There’s something absolutely magical about holiday snacks that bring back memories and create new traditions, and this Reindeer Food Recipe (Christmas Puppy Chow) is exactly that kind of treat. It’s a playful twist on the classic puppy chow, dressed up in festive reds and greens with a mix of crunchy and sweet textures that keep you coming back for just one more handful. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday party, gifting neighbors, or just craving a cozy night treat, this recipe hits all the right notes.

I’ve made Reindeer Food Recipe (Christmas Puppy Chow) off and on through many Christmas seasons, and I have to tell you – the combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and those little bursts of M&Ms and mini peanut butter cups always makes the room light up. It’s super easy to whip up but feels like a special indulgence, perfect for sharing or sneaking a little secret stash for yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This mix of ingredients is all about the balance between sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy. Plus, they’re pretty pantry-friendly during the holidays, so you might already have a few on hand. Just be sure to buy good-quality chocolate chips and peanut butter for the best flavor.

Semisweet or dark chocolate chips: Melts smoothly and pairs perfectly with the peanut butter’s richness.
Creamy peanut butter: Use creamy for easy mixing—natural peanut butter with oil separated can make things tricky.
Rice Chex cereal: Provides that essential crunchy base that absorbs the chocolate and peanut butter.
Mini pretzels (broken into pieces): Adds a salty crunch that keeps the sweetness from being overpowering.
Powdered sugar: This coats the mixture, adding sweetness and that signature Puppy Chow look.
Red and green M&Ms: Classic festive colors that bring holiday cheer to every bite.
Mini peanut butter cups: These little gems add bursts of more peanut butter flavor and a fun surprise texture.

Variations

I love making this Reindeer Food Recipe (Christmas Puppy Chow) recipe my own by swapping out ingredients or adding extra touches. Feel free to get creative—you’ll find that small tweaks can make this snack fit perfectly with your holiday vibe.

Variation: Swap out the M&Ms for white chocolate chips or dried cranberries if you want a different flavor profile or color scheme—I did this last year and the tartness was such a nice surprise.
Variation: Try using almond butter instead of peanut butter if you’re looking for a twist or have peanut allergies—the texture changes slightly but it still melts beautifully.
Variation: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the powdered sugar coating for an extra festive warmth that fills the kitchen while it cools.

How to Make Reindeer Food Recipe (Christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter

Start by combining the chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring well after each, until everything is silky smooth and combined. Be careful not to burn it—microwave power can vary, so it’s better to go slow and stir often. I usually do about three rounds of heating to get the perfect melt.

Step 2: Mix Cereal and Pretzels

While the chocolate and peanut butter are melting, pour the Rice Chex cereal and mini pretzel pieces into a large bowl. Give them a gentle toss to mix together so every bite has both crunchy elements. This extra step helps you coat everything evenly later on.

Step 3: Combine and Coat

Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal and pretzels. Use a large spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold everything together, making sure all the pieces are coated without crushing them. When you see that glossy shine covering every piece, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 4: Add Powdered Sugar and Mix in Goodies

Transfer the chocolate-coated mixture to a large resealable plastic bag or a container with a lid. Add the powdered sugar, seal it tight, and shake vigorously until the mixture is well coated. This step gives that classic “puppy chow” look and a nice powdered sweetness that balances the chocolate and peanut butter.

Once coated, fold in the red and green M&Ms and mini peanut butter cups. Be gentle to keep the goodies from breaking apart—especially those peanut butter cups, which melt easily if handled too much.

How to Serve Reindeer Food Recipe (Christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe

A large white plate filled with a mix of small square cereal pieces covered in white powdered sugar, scattered with small red, green, and dark red round candies, and topped with mini chocolate peanut butter cup candies. Around the plate on the white marbled surface, there are small pretzels and more of the colorful round candies. A soft pink and white checkered cloth is partly visible under the plate. The mix looks crunchy with different textures from the powdered sugar, smooth candies, and chocolate pieces photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few extra mini peanut butter cups or whole pretzels on top just before serving to give it a festive, inviting look. Sometimes I dust it lightly again with powdered sugar for that fresh “snowfall” effect. It’s little touches like these that make it feel extra special when guests arrive.

