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Simple Holiday Snack Mix

Featured in: Small Snacks with Big Flavor

A sweet combo of Chex cereal, chocolate, and peanut butter gets a festive twist with colorful M&Ms. Ready in minutes, it's perfect for gatherings or wrapping up as gifts.

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Updated on Thu, 01 May 2025 15:03:21 GMT
A festive bowl packed with cereal bits coated in sugar and dotted with red and green candies. Pin it
A festive bowl packed with cereal bits coated in sugar and dotted with red and green candies. | cookingkitchn.com

Want a simple festive snack for the holidays? This Reindeer Chow is pure Christmas magic in a bowl! It's super simple to throw together - just combine Chex with melted chocolate and peanut butter, toss in powdered sugar, and add some colorful candies. These no-bake goodies couldn't be easier!

What Makes This Snack So Popular

This quick munchable treat fits perfectly into hectic holiday schedules. You can make it in just minutes, and it's a fun project for kids to help with. The Reindeer Chow also makes wonderful gifts - simply put it in cute containers or holiday baggies!

Your Ingredients

  • Chex Cereal: Pick whatever variety you like best.
  • Peanut Butter: Adds that irresistible nutty flavor.
  • Chocolate Chips: They melt perfectly for coating everything.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates that snowy, sweet finish.
  • Holiday M&Ms: Brings the Christmas colors and crunch.
  • Vanilla: Gives everything a warm, sweet backdrop.

Creating The Holiday Magic

Melt The Base Ingredients
Begin by warming your peanut butter, butter and chocolate until they're silky smooth - microwave in short 30-second bursts!
Mix With Your Cereal
Drizzle that velvety chocolate mixture over your cereal and stir carefully.
Shake It Up
Dump everything into a paper bag with the powdered sugar and shake away! It's the quickest way to get full coverage.
Add Some Color
Toss in those bright candies to give your snack mix that festive holiday touch.
Enjoy Or Share
Your snack is now ready to munch on or give as presents!

Insider Tricks

After whipping this up many times, here's what I've learned: Rice Chex gives you the most satisfying crunch, stir everything carefully to avoid breakage, and try some from the freezer - it's surprisingly delicious cold! You can also switch up the mix-ins however you want.

A bowl of holiday snack mix containing chocolate-coated cereal, powdered sugar, and red and green candy-coated chocolates. Pin it
A bowl of holiday snack mix containing chocolate-coated cereal, powdered sugar, and red and green candy-coated chocolates. | cookingkitchn.com

Storage Suggestions

Your Reindeer Chow will stay nice and crunchy in a sealed container for up to a week. It can even be frozen for about a month! That makes it perfect for making ahead for holiday gatherings or last-minute presents.

Festive Traditions

This snack mix always brings such wonderful holiday vibes! Whether you're munching on it during Christmas movies or giving batches to friends, it just screams holiday spirit. It's become one of our can't-skip Christmas traditions!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Which Chex cereal works best?

Rice Chex is a great pick, but any type will do. Rice locks in the flavor and crunch the best.

→ Is it freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! It freezes nicely, and some people even enjoy munching it straight from the freezer. Keep it in a sealed container.

→ Why double up on paper bags?

Doubling helps stop tears and avoids mess when shaking everything together with powdered sugar.

→ Can I try crunchy peanut butter?

Totally! Crunchy adds a little extra bite. Both smooth and crunchy are great options.

→ How long does it last?

It stays good for 1-2 weeks in a sealed container at room temperature. Extend its shelf life by freezing.

Holiday Snack Mix

This fun and festive Chex mix blends chocolate, peanut butter, and candy for the perfect shareable holiday snack or gift.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Bite-Sized Snacks

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 20 Servings (1)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 18 oz of holiday M&M candies.
02 14 cups of Chex cereal.
03 1/2 cup of plain, unsalted butter.
04 1 tsp of vanilla essence.
05 12 oz of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
06 4-5 cups of powdered sugar.
07 1 cup of smooth peanut butter.

Instructions

Step 01

Warm peanut butter together with butter in the microwave, using short 30-second bursts.

Step 02

Mix in the chocolate little by little, stirring until everything blends nicely.

Step 03

When melted, toss in the vanilla and stir it all together.

Step 04

Take half the cereal, toss it in a big bowl, and then pour in half the chocolate mixture.

Step 05

Put two paper bags inside one another, and drop in 1/2 cup powdered sugar.

Step 06

Place cereal coated in chocolate into the bags and give it a good shake to cover it evenly.

Step 07

If needed, sprinkle in more powdered sugar to make sure everything's coated.

Step 08

Stir in about 1/4 of the M&Ms and transfer everything to a storage container.

Step 09

Do it all over again with the rest of the stuff.

Step 10

Pop it into an airtight box or stick it in the freezer for safekeeping.

Notes

  1. You can freeze it.
  2. Perfect for giving as gifts.
  3. Swap M&M colors for any occasion.
  4. Quick and festive snack.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big mixing bowl.
  • Microwave-friendly bowl.
  • A pair of paper bags.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains peanuts.
  • Has dairy like butter and chocolate.
  • Might have wheat if you're using regular Chex.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 586
  • Total Fat: 24 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 88 g
  • Protein: 9 g