Christmas Reindeer Chex Mix Recipe

Our Christmas reindeer Chex mix recipe is a festive treat that will be a huge hit at your next holiday party. It’s an easy treat to make with the perfect blend of chocolate flavor and salty pretzels.

You are going to love this recipe. It is the perfect Christmas treat to snack on when you are watching a Christmas movie. We always run out of it pretty quick in my house because we all love it so much!

Whenever I think of the holiday season, I think of this tasty Christmas snack mix. You may have heard of this treat under a different name like a reindeer chow recipe, Christmas puppy chow recipe, reindeer chow muddy buddies, reindeer puppy chow, Christmas crack chex mix or many others.

Whatever you call it, this festive snack mix is a crowd favorite. Especially on top of our favorite Elf pancake spaghetti!

We like to have this snack mix recipe at a Christmas party, especially on our Christmas charcuterie board. It adds fun color and texture to the board. Plus, it has a longer shelf life so you don’t have to worry about it sitting out throughout the night.

If you like this recipe for your Christmas treats lineup, you should try our Grinch cookies and Christmas popcorn. Both embody that Christmas flavor that is so perfect and atmospheric. For a savory snack, our snowman cheeseball or Christmas cheese ball is a great option.

And don't forget the Christmas crockpot recipes and green Christmas drinks. Plus, our favorite Christmas side dishes with prime rib and Christmas dinner sides with beef tenderloin.

These dishes go great with our white chocolate Christmas crack or this Christmas charcuterie board, which is great for the festive season of giving. And everything goes well with our hot cocoa bar.

What you need

This recipe is super easy because it requires minimal ingredients. Plus you can add in more ingredients, like your favorite holiday candies, if you want.

Chex Cereal

The main ingredient in this easy recipe is Chex cereal. You can use rice Chex mix or corn Chex mix, whichever you prefer. What is awesome about this recipe is that the Chex mix really takes in the flavor of the peanut butter so every bite bursts with flavor.

Vanilla Extract

You will only need a teaspoon of vanilla extract, but it really makes a difference in this fun treat. I’m a big believer in adding vanilla extract to treats.

Top tip: Use peppermint extract for an extra festive flavor. We use peppermint extract in our Reindeer pancakes and it really brings in that holiday flavor.

Candy

Now on to my favorite part, the candy. I love adding in fun holiday candies because they add in beautiful colors to make this reindeer Chex mix pretty. You can use mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, red and green holiday M&Ms, white chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and whatever else your sweet tooth wants.

If you like white chocolate chips, you should definitely check out our White Chocolate Christmas Crack recipe. The saltine crackers mixed with white chocolate is divine. Also check out our Gluten-Free Christmas Crack!

How to make it

• Combine chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 60 seconds
• Give the mixture a good stir and keep stirring until smooth (if needed, microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until the mixture is completely melted) then stir in vanilla or peppermint extract

• Pour the chocolate mixture over the chex cereal in a large bowl and stir together gently with a large spoon or spatula until JUST COATED
• Add the cereal mixture to a large gallon ziplock bag and sprinkle the powdered sugar over and seal the bag

• Shake the bag until coated, but don’t overmix
• Place in a clean bowl and toss in the M&M’s and Reese’s

What’s the difference between puppy chow and muddy buddies?

There is no difference! There are just a bunch of different names for the same recipe. And if you love this, be sure to try our Christmas Oreo truffles.

Can I make this recipe without peanut butter?

Absolutely! You can use almond butter, cashew butter, hazelnut butter, or whichever type you prefer. You can also omit the peanut butter in general if you desire.

How should I store the leftovers?

Place the leftovers in an airtight container and it can sit at room temperature for 1-2 weeks. I usually just set the container on our counter for easy access.