Reindeer Food Recipe (christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe

Christmas is full of delightful treats, but few bring out the childlike joy in all of us like Reindeer Food—also known as Christmas Puppy Chow. If you’ve ever had a big bowl of this stuff sitting on the table during a holiday party, you already know how addictive it can be. And trust me, once you make it at home, you’ll find yourself whipping it up for every festive gathering!

What’s so special about this recipe? Well, it takes the classic Puppy Chow snack and gives it a holiday twist. With the addition of red and green M&Ms and mini peanut butter cups, it’s not just delicious, it’s also colorful and fun! Plus, there’s something so nostalgic about the combo of peanut butter, chocolate, and Chex cereal. If you’re looking for a no-bake, crowd-pleasing treat that will put a smile on everyone’s face, this is the one to try.

this RECIPE

A Christmas Tradition Worth Keeping

I first discovered Reindeer Food a few years back when I was invited to a friend’s annual holiday cookie exchange. There were all kinds of fancy cookies on the table, but the thing I couldn’t stop reaching for was this bowl of Puppy Chow. The mix of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, crunchy pretzels, and sugary coating was irresistible. It wasn’t long before I asked for the recipe, and now, it’s become a staple in my own home. There’s something magical about setting out a bowl during Christmas movie marathons, or sneaking a handful when wrapping presents late at night. It’s one of those snacks that instantly makes the season feel a little more festive—and that’s a tradition I’m happy to keep going.

A Brief Look at Reindeer Food’s Origins

While “Puppy Chow” may sound like something meant for your four-legged friend, it’s very much a people-friendly treat. The original version of this snack is thought to have originated in the Midwest, inspired by a love of Chex cereal and the chocolate-peanut butter combo. Over the years, it’s become a holiday staple, especially when dressed up with festive candies like in this Reindeer Food variation. It’s quick, easy, and adaptable to just about any occasion—though it’s hard to beat its charm during the Christmas season.

Let’s talk ingredients: the sweet, the salty, and the “oops, I’m out of that!”

• Rice Chex Cereal: The base of this recipe, Rice Chex provides the perfect crunchy texture. It’s light and airy, and its neutral flavor lets the peanut butter and chocolate shine. If you’re out of Rice Chex, you can swap in Corn Chex or any other square-shaped cereal that’s not too sweet.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: This is where the magic happens. The peanut butter coats the cereal, adding a creamy richness. I prefer creamy over crunchy, but if you want a bit more texture, go for the crunchy! Almond or sunflower seed butter would also work as substitutes.
• Semisweet or Dark Chocolate Chips: Chocolate adds that indulgent, rich flavor we all love. Dark chocolate makes the mix a little less sweet, which I prefer, but semisweet or even milk chocolate chips work too if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
• Mini Pretzels (broken into pieces): I love the salty crunch these add to balance the sweetness. If you’re out of pretzels, salty nuts like peanuts or cashews could be a fun twist.
• Powdered Sugar: This is what gives the Puppy Chow its signature “snowy” look, which is just perfect for Christmas. It also adds a light sweetness that ties everything together.
• Red and Green M&Ms: These add the festive touch! Any holiday-colored candies will work, but M&Ms are just the classic choice for this mix.
• Mini Peanut Butter Cups: A newer addition to the classic recipe, these add extra bursts of peanut butter goodness. If you can’t find mini peanut butter cups, you could chop up regular-sized ones or even use peanut butter chips.

What tools you’ll need (and what you can get away without)

You won’t need much in terms of special equipment, but having the right tools can make things a bit easier.

• Large Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of big bowls for mixing the cereal and for tossing it in powdered sugar. If you don’t have two large bowls, you could use a pot or even a large zip-top bag to shake the mix around in.
• Microwave or Stovetop Pot: For melting the peanut butter and chocolate. A microwave is quick and easy, but if you prefer more control, melting the chocolate mixture slowly on the stovetop works just as well.
• A Baking Sheet or Large Plate: After mixing everything together, you’ll need a place to spread out the mixture to cool. A baking sheet works great, but a large plate or even a clean countertop lined with parchment paper will do the trick.

