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This Reindeer Chow is a fun and festive twist on classic puppy chow (a.k.a. muddy buddies). It features a mix of brownie puppy chow, classic powdered sugar puppy chow, pretzels, and chocolate candies for the ultimate sweet-and-salty holiday snack mix. Perfect for parties, cookie trays, or edible gifts!
This no-bake snack is perfect for the busy month of December. It’s quick and easy to throw together, and everyone loves it. The sweet-and-salty mix is hard to resist. You can gift it to neighbors in little bags, snack on it during a movie night, or during a family get-together. Every bite is festive fun, and the whole snack feels like Christmas in a bowl.
Ingredients
Here are all the recipe ingredients, along with tips and substitutions.
| Ingredients | Why & Tips | Substitutions & Tweaks |
|---|
| 4 cups rice or corn Chex cereal | This gives the crisp, light base that holds the coating well. | Use wheat Chex if you prefer a stronger chew; or mix two kinds for texture variation. |
| 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk) | Melts into the coating for both mixes. Milk will make it sweeter, semi-sweet a bit more balanced. | Use dark chocolate for a richer flavor; white chocolate chips could be fun for one of the mixes (see tweaks). |
| ½ cup peanut butter | Helps the chocolate stick, adds peanut-butter flavor and binding power. | Use almond butter or sunflower butter for nut-free version; note texture might vary slightly. |
| 2 Tbsp unsalted butter | Adds richness, helps melt-smooth the coating. Unsalted helps you control the overall salt level. | Use salted butter if that’s what you have—just reduce any additional salt elsewhere. |
| 2 cups brownie mix (from an 18.4 oz box) | This is the “brownie puppy chew” layer—adds a fun twist to one half of the base. | If you can’t find the exact size, use equivalent dry mix; or swap with 2 cups powdered sugar + ¼ cup cocoa powder for a similar effect. |
| 4 cups rice or corn Chex cereal (second batch) | The base for the classic puppy chow portion. | As above, swap cereal type if needed for texture or dietary preference. |
| 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk) | Repeat for the second batch. | Same substitutions as above. |
| ½ cup peanut butter | Same binding role for second batch. | Same substitution options. |
| 2 Tbsp unsalted butter | Same as above. | Same. |
| 2 cups powdered sugar | Instead of brownie mix for the classic version—gives that classic “powdered-sugar coated puppy chow” look and taste. | For a slightly deeper chocolate flavor, try 2 cups powdered sugar + 2 Tbsp cocoa powder; or use alternative sweet coating such as a superfine sugar-cinnamon mix. |
| 1 cup mini chocolate peanut butter cups | This is a fun add-on in the final mix—small pockets of peanut butter-chocolate surprise. | Use mini peanut-butter cups of other flavors (e.g., dark chocolate) or chopped standard-size cups. For a nut-free version, use mini caramel cups or white chocolate chips. |
| 1 cup red chocolate candy | Adds festive color, sweet crunch, and holiday vibe. | Use red & green M&M’s for extra color variation; or swap red candy for seasonal‐themed candies (e.g., orange/black for Halloween). |
| 2 cups pretzels (any shape works) | The salty component and added crunch contrast the sweet. | Use pretzel twists, sticks, mini pretzels, or even cracker bits for salt and texture variation. |
How To Make Reindeer Chow
Prepare the two puppy-chow variations (brownie-style and classic powdered-sugar style), then combine both with pretzels, candies, and mini peanut butter cups to make the full snack mix.
Make the Brownie Puppy Chow
- Add 4 cups of cereal to a large mixing bowl. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter for 1 minute. Stir. Heat in short intervals until almost melted. Stir until smooth.
- Pour the melted mixture over the cereal and gently toss until coated.
- Transfer to a large resealable bag. Add the brownie mix. Seal and shake until fully coated. Spread on a sheet pan and let cool for 15 minutes.
Make the Classic Puppy Chow
- Repeat the same steps with the remaining cereal, chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter.
- Coat this batch with powdered sugar instead of brownie mix. Spread to cool for 15 minutes.
Assemble the Reindeer Snack Mix
- Place both types of puppy chow in a very large bowl. Add pretzels and gently stir to combine.
- Top with mini peanut butter cups and red chocolate candy. Store in an airtight container until ready to serve or gift.
Top Recipe Tips
- Make sure the cereal is thoroughly coated but not broken up too fine – you want crunch.
- Let the coated cereal cool and set (for 15 minutes) before mixing in sensitive candies so they don’t melt or deform.
- Use a large enough bag when shaking the coating; if it’s overcrowded, pieces won’t coat evenly, and you’ll crush more cereal.
A Cozy Treat
For the ultimate cozy treat, serve this Reindeer Chow alongside this Cinnamon Hot Chocolate for the perfect festive night in.
Reindeer Chow
Equipment
- Large mixing bowls
- Microwave safe-bowl
- measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula or spoon
- Resealable plastic bags
- Large serving bowl or baking sheet for mixing and cooling
Ingredients
Brownie Puppy Chow
- 4 cups rice or corn Chex cereal
- 1 cup chocolate chips, semi-sweet or milk chocolate
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups brownie mix, from an 18.4 oz box
Puppy Chow
- 4 cups rice or corn Chex cereal
- 1 cup chocolate chips, semi-sweet or milk chocolate
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Snack Mix
- 1 cup mini chocolate peanut butter cups
- 1 cup red chocolate candy
- 2 cups pretzels, any shape works
Instructions
Make the Brownie Puppy Chow
- Add 4 cups of cereal to a large mixing bowl.
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter for 1 minute. Stir, then continue heating in 10–20 second intervals until almost melted. Stir until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently toss to coat.
- Transfer the coated cereal to a resealable bag, add the brownie mix, seal, and shake until evenly coated. Set aside to cool for 15 minutes.
Make the Puppy Chow
- Repeat the same process with the remaining 4 cups of cereal, chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter.
- This time, use powdered sugar instead of brownie mix to coat the cereal. Shake well until evenly coated. Set aside to cool for 15 minutes.
Assemble the Snack Mix
- In a very large bowl, combine both types of puppy chow with the pretzels.
- Gently stir to mix evenly.
- Top with mini peanut butter cups and red chocolate candy.
- Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Notes
Storage
Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.Make ahead: Puppy chow can be made 1–2 days ahead; assemble the mix just before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: Freeze puppy chow separately for up to 2 months; thaw before combining.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Reindeer Chow Recipe FAQs
This is a great make-ahead recipe. It will stay fresh for up to a week, so you can make it a few days in advance and it will still taste great. It’s the perfect recipe for the busy holiday season; make it when you have time and serve it later.
No, there is no need to bake the brownie mix. You are using the brownie powder to coat the cereal with a brownie flavor.
After the mixture has cooled, I like to add it to mason jars or festive bags for gifting. Tie them with a cute ribbon for a simple yet sweet gift.
