Christmas Reindeer Chex Mix Recipe
Introduction
This festive Christmas Reindeer Chex Mix is a quick and delicious holiday treat perfect for parties or snacking. Combining sweet chocolate, peanut butter, colorful candies, and crunchy cereal, it’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cups rice Chex cereal
- 4 cups corn Chex cereal
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 (10-ounce) bag red and green M&M candies
- 1 (7.6-ounce) bag mini Reese’s peanut butter cups
- 1 cup Snyder’s itty bitty mini pretzels
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 2 tablespoons Christmas sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Step 2: Place the rice and corn Chex cereals in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Step 3: Transfer the coated cereal into a gallon-sized ziplock bag. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake and rotate it until all the cereal pieces are thoroughly coated with sugar.
- Step 4: Spread the coated cereal onto a large rimmed cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. If the mixture is still warm, allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the M&M’s, mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, mini pretzels, mini marshmallows, and Christmas sprinkles (if using) over the cereal on the baking sheet. Gently stir to combine. Enjoy your festive Chex Mix!
Tips & Variations
- For a nut-free version, substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and omit the peanut butter cups.
- Use white or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
- Add dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy texture contrast.
- To make it extra festive, add some red and green sprinkles or edible glitter on top.
Storage
Store the Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain its freshness and crunch. Avoid refrigeration, as this can cause the mix to become sticky. If the mix loses its crunch, you can refresh it in a 250°F oven for 5–7 minutes, then cool completely before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this Chex Mix ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this Chex Mix a day or two ahead and store it in an airtight container. Just be sure to keep it at room temperature to prevent the candy and marshmallows from becoming sticky.
What can I substitute for mini Reese’s peanut butter cups?
If you don’t have mini Reese’s, you can use chopped regular peanut butter cups, peanut butter-filled chocolates, or simply omit them and add more pretzels or candy pieces to keep the mix balanced.
Print
Christmas Reindeer Chex Mix Recipe
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 14 servings 1x
Description
This festive Christmas Reindeer Chex Mix is a delightful holiday snack combining chocolate, peanut butter, cereal, and colorful candies. It’s a sweet, crunchy treat perfect for parties or gift-giving during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Chocolate Mixture
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
Chex Mix Base
- 4 cups rice Chex cereal
- 4 cups corn Chex cereal
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Add-ins
- 1 10-ounce bag red and green M&M candies
- 1 7.6-ounce bag mini Reese’s peanut butter cups
- 1 cup Snyder’s itty bitty mini pretzels
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 2 Tablespoons Christmas sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chocolate Mixture: Combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and unsalted butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1 minute, then stir. Continue heating in 30-second increments, stirring until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour the rice and corn Chex cereals into a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm chocolate peanut butter mixture over the cereal and toss gently to evenly coat all the pieces.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Transfer the coated cereal into a gallon-sized ziplock bag. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake and rotate until every piece is thoroughly coated with the sugar mixture.
- Cool the Mixture: Spread the coated cereal onto a large rimmed cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow it to cool to room temperature if it is still warm, which will help set the coating.
- Add Festive Mix-Ins: Sprinkle the red and green M&Ms, mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, mini pretzels, mini marshmallows, and optional Christmas sprinkles over the cooled cereal mixture. Stir gently to combine, then enjoy or store for later snacking.
Notes
- Make sure to let the chocolate mixture cool slightly before adding the powdered sugar to avoid clumping.
- Store the mix in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
- The optional Christmas sprinkles add extra color and festivity but can be omitted if preferred.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and omit Reese’s peanut butter cups.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas Chex Mix, Holiday Snack, Reindeer Treat, Chocolate Peanut Butter Mix, Festive Snack Mix
