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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 tbsp 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.
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.
Reindeer Chow
Ingredients
- 3 cups rice chex
- 3 cups cheerios
- 3 cups pretzel sticks (crushed slightly)
- 3 cups holiday m&ms
- 2 cups salted peanuts
- 16 oz white chocolate
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions
- 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.
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Taylor says
Reindeer Chow quickly became a holiday tradition at our house, and now Leprauchan Chow is a Spring tradition! Can’t wait to see what other new ways you can incorporate it into our year, my kids LOVE it!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Taylor, so happy it is such a hit! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Lauri says
For the reindeer chow if you don’t have coconut oil what else could you use?
Emma says
Made this 3+ times this holiday season. Perfect for potlucks, gifting, and snacking, and so so easy to make.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Emma, so happy it is such a hit!!
Ally says
This is so easy and so addicting! Pair with ELW PB balls and both make great snacks for a holiday party!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Ally, so happy you loved it! 🙂
Carolyn Brooks says
This is the easiest yet most delicious recipe! Great to make for others / bring to holiday parties. Seriously addicting!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Carolyn, so happy you loved it!
Kristina says
Made this yesterday for a party and it was a huge hit. Literally takes 5 minutes to make and everyone thinks you’re a hero. Great for holiday parties or gifts!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kristina, so glad it was a hit!!
Caroline says
Tried this recipe for the first time and it was great!!
My M&Ms all fall to the bottom of the container.. any idea how to prevent this?
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Caroline, so happy you loved it! You can try adding them in layers or adding more white chocolate so that it helps it stick together. Let me know how it comes out next time!
Hannah says
So easy and yummy! Makes a big batch, so its perfect to have some at home and some to bring to work to share. Although it is so good, there may not be much to bring to work!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Hannah, so glad you enjoyed it!
Jamie says
At Momof2Peas.com we have been has been making this for years so yummy!
Erin says
Hi Jamie, so glad you love it!!
Hannah says
Made this again with Valentine’s Day themed m&ms as a “Cupid’s chow” – so good and so easy! Always add some holiday themed sprinkles to the mix as well for a little extra fun
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Hannah, so happy you enjoyed it and made it your own for Valentine’s Day!!
Kaitlin R. says
So so good!! Makes a ton so I gave some out as gifts.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kaitlin, so happy you loved it and great idea!!
Kaitlin says
So so good!! Makes a ton so I gave some out as gifts.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kaitlin, so glad you liked it and shared it!
Madeline says
This no-bake treat was perfect to make and hand out to my coworkers for the holidays! The sweet & salty combo is perfect!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Madeline, so glad everyone loved it!
Sarah says
This really is a must! It’s so easy for non bakers or if you’re busy but still want to make a treat. It has everything- the sweet, salty, and crunchy. This recipe makes a lot and is great to share with family and friends. Very yummy!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Sarah, so happy you loved it!
Traci says
How many ounces are the boxes of cereal do I need?
Erin says
Hi Traci, you need 3 cups of each cereal and 6 cups total. 3 cups = 24 oz. Hope this helps!
Traci says
How many oz cereal boxes do I need?
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Traci, you need 3 cups of each cereal and 6 cups total. 3 cups = 24 oz. Hope this helps!
Kaitlyn O’Connor says
This is such an easy, fun and festive treat! Made enough for several holiday gatherings. Can’t stop munching on it!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kaitlyn, so happy you loved it!
Joanna says
I made this for a holiday gathering with friends and put it in separate ziploc bags as a “party favor.” Everyone LOVED it.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Joanna, so glad it was a hit! 🙂
Ilana says
This recipe was absolutely phenomenal! I made it for a holiday party with friends and it was such a hit. I made it GF to make sure everyone could enjoy and it was beyond incredible. So easy to make and so so delicious, seasonal, and fun.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Ilana, so happy everyone loved it! 🙂
Rachael says
This is literally the easiest and best Christmas recipe! I made it twice in one week. I gave it out to my students for the holidays and they loved it, then had to make another batch just to have at home!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Rachel, so happy you and your students enjoyed it! 🙂
genny says
ADDICTIVE! what’s not to love
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Genny, so happy you loved it!!