Reindeer Chow

Santa shouldn’t get all of the treats! This fun and festive reindeer chow is a sweet and salty mix of cereal, pretzels, peanuts and M&Ms.

Snack mixes are so fun and festive during the holidays—not to mention they’re EASY! If you enjoy this recipe, try our Peppermint Snack Mix or Thanksgiving Snack Mix.

Reindeer Chow in a metal tin with wax paper

A Kid-Friendly Christmas Treat

Growing up my mom would make what she called “reindeer fodder.” It was really similar to this version, only it used almond bark and the mix-ins weren’t exactly the same. It was a delicious no-bake treat nonetheless.

I hadn’t made it with my own kids just yet and knew I needed to give it a go!

This easy, kid-friendly recipe is perfect for little helping hands. They can do just about everything with the exception of heating the chocolate. And trust me when I say they love the result. So delicious and perfect for Christmas time.

Ingredients for Reindeer Chow Recipe in a glass mixing bowl

Made in Minutes!

It takes all of 18 minutes to make, and that’s being pretty generous. The saltiness of the pretzels and peanuts helps balance out the sweetness of the white chocolate. P.S. I’m not a huge fan of white chocolate, but in this snack mix it’s subtle and buttery tasting.

MIX. All you have to do is combine the cereal, M&Ms, pretzels and peanuts in a large mixing bowl pour the melted chocolate over top and mix until everything is coated.

SET. Pour it onto a lined baking sheet, add a few pinches of festive sprinkles and pop it into the fridge to set.

Reindeer Mix with cereal, M&Ms and white chocolate

Variations and Additions

If you don’t have the exact ingredients, you can always use what you have on hand. Sometimes we swap out the Cheerios for Kix and the peanuts for cashews. No matter what you use, it’s bound to be delicious! Here are a few more suggestions:

  • Popcorn 
  • Kettle corn
  • Bugles (the chips)
  • Multiple kinds of melted chocolate
  • Chocolate chips

Melting Chocolate: We wanted to go with white chocolate, which meant that we needed to combine it with some shortening in order for it to melt smoothly. If you would rather omit the shortening then you should use white chocolate melting wafers.

A hand holding a chunk of reindeer mix

Storing and Packaging

You might want to consider STORING this in the fridge so that the chocolate doesn’t melt everywhere. If your kitchen isn’t overly warm, you can store it on the counter. You can store it in an airtight container or just on a tray. It really depends on what you prefer. It should last 1-2 weeks if it is kept in an airtight container.

How to package for gifts? After letting it solidify in the fridge, break it apart and place it in cellophane bags. You can make it extra cute by tying it close with some seasonal ribbon!

Reindeer Chow in a metal tin

My kids were SO excited to get to try this reindeer chow. It’s full of all of their favorite things! This is such a fun, festive recipe for Christmas, and so easy too! 

For more Christmas treats, try:

Did you try this recipe? Leave a ⭐️ rating below and share it on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest!

A tin can with Reindeer Chow.

Reindeer Chow Recipe

Not just for Santa's reindeer! Get ready to spread holiday cheer with our Reindeer Chow! This irresistible combo of cereal, pretzels, peanuts, and M&Ms is the perfect sweet and salty snack for festive gatherings.
4.68 from 74 votes
Pin Rate
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 48 minutes
Servings: 11 cups
Calories: 704kcal
Author: Andrea
Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 cup chex cereal
  • 3 cup cheerio cereal
  • 2 cup M&Ms - red and green 11.40 oz bag
  • 1 cup pretzels - halved sticks or mini pretzel twists
  • 1 cup dry roasted peanuts
  • 20 oz white chocolate
  • 2 tbsp vegetable shortening
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp festive sprinkles - optional

Instructions

  • Line a rimmed baking sheet with wax paper, parchment, or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cereal, M&Ms, pretzels, and peanuts. Set aside.
  • In a double boiler or in the microwave, melt the white chocolate and shortening until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract.
  • Pour the chocolate over the cereal mixture and stir until evenly coated. Pour onto the prepared baking sheet and add sprinkles over the top.
  • Place in the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes before breaking apart into chunks.

NOTES

You might want to consider STORING this in the fridge so that the chocolate doesn’t melt everywhere. If your kitchen isn’t overly warm, you can store it at room temperature on the counter.
You can store it in an airtight container or just on a tray. It really depends on what you prefer. It should last 1-2 weeks if it is kept in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 704kcal | Carbohydrates: 90g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 375mg | Potassium: 370mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 59g | Vitamin A: 529IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 225mg | Iron: 10mg

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About the Author

Frances Bautista

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Comments:

  1. 5 stars
    I went to buy Chex and saw they now have peanut butter Chex. Then I added peanut butter M&Ms (red and green, of course), broken pretzel pieces from the bag of Christmas shape pretzels, and for a nut, I chose pistachios. So yummy!!! I love how flexible this recipe is-so many combinations

  2. 5 stars
    I LOVE this recipe! I halved the white chocolate and doubled the pretzels because I’m a salty-sweet kind of gal. I made a batch already for friends and am making another for my kids teachers! THANK YOU!