Step-by-step: my foolproof method (and a few hard-learned lessons)

1. Start by mixing your base: In a large bowl, combine 5 cups of Rice Chex cereal and 1 ½ cups of broken mini pretzels. It’s important to do this step first so the cereal is ready as soon as your chocolate and peanut butter mixture is melted.
2. Melt the good stuff: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of chocolate chips and 1 ½ cups of creamy peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. (Pro tip: don’t rush this step! I’ve scorched the chocolate before by leaving it in too long, and that’s no fun.)
3. Coat and toss: Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal and pretzels, and gently stir until everything is evenly coated. I like to use a rubber spatula to ensure I’m folding everything together without crushing the cereal too much.
4. Chill it out: Pop the bowl in the fridge for about 30 minutes, just until the mixture is firming up a bit but not fully set.
5. Powdered sugar magic: In a second large bowl, sprinkle ½ cup of powdered sugar on the bottom. Add half of the cereal mixture, then sprinkle another ½ cup of powdered sugar on top. Toss gently to coat the cereal. Repeat with the remaining cereal mixture and another ½ cup of powdered sugar, adding more if needed until everything is well-coated.
6. Final chill: Place the bowl back in the fridge for another 30-60 minutes until the mixture is fully set. This will help the powdered sugar stick and give the mix that crunchy bite.
7. Add the finishing touches: Once chilled, stir in the M&Ms and mini peanut butter cups. At this point, your Reindeer Food is ready to be devoured!

Variations to make it your own 🎄

• Vegan-Friendly: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and swap out the M&Ms and peanut butter cups for vegan candy alternatives. You could also use a plant-based butter like almond butter.
• Nut-Free Version: Substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or another nut-free spread. You can also omit the peanut butter cups or swap them for a different type of candy.
• Spicy Kick: If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper or add some cinnamon to the melted chocolate for a subtle spice that pairs surprisingly well with the sweetness.
• Holiday Flavor: Try adding a bit of peppermint extract to the melted chocolate for a minty twist, and swap the peanut butter cups for crushed candy canes!

How to serve Reindeer Food at your next gathering

I love serving Reindeer Food in a big bowl with a serving spoon so people can scoop out their own portions. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a few more M&Ms or crushed candy canes on top right before serving. If you’re giving it as a gift, pack it into little holiday-themed tins or clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon.

Perfect drink pairings

You can’t go wrong with hot chocolate here—especially a rich, homemade version with a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re serving this to adults, a cup of mulled wine or spiked eggnog would also complement the sweet and salty flavors beautifully. And for a lighter option, a glass of cold milk is always a classic pairing with anything peanut butter and chocolate!

Storing and reheating (though I doubt you’ll have leftovers)

If you somehow have any leftovers (trust me, it’s rare), store your Reindeer Food in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If it starts to lose its crunch, you can pop it in the fridge for a bit to firm up again. This mix doesn’t need to be reheated, but if it’s a bit too cold straight from the fridge, letting it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes brings it back to the perfect texture.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

This recipe is pretty forgiving when it comes to scaling. Want to make more? Just double the ingredients and you’re good to go. For smaller batches, halve the recipe, but make sure to keep an eye on the chocolate-to-cereal ratio so everything gets evenly coated. One quirk I’ve noticed is that when scaling up, it’s easy to overdo it on the powdered sugar—so start with a little and add more as needed.

Don’t stress: common issues and quick fixes

• Chocolate not melting smoothly? If your chocolate seizes up, try adding a small amount of coconut oil or butter to help it smooth out.
• Too much powdered sugar? If you’ve overdone it on the sugar, just keep tossing the mix until the excess settles at the bottom of the bowl.

Give it a try and make it your own!

This Reindeer Food recipe is a holiday must-have. It’s easy to make, fun to eat, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you stick with the classic version or throw in your own twists, it’s guaranteed to bring a little extra cheer to your holiday gatherings. So go ahead, give it a try, and feel free to make it your own. After all, the best recipes are the ones you personalize to fit your tastes!

FAQs:

1. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Reindeer Food stores beautifully in an airtight container for up to a week.
2. What can I substitute for Rice Chex? Corn Chex or Crispix work just as well.
3. Can I freeze it? I wouldn’t recommend freezing as it can alter the texture, but it keeps well in the fridge!
4. Can I use chunky peanut butter? Absolutely, if you like more texture!
5. What if I don’t have M&Ms? You can substitute with other candies like Reese’s Pieces or mini marshmallows!

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