Reindeer chow is a crunchy, chocolate-coated snack mix that turns Chex cereal, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and holiday M&Ms into a festive treat. This no-bake recipe makes 20 servings in about 15 minutes, so it works for a holiday party, cookie exchange, edible gift, or a bowl of something sweet to share. The two-bag method helps coat the cereal evenly while keeping the powdered sugar light and snowy.
What is reindeer chow?
Reindeer chow is the holiday name for puppy chow or muddy buddies: cereal pieces are covered in a smooth chocolate-peanut butter mixture, shaken with powdered sugar, and finished with colorful candy. The cereal stays crisp, the coating gives each piece a rich chocolate flavor, and M&Ms add a festive crunch. It is a no-bake snack, but the mixture should still be handled carefully while warm.
Why this Christmas muddy buddies recipe works
The recipe divides the cereal and coating into two batches, which makes thorough mixing easier than trying to coat all 14 cups at once. Powdered sugar clings to the chocolate surface and creates the signature finish. The butter loosens the melted chocolate and peanut butter enough to drizzle, while vanilla rounds out the flavor without adding another complicated step.
How to make reindeer chow
Measure everything before melting the coating. Use a large bowl and two sturdy paper bags or another roomy container with a secure lid. Work in two batches so the cereal does not break under its own weight.
Ingredients
- 14 cups Chex cereal
- 18 ounces holiday M&M candies
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, bar or chips
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4–5 cups powdered sugar
Method
- Melt the peanut butter and butter in a microwave-safe dish in 30-second intervals. Add the chocolate gradually, microwaving once more if needed, then stir in the vanilla until smooth.
- Put half of the cereal in a large bowl. Drizzle over half of the chocolate mixture and stir gently to coat.
- Place two large paper bags together. Add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and half of the coated cereal, close the bags, and shake vigorously. Add more powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time until coated, then toss in one-quarter of the M&Ms and transfer to an airtight container.
- Repeat with the remaining cereal, chocolate mixture, powdered sugar, and M&Ms. Store in an airtight container.
Serving ideas
Serve reindeer chow in a large bowl at a dessert table or portion it into small treat bags for gifting. It also fits neatly into jars or covered containers for a cookie exchange. Let the mixture cool and firm before serving so the pieces are easy to separate. A scoop makes it simple to offer consistent portions without compressing the cereal.
Tips for an even coating
Stir the melted coating until completely smooth before drizzling. Add it gradually instead of pouring it all in one spot, then fold the cereal gently so the squares do not crumble. Shake the bags while the coating is still tacky; powdered sugar adheres less effectively once the chocolate has fully set. If a few pieces remain bare, add a little more powdered sugar and shake again.
Optional variation
For an optional adult-friendly variation, replace some of the holiday M&Ms with another colorful candy or use a mix of seasonal colors. Keep the primary chocolate, peanut butter, cereal, and powdered sugar quantities unchanged. For anyone with a peanut allergy, use a verified peanut-free alternative only after checking every package label; that substitution is optional and changes the allergen profile.
Storage and reheating
Store the finished snack in an airtight container at room temperature for short-term serving. For a firmer chocolate coating, refrigerate or freeze the sealed container, then let it sit briefly before serving. Keep it away from moisture, which can soften the cereal and make the powdered sugar disappear. Because this is a ready-to-eat snack, use clean utensils and discard any portion contaminated by other foods.
For gifting, allow the coating to set before filling bags or jars. A completely cooled mixture is less likely to smear the container and keeps the powdered sugar looking bright. If you are preparing it for a party, make the snack earlier in the day, seal it well, and portion it shortly before guests arrive. Keep the candies mixed through the batch so each serving has the same balance of chocolate cereal and colorful pieces.
The paper-bag step is practical because it gives the cereal room to tumble instead of forcing you to stir aggressively in a crowded bowl. If you prefer a reusable option, use a very large lidded container and shake it in short bursts, checking between shakes. Do not fill the container more than halfway; an overfilled container will leave some pieces under-coated and can crush the cereal at the bottom.
Search answers
How do you make Christmas muddy buddies?
Melt chocolate, butter, and peanut butter with vanilla, coat Chex cereal, shake it with powdered sugar, and mix in holiday M&Ms.
What is reindeer chow made of?
This version uses Chex cereal, semi-sweet chocolate, butter, peanut butter, vanilla, powdered sugar, and holiday M&Ms.
Can reindeer chow be made ahead?
Yes. Keep it sealed in an airtight container and chill it if you prefer a firmer coating.
FAQs
A festive no-bake finish
Reindeer chow delivers the contrast people want from a holiday snack: crisp cereal, a smooth chocolate coating, snowy powdered sugar, and colorful candy in every handful. Make it in two batches, keep it sealed, and it is ready for sharing whenever the festive table needs something easy.
Reindeer Chow (Puppy Chow Muddy Buddies)
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 14 cups Chex cereal
- 18 ounces holiday M&M candies
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate bar or chips
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4-5 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Instructions
- Melt the peanut butter and butter in a microwave-safe dish in 30-second intervals. Add the chocolate gradually, microwaving once more if needed, then stir in the vanilla until smooth.
- Put half of the cereal in a large bowl. Drizzle over half of the chocolate mixture and stir gently to coat.
- Place two large paper bags together. Add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and half of the coated cereal, close the bags, and shake vigorously. Add more powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time until coated, then toss in one-quarter of the M&Ms and transfer to an airtight container.
- Repeat with the remaining cereal, chocolate mixture, powdered sugar, and M&Ms. Store in an airtight container.
