Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make treat for the holidays? Look no further than this Reindeer Food Recipe, also known as Christmas Puppy Chow. This festive snack is perfect for parties, gift-giving, or simply enjoying by the handful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and crunchy Chex cereal is irresistible.
- Quick prep time: This recipe comes together in minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Perfect for meal prep: Whip up a batch of Reindeer Food ahead of time for a tasty snack on-the-go.
Ingredient Notes:
- Semisweet or dark chocolate chips: Melts down to create a rich and creamy coating.
- Creamy peanut butter: Adds a nutty flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Rice Chex Cereal: Provides a crunchy texture and absorbs the chocolate and peanut butter mixture.
- Mini pretzels: Add a salty contrast to the sweet flavors.
- Powdered sugar: Coats the mixture for a snowy finish.
- Red and green M&Ms: Add a pop of color and chocolatey goodness.
- Mini peanut butter cups: Optional, but add a delicious peanut butter flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together, stirring until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Chex cereal and broken pretzel pieces.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and pretzels, stirring gently to coat evenly.
- Add the powdered sugar to the mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
- Gently fold in the M&Ms and mini peanut butter cups.
- Spread the mixture out on a baking sheet to cool and set before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- Store Reindeer Food in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- Swap out the M&Ms for your favorite holiday-themed candies.
- For a more indulgent treat, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top before serving.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use a mix of semisweet and dark chocolate for a more complex flavor.
- Allow the mixture to cool completely before breaking it apart for serving.
- Don’t skip the powdered sugar step, as it adds a sweet and snowy finish to the snack.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve Reindeer Food in festive bowls or bags for a fun and tasty holiday treat. Pair it with hot cocoa or apple cider for a cozy combination.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, microwave in short intervals until warmed through, being careful not to burn the chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of cereal? Yes, you can swap out the Chex cereal for any other crispy cereal you prefer.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! This snack is perfect for making in advance and storing until you’re ready to enjoy.
- Can I freeze Reindeer Food? While it can be frozen, the powdered sugar may dissolve when thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Conclusion:
Get into the holiday spirit with this festive Reindeer Food Recipe. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a fun snack to enjoy, this Christmas Puppy Chow is sure to be a hit. Try it out and share your feedback with us!
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Reindeer Food Recipe (Christmas Puppy Chow)
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Snacks
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Reindeer Food Recipe, also known as Christmas Puppy Chow, is a festive and addictive snack mix perfect for the holiday season. Crunchy Chex cereal, salty pretzels, and sweet candies are coated in a mixture of chocolate and peanut butter, then dusted with powdered sugar for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
- 5 cups Rice Chex Cereal
- 1 ½ cups mini pretzels broken into pieces
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups red and green M&Ms
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups
Instructions
- Melt Chocolate and Peanut Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together until smooth.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Chex cereal, pretzels, M&Ms, and peanut butter cups. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the dry ingredients and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Transfer the mixture to a large resealable plastic bag, add powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake until all pieces are coated.
- Serve: Spread the Reindeer Food mix on a baking sheet to cool and set before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe is customizable, so feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits.
- Store the Reindeer Food in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
