If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and unbelievably addictive holiday recipe, Easy Reindeer Chow (Christmas Muddy Buddies) is your go-to treat. This sweet, crunchy snack has been a Christmas classic for years, loved by kids and adults alike. Whether you’re preparing snack bowls for a movie night, filling jars for edible gifts, or adding something magical to your holiday dessert table, this recipe never disappoints.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn what Reindeer Chow is, where it originated, the full ingredients list, a detailed step-by-step method, variations, and helpful FAQs. By the end, you’ll be fully equipped to make the most irresistible batch of Easy Reindeer Chow (Christmas Muddy Buddies) ever—one that rivals any recipe on the internet.
What Is Easy Reindeer Chow (Christmas Muddy Buddies)?
Easy Reindeer Chow (Christmas Muddy Buddies) is a festive holiday snack mix made with Rice Chex cereal, melted chocolate, peanut butter, butter, vanilla, powdered sugar, and holiday-themed mix-ins like M&M’s and pretzels. Everything is shaken together until each piece is perfectly coated in sweet, snowy powdered sugar.
The result? A crunchy, sweet, chocolaty, peanut-butter-infused Christmas treat that feels like a blend between candy and cereal. It’s easy enough for beginners and delicious enough for holiday-loving professionals.
What makes Easy Reindeer Chow (Christmas Muddy Buddies) especially popular is how customizable it is. You can add candies, marshmallows, pretzels, sprinkles, or even crushed peppermint to match your Christmas theme. Plus, it keeps well, packs beautifully into jars or bags, and is perfect for sharing.
This holiday classic has become a must-make family tradition, and once you try it, it will probably become one of yours too.
Origin of Easy Reindeer Chow (Christmas Muddy Buddies)
Even though today we call it Easy Reindeer Chow (Christmas Muddy Buddies), this snack actually began as “Muddy Buddies” or “Puppy Chow.” The original recipe became widely known when General Mills featured it on the back of Chex cereal boxes in the 1960s and 1970s.
The concept was simple: combine Chex cereal with melted chocolate and peanut butter, coat it with powdered sugar, and enjoy. Over the decades, families began to personalize the snack—especially during Christmas. That’s how the holiday-themed version we now call Reindeer Chow was born.
Adding festive mix-ins like red and green M&M’s, holiday sprinkles, and mini marshmallows made this already delicious treat even more magical. The name “Reindeer Chow” was a cute holiday spin, suggesting it’s the food Santa’s reindeer might munch on if they had a sweet tooth.
Today, Easy Reindeer Chow (Christmas Muddy Buddies) remains a holiday favorite because it’s:
- Fast to make
- Kid-friendly
- Perfect for gifting
- Highly customizable
- Utterly addictive
No wonder it’s one of the most searched Christmas snack recipes every year.
Ingredients for Easy Reindeer Chow (Christmas Muddy Buddies)
Below is the full list of ingredients you’ll need to make this irresistible holiday snack mix. These quantities make a large batch — perfect for parties or gifting.
Main Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
Festive Mix-Ins (Optional but highly recommended):
These turn your snack into true Christmas Muddy Buddie magic:
- Holiday M&M’s
- Mini pretzels
- Mini marshmallows
- Holiday sprinkles
Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your taste or color theme.
How to Make Easy Reindeer Chow (Christmas Muddy Buddies): Step-by-Step Directions
This is the part where the recipe shines. Follow each step to make the most delicious, evenly coated, festive batch of Easy Reindeer Chow (Christmas Muddy Buddies).
Step 1: Prep the Cereal
Place 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl.
Use the biggest bowl you have so you have enough room to stir everything later.
This step ensures your cereal is ready for coating as soon as the chocolate mixture melts.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine:
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each session.
Continue until the mixture becomes completely smooth and glossy.
Once melted, quickly stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
The aroma alone will have your kitchen smelling like Christmas magic.
