Chocolate Peanut Butter Reindeer Chow Recipe

If you’re looking for a snack that screams holiday cheer and melts in your mouth with every bite, you’ve got to try this Chocolate Peanut Butter Reindeer Chow Recipe. It’s one of those magical treats that my family goes crazy for every December, and honestly, anyone would. Imagine crunchy cereal coated in rich chocolate and peanut butter, then dusted with brownie mix and tossed with festive M&M’s and peanut butter cups—it’s basically a party in every handful. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to make your own batch of this fan-freaking-tastic reindeer chow.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Chocolate Peanut Butter Reindeer Chow Recipe plays a role in creating that perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and festive flair. I always love using a mix of salty and sweet elements to keep your taste buds dancing—plus, you can find everything at your local grocery store.

• Rice Chex cereal: This cereal’s light crunch soaks up the chocolate peanut butter mixture without turning soggy.
• Semisweet chocolate chips: I prefer this for the classic chocolate flavor that isn’t overly sweet, balancing the peanut butter beautifully.
• Creamy peanut butter: Creamy spreads best over the cereal — chunky peanut butter can be too clumpy here.
• Dry brownie mix: Adds an extra layer of chocolate flavor and a powdery coating that brings this treat to life.
• Christmas M&M’s: These festive candies add fun color and little bursts of chocolate in every bite.
• Mini peanut butter cups: The peanut butter pockets within these cups echo the main flavors and add another texture.
• Pretzel twists: A salty crunch that perfectly balances the sweetness, offering a mouthwatering contrast.

Variations

I love mixing this recipe up depending on who I’m serving it to and the occasion. Don’t be shy—feel free to swap out ingredients or add your own twists making this your personalized holiday favorite.

• Nut-free version: I’ve replaced the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter when serving friends with allergies, and swapped peanut butter cups for more pretzels—it still hits the spot!
• White chocolate twist: Sometimes I melt white chocolate instead, which makes a lovely festive touch and gives the reindeer chow a different vibe.
• Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne powder to the brownie mix can bring a surprising warmth that I happen to really enjoy.
• Gluten-free option: Using gluten-free brownie mix and cereals makes this recipe accessible without losing any deliciousness.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Reindeer Chow Recipe

Step 1: Melt Your Chocolate and Peanut Butter

Start by grabbing a medium microwave-safe bowl and tossing in your semisweet chocolate chips along with the creamy peanut butter. Microwave this in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until you get a perfectly smooth, glossy mixture. This is the magic base that coats every piece of your Chex cereal in deliciousness, so take your time and don’t overheat it—burnt chocolate is a no-go!

Step 2: Coat the Cereal with Chocolate Peanut Butter

Pour that luscious chocolate mixture over your cereal in a big bowl and use a sturdy spatula to gently fold it in. The key here is a gentle toss—too rough and you’ll crush the cereal. Getting an even coating is absolutely worth the patience—it means every crunchy bite will be packed with flavor.

Step 3: Shake It Up With Brownie Mix

Pop your dry brownie mix inside a gallon-sized resealable bag, add your coated cereal, seal it up tight, and shake it like you mean it! This step adds a wonderful powdery chocolatey texture that makes your Chocolate Peanut Butter Reindeer Chow Recipe extra special. If you don’t have brownie mix on hand, mixing powdered sugar with cocoa powder works just as well—I’ve done this many times with great results.

Step 4: Let It Set and Toss in the Festive Extras

Spread your coated and shaken cereal out on parchment paper in a single layer to let it cool and dry completely—this keeps the coating crisp instead of sticky. Once cooled, combine your M&M’s, mini peanut butter cups, and crunchy pretzel twists right in the bowl. I always wait until the mix is completely dry because adding the extras too early can cause them to melt or get soggy.

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Reindeer Chow Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few extra mini peanut butter cups or M&M’s on top just before serving for that pop of color and instant festive joy. Sometimes a light dusting of powdered sugar on the presentation bowl adds a snowy holiday touch that always gets compliments.

Side Dishes

This reindeer chow pairs amazingly well with a warm cup of hot cocoa or your favorite holiday cider. At family parties, I usually set it out alongside cheese and charcuterie boards, so guests can graze between sweet and savory bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve served this in mason jars tied with festive ribbons or piled high in decorative holiday bowls surrounded by pine cones and lights. It’s such a crowd-pleaser that presentation can be as simple or as fancy as you want—it always disappears fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, and honestly, it usually lasts only a few days because we can’t resist. But it stays crunchy and fresh for up to one week if stored properly, perfect for munching all week long.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this reindeer chow in a sealed bag before, and the texture holds up surprisingly well when thawed. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor—frozen treats can dull those fabulous flavors.

Reheating

Since this is a no-bake snack, reheating isn’t necessary, but if leftover snack pieces are a bit hard, letting them sit out for 10 to 15 minutes does the trick to soften the chocolate. Avoid microwaving as it can cause things to melt unevenly and get sticky.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Reindeer Chow Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of the easiest ways to bring everyone together over a shared snack. I remember making this with my kids and how their eyes lit up as they grabbed handfuls straight from the bowl. It’s festive, comforting, and incredibly addictive. Give it a go—it’ll quickly become one of your holiday season staples, and I bet you’ll be asked for this recipe year after year!

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