Reindeer Chow Muddy Buddies

Reindeer Chow is a sweet, crunchy, and festive snack mix that is a fun addition to any holiday gathering. It starts with cereal coated in a rich chocolate and peanut butter mixture, which is then tossed in powdered sugar to create the classic ‘muddy buddy’ look. The addition of salty pretzels, colorful candies, and soft marshmallows makes it a delightful holiday treat.

This recipe comes together quickly with just a few minutes of active time. The longest part is waiting for the chocolate to set. It’s a great recipe for making a large batch for parties, movie nights, or packaging as homemade gifts for friends and neighbors during the holiday season.

Why will you love Reindeer Chow Muddy Buddies?

Melting the chocolate mixture in short intervals prevents it from scorching or seizing, ensuring a smooth, creamy coating for the cereal.

Shaking the cereal in a bag with powdered sugar is the most effective way to get an even, complete coating on every piece without making a big mess.

Letting the coated cereal cool and set on a baking sheet is an important step. It prevents the pieces from clumping together and ensures the final snack mix is crunchy, not sticky.

Reindeer Chow Muddy Buddies Ingredients

• Chocolate: Milk chocolate melting wafers give the smoothest finish. Good quality milk chocolate chips are a fine substitute; you may want to add a teaspoon of coconut oil to help them melt smoothly.

• Peanut Butter: Standard creamy peanut butter works best. Natural peanut butter that separates can result in an oily or gritty texture.

• Cereal: Rice Chex is the classic choice, but you can also use Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, or a combination of them for a different texture.

• Mix-ins: Feel free to customize the mix-ins. You could add chopped pecans, peanuts, festive sprinkles, or different colored candies depending on the occasion.

Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.

How to Make Reindeer Chow Muddy Buddies

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate Coating

First, combine the chocolate wafers, peanut butter, and butter in a large bowl that is safe for the microwave. Heat it in short 30-second bursts, stirring well after each one. Continue until everything is melted and the mixture is completely smooth.

Step 2: Coat the Cereal

Once your coating is ready, pour in the cereal and gently fold it all together until every piece is covered. Then, pour half the powdered sugar into a large resealable bag, add the coated cereal, and top with the rest of the sugar. Seal the bag and shake it until the cereal is white and fully coated.

Step 3: Set and Assemble the Snack Mix

Spread the sugar-coated cereal onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool down. Let it sit for about 30 minutes so the chocolate can harden. Once it’s cool and no longer sticky, transfer it to a large serving bowl and mix in the pretzels, candies, and marshmallows.

What to Serve with Reindeer Chow Muddy Buddies

This snack mix is great on its own. For a cozy treat, serve it in small bowls alongside mugs of hot chocolate.

Helpful Tricks for Reindeer Chow Muddy Buddies

For the cleanest look, wait until the coated cereal is completely cool before mixing in the other ingredients, especially the marshmallows.

If you don’t have a large enough zip-top bag, you can shake the cereal in two smaller batches or toss it in a large bowl with a lid.

The total amount of cereal in a 12-ounce box can vary slightly. Aim for around 12 cups of cereal for the best coating ratio.

How to Store and Freeze Reindeer Chow Muddy Buddies

Store the Reindeer Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. The marshmallows will be softest in the first few days. We do not recommend refrigeration, as it can cause condensation and make the mix soggy. It is not suitable for freezing.

Reindeer Chow Muddy Buddies Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different kind of chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute semi-sweet, dark, or even white chocolate. White chocolate will create a different flavor profile often called ‘Snowy’ or ‘Polar Bear’ chow.

Why did my chocolate get thick and grainy in the microwave?

This is called ‘seizing’. It usually happens when chocolate is overheated or if a small amount of water gets into it. To avoid this, always use a dry bowl and utensils, and microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Yes. To make it nut-free, substitute the peanut butter with a seed butter like sunflower seed butter. Be sure to also check that your chocolate and other ingredients are certified nut-free if you are serving it to someone with a severe allergy.

Reindeer Chow Muddy Buddies

A festive holiday snack mix with chocolate-peanut butter coated cereal, pretzels, M&Ms, and marshmallows.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 minutes mins

Total Time 47 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 20

Ingredients

  

• 10 oz milk chocolate melting wafers or chocolate chips 285 g
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter 250 g
• 4 tbsp salted butter 57 g
• 1 box Rice Chex cereal about 12 cups, 12 oz / 340 g
• 3 cups powdered sugar 360 g
• 2 cups mini pretzels 120 g
• 2 cups Christmas-colored candy-coated chocolates (like M&Ms) 400 g
• 2 cups mini marshmallows 100 g

Instructions

 

• In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate wafers, creamy peanut butter, and salted butter.
• Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. This should take 60 to 90 seconds total.
• Pour the Rice Chex cereal into the bowl with the melted chocolate mixture. Gently stir with a spatula until all the cereal is evenly coated.
• Add 1½ cups of the powdered sugar to a gallon-sized zip-top bag. Add the coated cereal, then pour the remaining 1½ cups of powdered sugar on top.
• Seal the bag, removing excess air. Shake the bag well for about a minute, until all the cereal pieces are thoroughly coated in powdered sugar.
• Spread the powdered sugar-coated cereal in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Allow the cereal to cool and the chocolate to set completely, about 30 minutes at room temperature.
• Once cooled, transfer the set cereal to a very large mixing bowl. Add the mini pretzels, candy-coated chocolates, and mini marshmallows. Gently toss to combine.
• Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Notes

For the cleanest look, wait until the coated cereal is completely cool before mixing in the other ingredients, especially the marshmallows.

If you don't have a large enough zip-top bag, you can shake the cereal in two smaller batches or toss it in a large bowl with a lid.

The total amount of cereal in a 12-ounce box can vary slightly. Aim for around 12 cups of cereal for the best coating ratio.

Keyword Christmas, holiday, no-bake, reindeer chow muddy buddies, snack mix