Viral Reindeer Chow: 15-Minute Sweet & Salty Christmas Puppy Chow Chex Mix

Viral Reindeer Chow: 15-Minute Sweet & Salty Christmas Puppy Chow Chex Mix

If there is one snack that disappears from the holiday table faster than the Christmas cookies, it is Reindeer Chow. This sweet-and-salty Christmas puppy chow is all over Pinterest and TikTok right now for good reason: crunchy Chex cereal gets coated in silky melted chocolate and peanut butter, tumbled in a snowdrift of powdered sugar, and tossed with salty mini pretzels and red and green M&M's. No oven, no fancy equipment, and only 15 minutes of hands-on time.

I make a big batch of this every December, and it never lasts the week. It is the perfect last-minute gift when packed into mason jars with a ribbon, the star of every holiday movie night, and the one bowl at Christmas parties that is mysteriously empty before dinner. Let me show you how ridiculously easy it is.

Why You Will Love This Reindeer Chow

No baking required. Everything happens in a microwave and a zip-top bag, so your oven stays free for the cookies and the roast.

The ultimate sweet-and-salty balance. Rich chocolate and peanut butter coating, a salty pretzel crunch, and festive candy in every handful. It is genuinely impossible to eat just one scoop.

Made for gifting. This recipe makes a huge batch, so you can fill treat bags and jars for neighbors, teachers, and party favors with zero stress.

Kid-friendly to make. Shaking the bag of powdered sugar is the most fun part, and little helpers love hunting for the red and green M&M's to toss in at the end.

Ingredients

For the chocolate coating:

• 9 cups Rice Chex cereal (Corn Chex works too, or a mix of both)
• 1 cup (175 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup (130 g) creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

For the sugar coat and mix-ins:

• 1 1/2 cups (190 g) powdered sugar, plus more if needed
• 1 1/2 cups mini pretzel twists
• 1 cup red and green holiday M&M's
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for extra sweetness)

Instructions

1. Place the Chex cereal in your largest mixing bowl and set aside. Make sure there is plenty of room to stir without crushing the cereal.
2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir. Repeat in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
3. Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal. Using a rubber spatula, fold gently until every piece is evenly coated. Take your time here so you do not crush the delicate squares.
4. Add the powdered sugar to a large gallon-size zip-top bag. Working in two batches, add half of the coated cereal, seal the bag (press out most of the air), and shake well until every piece is dusted white like fresh snow. Pour onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper and repeat with the remaining cereal and sugar.
5. Let the coated cereal cool completely, about 15 minutes. The coating will set as it cools, which keeps the powdered sugar from getting sticky.
6. Transfer the cooled muddy buddies to a clean large bowl. Gently fold in the mini pretzels, holiday M&M's, and white chocolate chips (if using). Serve immediately or store.

Tips for the Best Reindeer Chow

Work in two batches for the sugar shake. Crowding the bag is the number one reason pieces end up patchy. Two smaller batches give you that perfect snowy coating.

Cool before adding the candy. If the cereal is still warm, the M&M's will melt and smear. Fifteen minutes of patience makes all the difference.

Add the mix-ins after the sugar coat, not before. Pretzels and M&M's tossed into the bag would absorb the sugar and lose their crunch and color.

Peanut allergy in the house? Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or cookie butter and double-check that your cereal is nut-free. The result is just as addictive.

Want it extra festive? Add a handful of crushed candy canes, holiday sprinkles, or mini peanut butter cups for a loaded version.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Reindeer Chow is a dream make-ahead treat. Store it in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 1 week, in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks (let it come back to room temperature before serving for the best crunch), or freeze it for up to 2 months. If freezing, leave out the M&M's and pretzels and add them fresh after thawing so they stay crisp and colorful.

Estimated nutrition per 1/2-cup serving: approximately 230 calories, 10 g fat, 33 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein, 22 g sugar. These are estimates and will vary with your exact ingredients and mix-ins.