Name: Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Rice Cereal Squares: 9 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter: ½ cup Unsalted Butter: ¼ cup Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon Powdered Sugar: 1½ cups Red and Green M&Ms: ½ cup Holiday Sprinkles: ½ cup

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If you want an instant ticket to holiday happiness, look no further than Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow). Imagine a bowl brimming with crunchy rice cereal squares snuggled up in ribbons of chocolate and peanut butter, dusted in billowy powdered sugar snow, then tossed with bursts of bright holiday M&Ms and sprinkles. It feels equal parts magical and nostalgic, like a cherished tradition that everyone wants to gather around. Whether you’re making it with kids, gifting jars to friends, or sneaking a handful straight from the container, this delightful snack is truly the spirit of the season in edible form.

Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) is how the simplest pantry staples come together for a treat that’s so much greater than the sum of its parts. Each ingredient is key—they work together for that perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and festive color. Here’s what you’ll need (and why you’ll love each part):

Rice cereal squares: Their sturdy-crunchy texture soaks up the chocolate coating and keeps everything light and snackable.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These melt down smooth and are rich enough to make each bite feel decadent, without being overpoweringly sweet.
Creamy peanut butter: This brings a satisfying, nutty flavor that gives puppy chow its classic craveable taste.
Unsalted butter: A little goes a long way to make the chocolate mixture extra velvety and helps everything blend together easily.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash rounds out all the flavors and gives that comforting, warm holiday aroma you expect.
Powdered sugar: For that iconic snowy finish—it coats the cereal, sweetens everything up, and keeps it from sticking together in one big clump.
Red and green M&Ms: These festive candies are a must, adding both cheerful color and extra chocolatey crunch.
Holiday sprinkles: The final touch! They instantly turn any bowl of Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) into a winter wonderland.

How to Make Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow)

Step 1: Prep Your Cereal

Pour your rice cereal squares into the biggest mixing bowl you can find and set them aside. The more room, the better—you’ll want lots of space to gently coat every single piece later on, without crushing that irresistible crunch.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each interval until the mixture is melted and totally smooth. Patience is key here; go slow and gentle so the chocolate doesn’t seize or scorch.

Step 3: Add the Vanilla

Once your creamy chocolate mixture is completely silky, stir in the vanilla extract. It’ll smell like pure Christmas at this point, and that little splash goes a long way in pulling together all those cozy flavors.

Step 4: Coat the Cereal

Pour your warm, melted chocolate mixture over the cereal. Using a spatula, gently fold everything together until every piece of cereal is thoroughly covered. Go easy—fold, don’t stir—so your cereal pieces stay crisp and unbroken.

Step 5: Shake with Powdered Sugar

Here’s where the magic really happens. Transfer the coated cereal to a giant zip-top bag or sealable container. Add all the powdered sugar, seal it up, and give it a good shake (kids love this part!). The sugar will coat every nook and cranny, transforming your mixture into proper, irresistible Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow).

Step 6: Cool and Add Mix-Ins

Spread the coated cereal out onto a baking sheet in an even layer and let it cool completely—about 10 minutes. Once cooled, toss in the red and green M&Ms and a generous shower of holiday sprinkles. It’s officially ready for snacking (or gifting, if you can resist!).

How to Serve Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow)

Garnishes

For an extra touch of holiday flare, sprinkle on some edible glitter, crushed candy canes, or mini white chocolate chips just before serving. Even more holiday sprinkles never hurt—go as big and sparkly as your heart desires! These little tweaks make your Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) look as magical as it tastes.

Side Dishes

While this treat is a standout all on its own, it pairs beautifully with mugs of hot cocoa, spiced cider, or even a platter of fresh fruit for a lighter bite between handfuls. It shines on dessert buffets and cookie trays at any Christmas party, giving guests something festive, fun, and a little bit unexpected.

Creative Ways to Present

Package your Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) in mason jars tied with ribbon, festive cellophane bags, or holiday tins for a gift that delights everyone—teachers, neighbors, coworkers, or party hosts. You can even portion it into individual cups or cones for cute party favors (bonus: no sticky hands!). Sprinkle a few extra M&Ms on top for an irresistible pop of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Just be sure it’s fully cooled before sealing—this keeps it crunchy, not soggy or sticky. Trust me, it won’t last that long in most homes!

Freezing

If you want to get a jump on holiday prep, you can absolutely freeze this treat. Store the finished (and fully cooled) Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) in freezer-safe zip-top bags for up to two months. Thaw on the counter before serving—it still tastes fresh and fantastic.

Reheating

There’s actually no need to reheat Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) since it’s a no-bake, ready-to-eat snack. If it’s been chilled or frozen, just let it come to room temperature on the counter for a few minutes so it regains its signature crispy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Snack

Absolutely! You can swap in milk chocolate or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. Each one brings its own personality—white chocolate makes your Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) look extra snowy and festive!

Is this recipe safe for people with nut allergies?

Yes, you can customize it for allergies. Substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter if you need a nut-free or peanut-free version. Always double-check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.

Can I make Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) ahead of time?

This recipe is perfect for prepping ahead! Make a batch a few days before your holiday party or gift swap. It keeps its crunch and flavor as long as it’s stored airtight.

How do I keep the puppy chow from turning soggy?

Let it cool completely before storing and keep it sealed tight, away from any humidity. That powdered sugar coating helps lock in the crunch, so be generous when tossing!

Can kids help make this recipe?

Yes! Kids love shaking the bag of powdered sugar and adding sprinkles. Supervise for safety during the microwave step, but the rest is family fun from start to finish.

Final Thoughts

Once you try making Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow), it’s destined to become a must-have tradition for your holiday celebrations. It’s festive, fabulously fun, and so simple that you’ll find yourself craving it all season. Gather your ingredients, share the love, and bring some extra magic to your December!

Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Reindeer Food, also known as Christmas Puppy Chow or Muddy Buddies, is a delightful holiday snack that combines crunchy cereal with a sweet chocolate and peanut butter coating, topped with festive M&Ms and sprinkles.

Ingredients

Rice Cereal Squares:

9 cups

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips:

1 cup

Creamy Peanut Butter:

½ cup

Unsalted Butter:

¼ cup

Vanilla Extract:

1 teaspoon

Powdered Sugar:

1½ cups

Red and Green M&Ms:

½ cup

Holiday Sprinkles:

½ cup

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, add the rice cereal squares and set aside.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently fold to coat evenly.
Add the powdered sugar to a large zip-top bag or container with a lid.
Add the coated cereal, seal, and shake until all pieces are fully coated.
Spread the mixture out on a baking sheet to cool.
Once cooled, stir in the M&Ms and holiday sprinkles.
Store in an airtight container.