Simply put, this Reindeer Chow is a must. Include it in your holiday dessert line up for a delicious mix of cereals, white chocolate, peanuts, M&Ms, and pretzels!
The ultimate treat for reindeer... and us!
This holiday season, switch up the cookie lineup and spruce up the buffet of sweets with this delicious and crunchy reindeer chow!
Reindeer chow is one of my favorites to make because it's a hodge-podge of flavors and each bite is filled with the most delicious treats! Yummy cereals, candy, pretzel sticks, and loads of white chocolate. Yes, please!
One of the great things about this recipe is that you can stick with the ingredient list below, or you can get creative and add whatever salty or sweet addition that you'd like! But for now, let's get started with the classic combo of Rice Chex, Cheerios, pretzel sticks, M&Ms, and more.
Ingredients in reindeer chow
To make this reindeer chow recipe you will need two types of cereal, pretzel sticks, M&Ms, peanuts, white chocolate, and a bit of coconut oil.
- Rice Chex: Start with 3 cups of Rice Chex. This will add a light and fluffy crunch!
- Cheerios: Next, use 3 cups of the cereal classic: Cheerios. The plain kind will be best.
- Pretzels: Add some salty flavor with 3 cups of pretzel sticks. You can slightly crush them for more texture, or break them in half for bite-sized pieces.
- M&Ms: Use 3 cups of M&Ms as the chocolate component! I recommend using the holiday mix for cheery and festive colors.
- Peanuts: Add some nutty protein with 2 cups of peanuts.
- White chocolate: White chocolate will be used as the "glaze" in this chow. Use 1 16 oz bag.
- Coconut oil: Last but not least, you will need 2 tablespoon of coconut oil to help the white chocolate melt down properly.
Tools needed to make this recipe
You will need 5 main cooking items in addition to two measuring cups. Gather the following, and let's make a delicious dessert!
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Stirring utensil
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring cups: 1 tbsp, 1 cup
How to make this holiday reindeer chow recipe
Reindeer chow is simple to make and comes together in just 5 minutes! After combining the ingredients, we'll let it chill in the fridge for half an hour.
First, mix the Rice Chex, Cheerios, pretzel sticks, M&Ms, and peanuts in a large mixing bowl.
Add the white chocolate and coconut oil to a bowl and microwave them for 30-second increments. Stir after each increment and repeat until the mixture is completely melted.
Pour the white chocolate and coconut oil mixture over the snack mix and stir until each piece is coated.
Evenly spread the coated mixture onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Once cooled, break the mix into chunks and serve!
Substitution Tip
Looking to mix things up? Here are some simple swaps you can make to customize your holiday chow to your liking!
Cereal
Another cereal that will work well in this recipe is Rice Krispies.
Pretzel sticks
Pretzel sticks aren't required for this recipe. If you have regular mini pretzels taking up space in the pantry, use 'em!
M&Ms
Feel free to swap out M&Ms for any candy that you love. Reese's Cups would add a delicious peanut buttery flavor while crushed up Twix bars would add caramel and texture!
White chocolate
White chocolate can be replaced with chocolate chips or even peanut butter chips!
Add ons
Of course, all of the above can be added to the chow rather than substituted! You can also add some festive red and green sprinkles for extra cheer.
Step-by-step instructions on how to make Reindeer Chow
Storing leftovers
Reindeer chow should be kept in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for a longer shelf life, but storing at room temperature is also fine. It should remain fresh and tasty for about 4 days!
If you liked this recipe, you'll want to try these!
Dying for some more sweet holiday treats? Here are some fun and festive ideas!
- Double Chocolate Mint Paleo Cookies
- Healthy Hot Cocoa Cookies
- Easy Gingerbread Truffles (Paleo, Gluten-Free)
- Healthy Peppermint Brownies
- Healthy Peanut Butter Snowballs
Photos by Moriah Sawtelle and recipe by Erin Antoniak.
If you tried this recipe or any other recipes on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Follow @erinliveswhole on Instagram and tag me in any of the recipes you make so I can repost them!
Reindeer Chow
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, mix together rice chex, cheerios, pretzels, m&ms, and peanuts.
- Microwave white chocolate and coconut oil in 30 second increments, stirring after each one, until completely melted.
- Pour white chocolate over snack mix and stir until each piece is coated.
- Lay out on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
- Break apart into chunks.
- Store in airtight container.
Nutrition
Notes
- Melt the White Chocolate in 30-Second Increments: Add your white chocolate and coconut oil to a bowl and microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each one, until completely melted. This slow, gentle method prevents the chocolate from burning and seizing up.
