Recipe: Reindeer Chow
Reindeer chow, a festive spin on classic “muddy buddies” or “puppy chow,” is a crunchy, sweet treat that disappears quickly at holiday gatherings. It’s also a fantastic snack for family movie nights and an easily baggable confection to bring to the office party or sell at a holiday fundraiser.
Best of all, it’s a simple, kid-friendly recipe that’s customizable and can be made in the microwave.
Serves 16
Reindeer Chow Recipe
Cook Time: 30 minutes, including cooling
Calories: Don’t count on Christmas
Ingredients
- 8 cups Chex cereal
- 2 cups white chocolate chips (or melting wafers)
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 6 tablespoons red and green sprinkles
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Method
Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
Place the Chex into a large bowl. In a second, smaller bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between. Once fully melted, stir in the peppermint extract.
Pour the melted chocolate over the Chex and gently stir to coat. Spoon into a large plastic bag.
Add sprinkles, seal the bag, and shake to coat. Then, add powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake to coat.
Pour the Chex mixture onto the baking sheet. Allow to harden in the fridge for 10–15 minutes.
Chow down!
Storage & Gifting
After the reindeer chow has cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can also be stored in the freezer for up to six months. Gifting or selling individual containers of reindeer chow at a fundraiser? Pour into Mason jars donned with a plaid ribbon or tin boxes with bows.
Flavor Combinations to Bring You Good Cheer
Nut Butter Base
Not a fan of white chocolate? Substitute it with a mixture of creamy peanut butter and vegetable oil. (Almond butter is also delicious!) Then, swap the peppermint extract for vanilla extract.
Mint Chocolate
Use Andes chocolate mints in place of white chocolate. Bonus: You will no longer need peppermint extract.
For Salty-Sweet Fans
Pretzels, popcorn, salted peanuts, and even kettle chips will add a salty, crispy crunch to reindeer chow.
When in Doubt, Add Candy
Sleigh the presentation of your reindeer chow with the addition of colorful, decadent candies, such as red and green M&M’s, nonpareils, mini peanut butter cups, toffee, mini marshmallows, or crushed candy cane pieces.
Treat your ears to sweet Texas Christmas songs while whipping up holiday confections.
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