
- Mix in festive ingredients: Add 1 cup of festive sprinkles or edible glitter, 1 cup of red and green M&M’s or chocolate candies, and 1 cup of mini marshmallows to the bowl. Fold these ingredients carefully into the mixture.
- Set and serve: Transfer the puppy chow to a large serving dish or store it in an airtight container. Allow it to sit for about 30 minutes to set before serving for best texture.
Notes
- Microwave heating times may vary; watch the chocolate mixture carefully to avoid burning.
- Use gluten-free Rice Chex if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or omit it.
- Store puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Mix gently when adding powdered sugar to avoid crushing the cereal.