- Make Sure Every Piece Gets Coated: After pouring the melted chocolate over the cereal mix, stir everything thoroughly until each piece is fully covered before spreading it out. Any uncoated spots won't hold together when you break it into chunks later.
- Refrigerate for the Full 30 Minutes Before Breaking Apart: Don't rush the chilling step! The fridge time is what sets the chocolate and allows everything to harden into those satisfying, snackable chunks. Pull it out too early and you'll have a sticky mess instead.
Jessica Steck says
A Christmas staple in our house!!! Simple and always so delicious
Erin says
Hi Jessica, so happy it is a big hit!!
Mrussom says
There is nothing not to love about this recipe. Simple. Easy. So tasty! I had made this for bake sales, get togethers, just for my kiddos to munch on. You can’t go wrong with this one. It’s always a hit with everyone.
Erin says
Hi, so happy it is a huge hit! 🙂
Adrienne says
Needed a quick recipe for a Galentine's event, and this was just the ticket! So easy, and the perfect salty-sweet treat.
Erin says
Hi Adrienne, so happy you loved it! 🙂
Ashley says
Can the coconut oil be substitued with another oil?
Erin says
Hi Ashley, yes, any neutral oil works! 🙂
Carly says
Used this recipe to clean out my pantry! Swapped regular Rice Krispies for the Chex and used cinnamon cheerios since I had them. Was low on m & ms so I added mini cup chips. SO good every time no matter the variation.
Erin says
Hi Carly, so happy you loved it and made it your own!! 🙂
Nancy says
I have made this recipe consistently for the last 2 years and made variations throughout the year for various holidays/gifts. It is such a simple recipe that I don’t feel overwhelmed when I commit to making it and it is a huge crowd pleaser! I always receive so many compliments from anyone who tries it! Love love this recipe and will continue to make it for years to come!
Erin says
Hi Nancy, so happy you love it so much and great idea! 🙂
Madelyn DiPofi says
so easy and good
Erin says
Hi Madelyn, so happy you love it! 🙂
Aleshia says
Delicious, quick and so easy. Perfect for the daycare educators Christmas gifts… if I don’t eat it all first! I made with mini pretzels which come in star shapes to add some extra festivity and added a few pinches of crushed salt flakes.
Aleshia says
Additionally, the 640g tub of red & green m&ms pretty much equates to 3 cups. 16oz is 454g white choc.
Erin says
Hi Aleshia, so happy you loved it and great idea! Might need to make another batch then!
Erin says
So good and easy, I make this for all holidays! Very easy to half and give for gifts.
Erin says
Hi Erin, so happy you like it and great idea! 🙂
Priscilla says
Hi! Can I freeze this?
Erin says
Hi Priscilla, you could certainly try! It would probably do best in an airtight container. Let me know how it comes out!
Dana says
This is such a great- easy- party friendly recipe. It is super quick to make and I tossed it in big zip lock bags to travel with. Great party snack! Another ELW win!
Erin says
Hi Dana, so glad you loved it! 🙂
Deborah Smith says
I just came upon your recipe. Is there anything I can substitute for peanuts? I have a couple of kids allergic to them.
Erin says
Hi Deborah, you can just omit them or add in another nut! 🙂
Kathryn says
This is so delicious! My kids look forward to making it every year. I’m hoping to make a batch today? But wondering how long this will be good for. Will it last until Christmas? I don’t think we’ve ever managed to keep it around that long!
Erin says
Hi Kathryn, it should be kept in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for a longer shelf life, but storing at room temperature is also fine. It should remain fresh and tasty for about 4 days. This was at the bottom of the recipe so hopefully you read this already and enjoyed it yesterday!!
Candi says
Is there a substitute for the coconut oil? In case someone has a severe nut allergy?
Ty!
Erin says
Hi Candi, yes, you can use any neutral oil like avocado oil!
Katkbow3 says
Very good and easy to make. I'm a 9th grade teacher and think I will make it again to share with some of my students / or give away for a prize/rewards. They'll love it. NEXT time, I would adjust it slightly to make it more of a salty sweet taste. To me, it was too sweet this time. I would do less than three cups of m&m's (too many) and add in some salt to stir through while the white chocolate is still hot so it will stick, I think it'll be perfect. Good and easy recipe!
Erin says
Hi, so happy everyone loved it!!
allie says
So delicious and so incredibly easy to make! Such a crowd pleasure and my new go-to treat to make for others!
Erin says
Hi Allie, so glad you love it! 🙂