Side Dishes

Since this Reindeer Food Recipe (Christmas Puppy Chow) is a sweet snack, I often pair it with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a robust coffee. It’s also a fun addition to an appetizer table alongside some salty nuts or cheese boards during holiday gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve had great success presenting this in clear glass jars tied with festive ribbons, or in small holiday-themed treat bags for gifting. For parties, setting it out in a big festive bowl with a cute scoop or serving in mini paper cones makes it easy for everyone to grab a little handful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Reindeer Food Recipe (Christmas Puppy Chow) in an airtight container at room temperature, and it stays fresh and crunchy for up to a week. If you live somewhere humid, a cool spot or even the fridge can help maintain that crispness longer.

Freezing

Freezing this snack mix works surprisingly well for me. Just pack it in a freezer-safe zip-top bag, press out the air, and freeze up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature—no microwave needed, and it’ll taste just as fresh.

Reheating

Since this is more of a no-bake snack, reheating isn’t really necessary. However, if your chocolate stiffens or the mix gets cold, just let it sit at room temp for a bit before serving. If you want the chocolate a bit melty again, a few seconds in the microwave can soften it, but be careful not to overdo it.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for this Reindeer Food Recipe (Christmas Puppy Chow) recipe?

You can, but creamy peanut butter blends more smoothly with the chocolate, which helps coat the cereal evenly. Using crunchy peanut butter might make the mixture a little chunkier and harder to mix, but if you like the texture, it’s a fun variation.
Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the peanut butter with a sunflower seed butter or a soy nut butter, and use allergy-friendly chocolate chips to keep it safe for those with nut allergies. The flavor will be a bit different, but still delicious.
How long does the Reindeer Food Recipe (Christmas Puppy Chow) recipe last?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this snack generally stays fresh for up to a week. Just be sure to keep it in a cool, dry place to keep the chocolate from melting or the cereal becoming stale.
Can I add other candies or mix-ins?

Definitely! This recipe is quite forgiving, so feel free to add your favorite holiday candies, nuts, or even dried fruit. Just keep in mind the texture balance to keep each bite enjoyable.
What’s the best way to break the pretzels into pieces?

I like to place the mini pretzels in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or bottom of a heavy pan. This way, you get bite-sized pieces without creating tiny crumbs that make the mix messy.

Final Thoughts

This Reindeer Food Recipe (Christmas Puppy Chow) has been one of my go-to holiday treats for years now, simply because it’s fun to make, easy to share, and beloved by kids and adults alike. I love how it bridges nostalgic flavors with festive flair, making any gathering feel a little more special. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy the simple process and the joyful result almost as much as I do.

Reindeer Food Recipe (Christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 59 reviews

This festive Reindeer Food Recipe, also known as Christmas Puppy Chow, combines crunchy Rice Chex cereal, pretzels, and colorful M&Ms in a rich chocolate peanut butter coating, then dusted with powdered sugar for a perfect holiday treat that’s sweet, salty, and irresistibly crunchy.

Author: Emma
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
Category: Snack
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Peanut Butter Coating

1 ½ cups semisweet or dark chocolate chips
1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter

Mix-Ins

5 cups Rice Chex Cereal
1 ½ cups mini pretzels, broken into pieces
1 ½ cups red and green M&Ms
1 cup mini peanut butter cups

Finishing

2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Melt the chocolate and peanut butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet or dark chocolate chips with the creamy peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the Rice Chex cereal and broken mini pretzels. Gently stir to mix them evenly.
Coat the cereal mixture: Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the cereal and pretzels. Use a spatula to gently fold and coat all pieces evenly without breaking the cereal.
Add powdered sugar: Transfer the coated mixture into a large resealable plastic bag or a container with a lid. Add the powdered sugar, seal tightly, and shake vigorously until every piece is thoroughly coated and looks snowy white.
Mix in candies: After coating with powdered sugar, add the red and green M&Ms and mini peanut butter cups to the mixture. Gently fold them in to distribute evenly without crushing the candies.
Serve or store: Transfer the Reindeer Food into a large serving bowl or portion it into individual festive bags. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Notes

You can substitute almond butter or sunflower butter for peanut butter to accommodate nut allergies.
Use gluten-free Chex cereal to make this recipe gluten-free.
Ensure pretzels are broken into bite-sized pieces to mix well and add crunch.
Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
This recipe is perfect for holiday parties and gifting, adding a fun festive touch.

Keywords: Christmas puppy chow, reindeer food, holiday snack, peanut butter, chocolate, festive treat, Chex mix, holiday candy snack