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
Scale
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.
