If you’re looking for a sweet, crunchy snack that bursts with festive cheer, you have to try the Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe. This treat is an absolute holiday hero, blending crispy cereal, rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and a dusting of powdered sugar that turns every bite into a snowy delight. It’s easy to whip up, wonderfully shareable, and packed with just the right hint of holiday magic that makes you want to grab the bowl and keep snacking well beyond Christmas morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple pantry staples that come together effortlessly, each ingredient playing a crucial role in creating the perfect sweet-and-salty balance, rich texture, and festive look of this holiday snack.
- 9 cups Rice or Corn Chex cereal: The crunchy base that soaks up all the chocolatey goodness without getting mushy.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Provides that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth chocolate flavor that ties the mix together.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Adds a smooth, nutty depth that balances sweetness with a hint of savory.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Brings richness and helps the chocolate and peanut butter blend smoothly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with warm, fragrant notes to make the mixture sing.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Gives that signature snowy coating, adding sweetness and a delicate finish.
- 1/2 cup red and green sprinkles or colored candies (e.g., M&Ms): Infuses a burst of festive color, making it perfect for holiday gatherings and gift-giving.
How to Make Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate-Peanut Butter Mixture
Start by combining the semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse that extra layer of warmth and bring all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 2: Coat the Cereal
Pour your Rice or Corn Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Slowly drizzle the chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the cereal, gently folding it with a spatula or wooden spoon. The goal is to evenly coat every piece without breaking the cereal, ensuring each bite is packed with that luscious chocolatey goodness.
Step 3: Add the Snowy Powdered Sugar Dust
Transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag or a container with a lid. Add the powdered sugar, seal it up, and shake vigorously until every piece is beautifully dusted. This gives the “snow-covered” appearance that’s essential to the Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe’s holiday charm.
Step 4: Mix in Festive Sprinkles or Candies
Finally, spread the coated cereal on a large tray or sheet of parchment paper and sprinkle on your red and green decorations or colorful candies. Gently toss everything together to distribute the festive colors evenly, which will really make this treat stand out at your holiday spread.
How to Serve Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, top your Puppy Chow with crushed peppermint candies or a light drizzle of white chocolate. These additions add contrasting textures and flavors while making your snack visually irresistible for guests.
Side Dishes
This crunchy, sweet treat pairs wonderfully with warm drinks like hot cocoa or coffee. It’s also a fantastic snack to accompany holiday movie marathons or wrapping gift parties, balancing rich, creamy sweets with a crunchy, sweet twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Package the Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe in clear mason jars or decorative cello bags tied with holiday ribbons for charming edible gifts. You can also serve it in holiday-themed bowls or set it out on a festive platter surrounded by seasonal greens and ornaments for a table centerpiece that everyone will love digging into.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week, making it perfect for prepping holiday snacks ahead of time.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, simply freeze the mixture in a sealed bag or container. It holds well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving to keep the texture intact.
Reheating
Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe is best served cold or at room temperature to maintain its crunch. If it feels a bit stale, toss it in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes, but be careful not to melt the chocolate coating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cereal?
Absolutely! While Rice or Corn Chex are classic for this recipe due to their texture and shape, you can experiment with other cereals like Cheerios or even granola clusters for different textures. Just keep in mind the chocolate coating works best on sturdier cereals.
Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free?
Yes! Substitute the peanut butter for a sunflower seed butter or almond butter if allergies are a concern. Make sure to adjust for flavor as other nut butters can vary in taste and consistency.
How can I make this recipe more chocolatey?
Feel free to add extra chocolate chips on top before the powdered sugar or use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the finished chow for a decadent twist.
What’s the best way to mix in the powdered sugar?
The secret to perfect coating is using a large resealable plastic bag. Add the coated cereal and powdered sugar, seal tightly, and shake vigorously until every piece is evenly covered without clumping.
Can I use this recipe for party favors?
Definitely! The Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe is fantastic as a homemade gift. Package it in festive bags or jars, and it’s sure to be a hit with friends and family at any holiday gathering.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up this Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe will quickly make it your go-to holiday treat because it’s as fun to make as it is to eat. The perfect blend of sweet, crunchy, and colorful, it’s a festive snack that brings smiles around the table and fills your home with delightful holiday aromas. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and share it with your loved ones—once you do, this recipe will surely become a cherished seasonal favorite.
Print
Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This festive Reindeer Food, also known as Christmas Puppy Chow, is a delightful holiday snack mix made with crispy cereal coated in a rich chocolate-peanut butter mixture and dusted with powdered sugar. Enhanced with colorful red and green sprinkles or candies, it’s perfect for sharing during Christmas parties or as a holiday treat for the family.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice or Corn Chex cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup red and green sprinkles or colored candies (e.g., M&Ms)
Instructions
- Melt the chocolate mixture: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Stir constantly until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
- Add vanilla extract: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly to blend the flavors.
- Combine with cereal: Place the Rice or Corn Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal and gently stir to coat every piece evenly, being careful not to crush the cereal.
- Coat with powdered sugar: Transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake vigorously until all the cereal pieces are well coated with sugar.
- Add festive toppings: Once coated, spread the cereal on a large tray or parchment paper to cool slightly. Immediately sprinkle with red and green sprinkles or colored candies for a festive touch.
- Cool and serve: Allow the mixture to cool completely at room temperature so the coating sets. Store in an airtight container until ready to serve. Enjoy your Christmas Puppy Chow as a snack or party treat!
Notes
- Use Rice or Corn Chex based on availability and preference for texture.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and ensure chocolate chips are safe for allergies.
- Ensure the chocolate mixture is not overheated to prevent burning or separation.
- Shake gently when coating with powdered sugar to avoid crushing the cereal pieces.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness.
- Add candies just before the chocolate fully sets for best adherence.
