Jolly Reindeer Food Recipe: Christmas Puppy Chow Magic

Sprinkle some holiday magic into your kitchen with this delightful reindeer food recipe that adds a festive twist to the classic puppy chow.

Sweet, crunchy, and perfectly seasonal, this Christmas treat captures the spirit of winter celebrations.

Crisp cereal coated in white chocolate melts in your mouth with each delectable bite.

The powdered sugar coating creates a snow-like dusting that makes this snack irresistibly cute.

Kids and adults alike will fall in love with these bite-sized morsels of joy.

Whip up a batch and watch smiles spread faster than Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve.

This simple recipe promises to become your new holiday tradition.

Why Reindeer Food Is a Holiday Favorite

• Incredibly easy recipe that requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for beginners or busy holiday bakers who want a delightful treat without complicated techniques.
• Kids and adults will love this sweet and crunchy snack, making it an ideal treat for family gatherings, holiday parties, or casual get-togethers with friends.
• Flexible recipe allows you to swap ingredients or add personal twists like different candies, chocolate types, or sprinkles, making it a versatile and fun cooking experience.
• Zero oven time means less stress and more enjoyment, letting you create a festive treat quickly without complicated cooking methods or extensive kitchen cleanup.

What’s in Reindeer Food Puppy Chow

• Rice Chex Cereal: A light and crispy foundation that provides the perfect crunch for this festive treat.
• Mini Pretzels: Adds a salty crunch and breaks up the sweetness of the chocolate coating.

• Chocolate Chips: Creates a rich, smooth chocolate coating that holds the mix together.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Helps melt the chocolate and adds a delicious nutty flavor to the mixture.

• Powdered Sugar: Provides a sweet, snowy coating that makes the mix look like magical reindeer food.
• M&Ms: Adds colorful festive bursts and extra sweetness to the mix.
• Mini Peanut Butter Cups: Introduces additional chocolate and peanut butter flavor for extra indulgence.

How to Make Reindeer Food Puppy Chow

Step 1: Combine Base Ingredients

In a large bowl, grab your Rice Chex cereal and broken mini pretzels.

Mix them together thoroughly, creating a crunchy foundation for your festive treat.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Peanut Butter Mixture

Melt chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl.

Carefully heat in short intervals, stirring between each session to achieve a smooth, glossy consistency.

Avoid overheating to prevent burning.

Step 3: Coat Cereal Mixture

Pour the warm chocolate-peanut butter blend over the cereal and pretzels.

Gently fold using a rubber spatula, ensuring every piece gets an even chocolate coating without crushing the delicate pieces.

Step 4: Initial Chilling

Refrigerate the coated mixture for about 30 minutes.

This helps the chocolate start to set and makes the next coating process easier.

Step 5: Powdered Sugar Coating

Grab a clean large bowl and sprinkle powdered sugar on the bottom.

Add half the chocolate-covered mixture, then dust with more powdered sugar.

Softly toss to create a complete white coverage.

Repeat with remaining mixture, adding extra powdered sugar as needed.

Step 6: Final Chilling

Return the sugar-coated mixture to the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes.

This step ensures the sugar adheres perfectly and creates a delightful crunch.

Step 7: Add Festive Extras

• M&Ms
• Mini peanut butter cups

Your Reindeer Food is now ready to delight and impress!

Tips for the Best Holiday Puppy Chow

• Microwave chocolate and peanut butter in short intervals, stirring between each to avoid burning and ensure smooth, creamy melting.
• Use a rubber spatula when coating cereal to fold ingredients carefully, preventing cereal from getting crushed and maintaining its crisp texture.
• Sprinkle powdered sugar in layers while tossing the mixture to achieve an even, consistent coating that doesn't clump.
• Refrigerate the mix twice – once after coating and again after adding powdered sugar – to help ingredients set and create a delightful crunch.
• Experiment with different chocolate chips, swap M&Ms for festive sprinkles, or add crushed candy canes for a holiday twist that keeps the treat exciting.

How to Store and Reheat Reindeer Food

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the container sealed to prevent moisture and maintain crunchiness.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• If consuming within 2-3 days, store in a sealed container away from direct sunlight or heat. Place in a cool, dry spot to preserve texture.
• Add a small piece of paper towel inside the storage container to absorb excess moisture and keep the puppy chow crisp and fresh.