Step 3: Coat the Cereal
Pour the warm, melted chocolate mixture over the bowl of Chex cereal.
Use a spatula to gently fold the cereal until every piece is evenly coated.
Make sure not to crush the cereal — gentle motions work best.
This step determines how flavorful your Easy Reindeer Chow (Christmas Muddy Buddies) will be, so mix thoroughly.
Step 4: Add the Powdered Sugar
Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into a large zip-top bag or a bowl with a secure lid.
Add 1½ cups of powdered sugar.
Seal the bag tightly, then shake, shake, shake!
Keep shaking until every piece is beautifully coated and dusted like a snowy Christmas morning.
This powdered sugar coating is what transforms Muddy Buddies into that iconic snowy look — the signature of Reindeer Chow.
Step 5: Add Festive Mix-Ins
Pour your coated Muddy Buddies into a large serving bowl.
Now stir in your festive additions:
- M&M’s
- Pretzels
- Marshmallows
- Sprinkles
This step is where Easy Reindeer Chow (Christmas Muddy Buddies) becomes colorful, fun, and irresistibly festive.
Not only does it look beautiful, but the mix-ins also add texture and contrast — crunchy, chewy, chocolaty, and sweet all in one bite.
Step 6: Serve or Store
Let your Reindeer Chow cool completely before transferring it to gift bags or containers.
Store it in an airtight container for up to one week.
It rarely lasts that long — it’s just too delicious!
Variations of Easy Reindeer Chow (Christmas Muddy Buddies)
One reason this recipe is loved worldwide is because you can recreate it in countless ways. Here are some festive variations to try:
Peppermint Reindeer Chow
Add:
- Crushed candy canes
- Peppermint M&M’s
- White chocolate drizzle
This gives your dish a cool, refreshing twist.
White Chocolate Snowy Reindeer Chow
Replace semisweet chocolate with:
- White chocolate chips
This makes an ultra-sweet, snowy version perfect for winter wonderland themes.
Nut-Free Reindeer Chow
Replace peanut butter with:
- Sunflower seed butter
- Cookie butter
Great for school-safe holiday treats.
Salted Caramel Reindeer Chow
Add:
- Caramel bits
- A drizzle of melted caramel
- A pinch of flaky sea salt
This version turns the classic into a gourmet treat.
Grinch Reindeer Chow
Use:
- Green candy melts
- Red and green sprinkles
- Heart-shaped candies
Perfect for themed movie nights!
FAQs About Easy Reindeer Chow (Christmas Muddy Buddies)
1. Why is my Reindeer Chow soggy?
If your Easy Reindeer Chow (Christmas Muddy Buddies) turned out soggy, the chocolate mixture may have been too hot when added. Let it cool slightly before coating the cereal.
2. Can I make Reindeer Chow ahead of time?
Absolutely! It stays fresh for up to one week in an airtight container, making it an ideal make-ahead holiday snack.
3. Can I freeze Reindeer Chow?
Yes. Store it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
4. Can I use a different cereal?
Rice Chex is traditional, but Corn Chex or Wheat Chex work too. Just avoid cereals that become too soft.
5. How do I package Reindeer Chow for gifting?
Use:
- Mason jars
- Cellophane holiday bags
- Decorative tins
Add a ribbon for a festive touch.
Conclusion: festive reindeer chow mix
This recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity, flavor, and holiday cheer. With its chocolate-peanut-butter coating, snowy powdered sugar finish, and colorful festive mix-ins, it’s no surprise this recipe has become a beloved holiday tradition. Whether you’re gifting it, serving it at parties, or snacking during Christmas movies, this treat brings joy to everyone who tastes it.
Its versatility, quick preparation time, and endless variations make Easy Reindeer Chow (Christmas Muddy Buddies) a must-make recipe each holiday season. So gather your ingredients, shake up a batch, and enjoy a sweet Christmas moment with every bite.
Let this be the year you make the best Reindeer Chow ever — and create delicious memories that last long after the holidays.
