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Holiday tin overflowing with Reindeer Snack Mix next to a tray of the mix, showing red candies, pretzels, puppy chow, and mini peanut butter cups.
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Reindeer Chow

This Reindeer Chow is a festive holiday snack mix with brownie and classic puppy chow, pretzels, and chocolate candies for the perfect sweet and salty treat!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cooling Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: christmas recipes
Servings: 36 people
Author: Jillian Wade

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.