What to Pair with Christmas Puppy Chow

• Pair with Festive Hot Chocolate: Whip up a rich, creamy hot chocolate with marshmallows and a sprinkle of cinnamon to complement the sweet and salty crunch of the Reindeer Food.
• Sip Spiced Mulled Wine: Enjoy a warm, aromatic mulled wine with hints of orange and clove that balances the chocolate and peanut butter flavors in the snack.
• Match with Peppermint Mocha: Indulge in a creamy peppermint mocha that echoes the holiday spirit and provides a delightful contrast to the crunchy, sweet treat.
• Brew Holiday Chai Latte: Savor a spicy-sweet chai latte that brings out the warmth and complexity of the Reindeer Food's chocolate and pretzel notes.

Fun Variations on Reindeer Food Recipes

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace Rice Chex with gluten-free crispy rice cereal and swap regular pretzels with gluten-free pretzel sticks. Use gluten-free chocolate chips and confirm peanut butter is certified gluten-free.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or coconut butter. Use nut-free chocolate chips and replace peanut butter cups with dairy-free chocolate chunks.
• Vegan Christmas Puppy Chow: Use dairy-free chocolate chips, coconut cream instead of peanut butter, and vegan marshmallow bits or dark chocolate chunks in place of M&Ms and peanut butter cups. Choose plant-based cereal options.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce powdered sugar quantity and use stevia-sweetened chocolate chips. Replace traditional candy with chopped nuts or seeds for crunch and minimal added sugar.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for Reindeer Food?

The key ingredients are Rice Chex cereal, mini pretzels, chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, M&Ms, and mini peanut butter cups. Each ingredient contributes to the sweet and crunchy texture of the treat.

• Can I make this recipe without a microwave?

Yes, you can melt the chocolate and peanut butter using a double boiler on the stovetop. Simply place a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water and stir until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.

• How do I prevent the chocolate from burning?

Microwave the chocolate and peanut butter in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. This helps distribute the heat evenly and prevents scorching. Be patient and stir frequently to ensure a smooth mixture.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly to make?

Absolutely! Kids can help with mixing the cereal, tossing with powdered sugar, and adding M&Ms. Adult supervision is recommended for the melting step and using the microwave or stovetop.

Reindeer Food Recipe (christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Christmas magic sparkles in this Reindeer Food puppy chow, blending sweet chocolate and festive cheer. Crunchy, powdered sugar-coated cereal mix delights holiday snackers with its irresistible seasonal charm.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 5 cups rice chex cereal
• 1 1/2 cups semisweet or dark chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
• 1 1/2 cups mini pretzels, broken into pieces

Candy and Sweet Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups red and green M&Ms
• 1 cup mini peanut butter cups
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the base by combining Rice Chex cereal and mini pretzels in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
2. Create a smooth chocolate-peanut butter mixture by microwaving chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring carefully to prevent scorching. Heat until completely melted and fully integrated.
3. Gently fold the warm chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal and pretzels, using a rubber spatula to coat every morsel without crushing the delicate pieces.
4. Refrigerate the coated mixture for approximately 30 minutes, allowing it to partially set and become slightly firm.
5. Establish a powdered sugar coating by dividing the process into two batches. Sprinkle powdered sugar in a large bowl, add half the cereal mixture, then coat thoroughly. Repeat the process with the remaining cereal and additional powdered sugar.
6. Return the sugar-coated mixture to the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes, enabling complete setting and ensuring the powdered sugar adheres perfectly.
7. Incorporate M&Ms and mini peanut butter cups into the chilled mixture, creating a festive and indulgent treat ready for immediate enjoyment.

Notes

• Customize the mix by swapping out pretzels for nuts like almonds or pecans for added crunch and different flavor profiles.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free Rice Chex and ensuring all chocolate and peanut butter are certified gluten-free.
• Control sugar content by reducing powdered sugar amount or using a sugar substitute like powdered erythritol for low-carb diets.
• Keep the mixture refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing chocolate from melting.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 5mg