Christmas Reindeer Chow
There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, and what better way to spread the cheer than with a festive, crunchy, and sweet treat that everyone will love? Christmas Reindeer Chow is a delightful snack mix that combines crunchy cereals, salty peanuts, pretzels, and colorful red and green candies, all coated in luscious white chocolate. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and salty, festive and fun, and it’s incredibly easy to make—a true crowd-pleaser for gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying cozy nights by the fire.
This recipe brings together simple pantry staples and transforms them into a snack that’s just as joyful to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re a seasoned holiday baker or just starting out, Christmas Reindeer Chow is a fantastic go-to treat that will fill your home with the inviting aroma of white chocolate and holiday spirit. Let’s dive in and make some holiday magic!
The Upside of Christmas Reindeer Chow
Christmas Reindeer Chow is more than just a snack; it’s a festive experience. The combination of crunchy cereals and salty peanuts with the smooth sweetness of white chocolate makes every bite a delightful surprise. It’s incredibly versatile—you can customize it with your favorite mix-ins or keep it classic with the traditional ingredients. Plus, it’s a no-bake treat, so it’s perfect for those chilly winter days when you want something sweet without heating up the kitchen.
Another huge plus is how quick and easy this recipe is. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute holiday prep or a fun family activity. And because it’s packaged in a colorful and festive way, Christmas Reindeer Chow makes a thoughtful homemade gift that anyone would appreciate. It’s the perfect way to bring a little extra joy to your holiday celebrations.
The Essentials
- 3 cups (129g) Rice Chex cereal – Provides a light, crispy base that absorbs the white chocolate coating beautifully.
- 3 cups (84g) Cheerios cereal – Adds a slightly different texture and mild oat flavor to balance the mix.
- 3 cups (426g) peanuts – Use roasted, unsalted peanuts for the best flavor and crunch.
- 3 cups (126g) pretzel pieces – Adds a satisfying salty crunch that complements the sweet coating.
- 3 cups (540g) red & green M&Ms – Choose the plain variety to keep the recipe entirely plant-based and suitable for everyone.
- 20 ounces white chocolate – Use a high-quality white chocolate that is free from any non-compliant ingredients.
- 3 tablespoons (40g) solid vegetable shortening – Helps the white chocolate melt smoothly and coat the mix evenly.
Gear Checklist
- Large mixing bowl – For combining all your cereals, nuts, and pretzels.
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler – To melt your white chocolate and shortening together gently.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – For stirring and mixing the ingredients thoroughly.
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper – Perfect for spreading out the mixture to cool and set.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure accuracy with your ingredients.
- Storage container or resealable bags – For keeping your Christmas Reindeer Chow fresh and crunchy.
Christmas Reindeer Chow — Do This Next
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by measuring out all your cereals, peanuts, pretzel pieces, and M&Ms. Place them in a large mixing bowl and gently toss to combine. This ensures every bite is packed with a variety of textures and flavors.
Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate and vegetable shortening. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the mixture is smooth and completely melted. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate over a double boiler on the stove, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Step 3: Coat the Mix
Pour the melted white chocolate mixture over the cereal and nut mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir until every piece is thoroughly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal or pretzels as you mix.
Step 4: Spread and Set
Transfer the coated mixture to your prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly. Let it cool completely at room temperature or place it in the refrigerator to speed up the setting process. Once set, break apart any large clumps.
Step 5: Add the Final Touch
After the white chocolate has set, gently fold in the red and green M&Ms. This keeps the candies from melting and adds a festive pop of color to your Christmas Reindeer Chow.
How to Make It Lighter
- Swap out half of the white chocolate for a lighter coating of vanilla yogurt drizzle for a tangy twist.
- Use air-popped popcorn instead of one of the cereals to add volume without extra calories.
- Reduce the amount of peanuts and pretzels slightly to cut down on fat and sodium.
- Opt for low-fat or reduced-sugar M&Ms or substitute with dried cranberries to add natural sweetness.
Avoid These Traps
- Overheating the white chocolate: White chocolate burns easily, so melt it slowly and stir frequently to prevent it from seizing or becoming grainy.
- Adding M&Ms before the chocolate sets: This can cause the colors to bleed or the candies to melt, so always fold them in after the mixture has cooled.
- Using salted peanuts or pretzels: While the saltiness is part of the charm, too much salt can overpower the sweetness. Opt for unsalted or lightly salted varieties.
- Crushing the cereals: Stir gently to keep the pieces intact and preserve the satisfying crunch.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Christmas Reindeer Chow stores beautifully, making it an excellent make-ahead treat for your holiday festivities. After the mixture has fully set, transfer it to an airtight container or resealable bag. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to two weeks, or you can refrigerate it for longer shelf life. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full flavor and texture.
For gifting, package your Christmas Reindeer Chow in festive cellophane bags or airtight jars tied with holiday ribbons. This snack not only tastes wonderful but looks adorable, making it a thoughtful and delicious gift for friends, family, or coworkers.
Quick Q&A
Can I substitute the peanuts with another nut?
Absolutely! Almonds, cashews, or pecans work wonderfully and add their own unique flavor and crunch. Just ensure they are roasted and unsalted for the best balance.
What if I don’t have vegetable shortening?
You can substitute with coconut oil, which will also help the white chocolate melt smoothly. Just be aware it may add a subtle coconut flavor to the mix.
Can I use colored M&Ms other than red and green?
Yes, feel free to customize the colors to match your holiday theme or personal preference. Just be sure to use plain M&Ms without any gelatin or non-compliant ingredients.
How do I keep the white chocolate from melting after coating?
Allow the mixture to cool completely at room temperature or speed up the process in the fridge. Avoid storing it in warm areas to prevent melting. Once set, store in a cool, dry place.
You Might Also Like
- White Chocolate Cranberry Snow Cookies – Another festive treat featuring luscious white chocolate and tart cranberries.
- Pistachio Cranberry White Chip Cookies – A delightful cookie recipe blending nutty pistachios and sweet cranberries with white chocolate chips.
Wrap-Up
Christmas Reindeer Chow is a wonderful snack that captures the essence of the holidays in every bite. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and crunchy, with a festive look that brightens any gathering. The best part? It’s simple to make, customizable, and sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re serving it at your holiday party, gifting it to loved ones, or just enjoying it by the fire, this recipe is guaranteed to add a little extra sparkle to your season. So gather your ingredients, get cozy, and create a batch of Christmas Reindeer Chow that will become a treasured holiday tradition.
Christmas Reindeer Chow
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by measuring out all your cereals, peanuts, pretzel pieces, and M&Ms. Place them in a large mixing bowl and gently toss to combine.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate and vegetable shortening. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the mixture is smooth and completely melted. Alternatively, melt over a double boiler on the stove, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Pour the melted white chocolate mixture over the cereal and nut mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir until every piece is thoroughly coated, being careful not to crush the cereal or pretzels.
- Transfer the coated mixture to a prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly. Let it cool completely at room temperature or place it in the refrigerator to speed up setting. Once set, break apart any large clumps.
- After the white chocolate has set, gently fold in the red and green M&Ms to keep the candies from melting and add festive color.
Notes
- Use high-quality white chocolate and melt it slowly to prevent burning or seizing.
- Fold in M&Ms only after the chocolate has set to avoid melting the candy coating.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain freshness and crunch.
- Customize by substituting nuts or cereals, or adding other mix-ins to suit your taste.
