Reindeer chow is the snack mix that disappears from the bowl before the movie starts. Rice cereal is coated in melted chocolate, peanut butter and butter, shaken in powdered sugar, then tossed with red and green candy-coated chocolates and mini pretzels. It takes 15 minutes and makes a big bowl for parties or gift bags.
Why You’ll Love It
- 15 minutes, no oven.
- Makes a big party bowl.
- Pretty in gift bags.
What You Need
- 9 cups rice square cereal
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup red and green candy-coated chocolates
- 1 cup mini pretzels
How to Make Reindeer Chow
- Measure the cereal into a very large bowl.
- Melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Stir in the vanilla.
- Pour over the cereal and fold gently until every piece is coated.
- Put the powdered sugar in a large zip-top bag, add the cereal, seal and shake until white.
- Spread on parchment to cool 10 minutes, then toss with the candies and pretzels.
Tips
- Fold gently so the cereal does not break.
- Let it cool before adding the candies or the color bleeds.
- Half white chocolate and half semisweet makes it even prettier.
Serving and Storing
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for a week. Pack in cellophane bags with a ribbon for gifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cereal?
Yes, corn or rice squares both work.
Is it gluten free?
Use gluten-free cereal and pretzels and it is.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, up to a week ahead; add the pretzels the day you serve.
Reindeer Chow
Crispy cereal coated in chocolate and peanut butter, shaken in powdered sugar and mixed with red and green candies and pretzels. The Christmas version of puppy chow.
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Ingredients
- 9 cups rice square cereal
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup red and green candy-coated chocolates
- 1 cup mini pretzels
Instructions
- Measure the cereal into a very large bowl.
- Melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Stir in the vanilla.
- Pour over the cereal and fold gently until every piece is coated.
- Put the powdered sugar in a large zip-top bag, add the cereal, seal and shake until white.
- Spread on parchment to cool 10 minutes, then toss with the candies and pretzels.
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