Reindeer Chow
Reindeer Chow is a delicious brownie batter Chex mix that is so simple to make and just the perfect holiday treat. Crispy Rice Chex coated in chocolate and peanut butter then dusted with brownie mix. Add M&M’S, pretzels, and Reese’s Cups and you’ll be ready for Christmas snacking!
Brownie Batter Chex Mix Reindeer Chow
This is the fun Christmas recipe the kids (and grown-ups too) will be loving this holiday season! The best part is, it really only takes a few minutes in the kitchen to make Reindeer Chow. Make this sweet, salty, and crunchy snack for a movie night, party, or fun dessert.
Check out some of our favorite Christmas snack recipes: Haystack Cookies | Caramel Apple Slices Bar | Snowman Hot Chocolate Bombs | White Chocolate Peppermint Oreo Balls | Christmas Cookie Fudge
The Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Reindeer Chow (the exact measurements and full recipe instructions are below in the easy to print recipe card):
- Rice Chex cereal – Corn Chex also work very well in this recipe, so use whichever Chex cereal you like best.
- Semisweet chocolate chips – the chocolate chips will be melted with peanut butter, so semi-sweet is best to use as milk chocolate burns very quickly.
- Creamy peanut butter – be sure to use creamy peanut butter and not chunky for this recipe.
- Dry brownie mix – if you would prefer not to use the brownie mix, soft together 1 cup powdered sugar with 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder and use that mixture to dust the chocolate-peanut butter coated Chex.
- Christmas M&M’s – any color of M&M’S is perfect! We used Christmas colors for Reindeer Chow, but you can make this brownie batter Chex mix any time of the year and use whatever color M&M’S you want.
- Miniature Reese’s peanut butter cups – in this case we used peanut butter cups from ALDI that are really delicious, but normally Reese’s Cups are the go-to choice.
- Pretzel twists – this shape of pretzel is just right for the Reindeer Chow sweet Chex Mix.
How to Make Reindeer Chow
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter and heat in the microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each interval, until melted and smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate mixture with the Rice Chex and toss gently with a spatula until the cereal is coated.
Pour the brownie mix over top of the cereal and toss until coated. You can also coat the Chex by placing it in a zip-top bag along with the brownie mix and shaking until it’s all combined.
Add the M&M’s, peanut butter cups, and pretzel twists and toss gently to combine.
How to Give Reindeer Chow as a Gift
Package the Reindeer Chex mix in cute little Christmas-themed bags, tie with a ribbon, attach a small gift tag with the list of ingredients (be sure to note the peanut butter, in case of allergies), and give as adorable small gifts. These also make a nice addition to Christmas gift baskets. Or fill a large Christmas cookie tin with the mix for larger gifts.
Variations
Want to mix it up and make this Reindeer Chow your own? Here are some other mix-in ideas:
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate chips – white chocolate is a nice contrast to the brownie batter Chex
- Roasted nuts – peanuts, almonds, or pecans are good options
- Mini peanut butter filled pretzels
- Yogurt covered raisins
- Small pieces of peanut brittle
How to Store Leftover Chex Mix
Keep the leftover Chex mix in an airtight food storage container or a zip-top bag with as much air removed as possible without crushing the Chex. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week.
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Reindeer Chow
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup dry brownie mix
- 1 12-ounce bag Christmas M&M's
- 2 cups miniature Reese’s peanut butter cups unwrapped
- 2 cups pretzel twists
Instructions
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter and heat in the microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each interval, until melted and smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate mixture with the Rice Chex and toss gently with a spatula until the cereal is coated. Pour the brownie mix over top of the cereal and toss until coated.
- Add the M&M's, peanut butter cups, and pretzel twists and toss gently to combine.
