One of my favorite sweet and salty holiday snacks is "reindeer chow" because 1. it's a quick no-bake treat that only takes 20 minutes to throw together and 2. it is a great homemade gift for friends, family, and neighbors. The red and green M&Ms are a festive twist to the traditional "puppy chow" mix that make it extra fun to eat. The best part? It's easy to make! The ingredients and steps are simple and would be perfect for kids to join in the fun of mixing everything together.
I just made a batch and am quite positive that between me, my husband, and my 3 year-old, it will be gone by the end of the week! I plan to make another batch to snack on throughout Christmas Eve and Christmas day. I hope you enjoy it, too!
Ingredients you'll need:
- 4 cups of square rice cereal
- 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup salted pretzels (add more, if desired)
- 1/2 cup red and green M&Ms (add more, if desired)
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How to make Reindeer Chow:
1. In large bowl, add in square rice cereal.
2. In a microwave safe bowl, add in the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave for 1 minute then stir. Microwave in 15 second increments until completely melted. Add and stir in vanilla extract.
3. Pour melted chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently stir well until the rice cereal is completely coated, then transfer to a large plastic Ziploc bag.
4. Add powder sugar, zip the plastic bag closed, then shake the mixture until well coated.
5. Add the pretzels and M&Ms, and give the mixture another shake. Add additional ingredients if desired.
6. Spread onto a sheet of parchment paper to cool before eating or boxing.
7. Serve and snack!
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Storage:
This treat can be stored in an air-tight container or bag in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or at room temperature for 5-7 days.
Recipe Variations:
- Additional Add-Ins: Feel free to include in any additional snack favorites to this ingredients list. Some great options are popcorn or mini peanut butter cups.
- Nut-Free Option: Replace peanut butter with your favorite plant-based butter like almond butter, etc.
- White Chocolate: Substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips! So tasty!
Happy snacking! 🎄🦌
