Reindeer Food Recipe (Christmas Puppy Chow): A Festive, Addictive Holiday Snack

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Reindeer Food—also known as Christmas Puppy Chow—is a festive twist on the classic snack mix, combining crunchy cereal, melted chocolate, peanut butter, and a generous coating of powdered sugar. It’s irresistibly sweet, delightfully crunchy, and perfect for gifting, snacking, or holiday parties. I once added crushed peppermint candies into the mix, and the refreshing mint paired beautifully with the chocolate and peanut butter without overwhelming the original flavor. This recipe requires no baking, comes together in minutes, and delivers that nostalgic holiday charm everyone loves. Whether you package it in decorative bags for gifting or serve it in a big bowl on Christmas Eve, this treat is guaranteed to disappear quickly. It’s a fun recipe to make with kids, endlessly customizable, and an absolute must-have for your holiday snack lineup.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Rice Chex cereal
The cereal provides the essential light, crisp base of the mix. Its airy texture holds the chocolate coating perfectly without becoming soggy.

Chocolate chips
Chocolate chips melt into a smooth, rich coating that forms the classic layer for puppy chow. Semi-sweet or milk chocolate both work well.

Peanut butter
Peanut butter adds creamy richness and helps bind the chocolate to the cereal. It enhances the sweet-and-salty balance that makes this mix so irresistible.

Butter
Butter softens the chocolate mixture and adds a subtle silkiness. It helps the coating adhere evenly.

Vanilla extract
Vanilla deepens the flavor and balances the richness of the chocolate and peanut butter.

Powdered sugar
Powdered sugar coats the cereal, giving the mix its iconic snowy look while adding sweetness and preventing stickiness.

Holiday M&M’s
Festive red and green candies add crunch, color, and extra chocolate flavor.

Sprinkles (optional)
Sprinkles add cheerful decoration and seasonal flair without altering the taste.

Directions

Begin by placing the Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Set aside. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Pour the warm chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal, folding gently with a spatula until all pieces are evenly coated. Transfer the coated cereal into a large zip-top bag or a lidded container. Add powdered sugar, seal well, and shake vigorously until all pieces are coated in a snowy white layer.

Spread the coated cereal out on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool slightly. Once fully cooled, transfer the mix to a large serving bowl and fold in holiday M&M’s and sprinkles. Serve immediately or store for later.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 10–12 people. Preparation requires about 10 minutes, plus 10 minutes of cooling time. Total estimated time: approximately 20 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store Reindeer Food in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Refrigeration is not necessary and may harden the chocolate. This mix also freezes well for up to two months; thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. No reheating is needed.

Variations and Customizations

Peppermint Reindeer Food
Add crushed candy canes to the mix for a refreshing minty crunch.

White Chocolate Christmas Chow
Use melted white chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter, creamier flavor.

Reese’s Cup Twist
Add chopped mini peanut butter cups for extra peanut butter richness.

Nutty Holiday Mix
Fold in peanuts, almonds, or cashews for added texture and flavor.

Salted Caramel Version
Drizzle caramel sauce over the mix before adding powdered sugar.

Hot Cocoa Puppy Chow
Add mini marshmallows and use hot cocoa powder blended with the powdered sugar.

Gingerbread Spice Mix
Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to the powdered sugar for a warm, spiced version.

Gluten-Free Variation
Use certified gluten-free Rice Chex and holiday candies.

Color-Themed Chow
Use only red M&M’s for a Santa theme or only green for a Grinch-inspired mix.

Extra Crunch Deluxe
Add pretzels or popcorn to balance sweetness with salty crunch.

FAQs

Can I make this without peanut butter?

Yes, replace it with almond butter, sunflower butter, or cookie butter.

Can I use white chocolate chips?

Yes, they melt smoothly and create a sweeter variation.

How do I keep the powdered sugar evenly distributed?

Shake vigorously in a sealed bag to coat all pieces.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply use a larger bowl and shake in batches if needed.

Why is my chocolate coating too thick?

Microwave longer or add a touch more butter to thin it.

Can kids help make this?

Absolutely—shaking the bag and adding sprinkles is perfect for little helpers.

Does it need to be refrigerated?

No, room temperature storage works best.

Can I prep this ahead for parties?

Yes, make it up to a week in advance.

Can I make it nut-free?

Use sunflower butter and nut-free candies.

Why is my mix soggy?

Ensure cereal is fully coated but not overly saturated with chocolate.

Conclusion

Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) is a festive, no-bake treat guaranteed to bring joy to holiday gatherings and cozy nights in. With its crisp texture, sweet coating, and cheerful mix-ins, it’s the perfect blend of nostalgic flavors and seasonal sparkle. Quick to make, easy to customize, and loved by all ages, this recipe will quickly become a cherished holiday tradition. Serve it in decorative bowls or gift it in festive bags—either way, it’s sure to spread Christmas cheer with every crunchy bite.

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