Festive Reindeer Chow (Easy Christmas Muddy Buddies Snack Mix)
This Festive Reindeer Chow is a quick, no-bake holiday snack mix featuring crunchy cereal, pretzels, creamy peanut butter, chocolate, and festive candies tossed in powdered sugar. It’s perfect for parties, gifting, or cozy movie nights and comes together in under 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal (or any Chex variety)
- 2 cups Cheerios (crispy circle cereal)
- 2 cups mini pretzel twists
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup red and green chocolate candies (like M&M’s)
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Set out all ingredients and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Measure cereals, pretzels, and candies into separate bowls.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine Chex cereal, Cheerios, and mini pretzels. Toss gently to blend.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute, stir, then heat in 20-second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract and sea salt.
- Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the cereal and pretzels. Fold together with a spatula until evenly coated.
- Transfer the coated mix into 2-3 large zip-top bags. Add half the powdered sugar to each bag, seal, and shake until the mix is completely covered and no longer sticky.
- Spread the coated mix on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Let cool and set for at least 10 minutes.
- Once cooled, sprinkle chocolate candies and holiday sprinkles over the mix. Toss gently to distribute.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for gifting or later snacking.
Notes
For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free cereals and pretzels. Work quickly when adding the chocolate so it doesn’t set before coating. If the mix is sticky, add more powdered sugar and shake again. Let cool completely before adding candies to prevent color bleeding. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (about 40g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: Christmas, holiday, snack mix, muddy buddies, reindeer chow, party food, edible gift, kid-friendly, no-bake, festive