There’s something magical about holiday recipes, isn’t there? The warmth of the season, the twinkling lights, and the smell of delicious treats filling the house. One of my absolute favorites, especially around Christmas, is “Reindeer Food”—also known as Christmas Puppy Chow. It’s that perfect balance of sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy, with bright pops of red and green to get you in the festive mood. This recipe is not only incredibly tasty, but it’s also one of those simple, no-fuss snacks you can throw together in under an hour. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just cozying up with a Christmas movie, this is a treat that everyone will love. Plus, it’s the perfect little gift if you’re looking for a fun, homemade stocking stuffer!

I remember the first time I made this, it was during a Christmas cookie swap I hosted with some friends. Everyone was bringing their A-game with intricate sugar cookies, peppermint bark, and gingerbread men. I was running low on time, and quite frankly, patience (hello holiday stress!). So I quickly whipped up this Reindeer Food. The second I pulled it out, it disappeared! People were coming back for seconds, thirds, and asking for the recipe. That’s when I realized: simple and fun can sometimes be the biggest crowd-pleasers. So, if you’re looking for a snack that’s festive, easy, and guaranteed to impress, you’ve come to the right place.

Reindeer Food Recipe (christmas Puppy Chow) Recipe

🎅 A Christmas tradition with a twist

“Reindeer Food” is a fun, holiday-themed version of the classic “Puppy Chow” or “Muddy Buddies.” Traditionally, Puppy Chow is a mix of Chex cereal coated in melted chocolate and peanut butter, dusted with powdered sugar. It’s already a nostalgic treat, but adding mini peanut butter cups, broken pretzels, and Christmas-colored M&Ms takes it to a whole new level. It’s sweet with just the right amount of crunch, and the salty pretzels add an unexpected twist that balances everything out.

While this particular recipe doesn’t have an ancient culinary history, it’s one of those fun, modern holiday traditions that many families have adopted. Think of it as an evolution of the simple holiday snack—a little bit more colorful, a little bit more festive, and a whole lot of fun to share!

Let’s talk ingredients: simple, festive, and delicious

This recipe is all about combining familiar ingredients in a new way. Let’s break it down:

Rice Chex Cereal: This is the base of the recipe. Its light and crispy texture makes it perfect for absorbing all that delicious peanut butter and chocolate. You could swap in corn or wheat Chex if that’s what you have on hand.
Mini Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels is a fun contrast to all the sweetness going on. Plus, they break up the texture and keep the mix from being too soft. I sometimes use pretzel sticks if I want a little more variety.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is essential here for that rich, nutty flavor. If you’re allergic or just not a fan, almond butter or sunflower seed butter makes a great substitute.
Chocolate Chips: Both semisweet and dark chocolate work perfectly in this recipe. I love the balance of the slightly bitter dark chocolate, but if you’re making this for kids (or someone with a major sweet tooth), feel free to go for milk chocolate.
Powdered Sugar: This is what gives the snack its iconic frosted look. It helps coat all the pieces in a light, sweet dusting that ties everything together.
M&Ms: Red and green M&Ms are the festive touch! If you’re making this for another holiday or event, feel free to change up the color scheme.
Mini Peanut Butter Cups: These little gems are optional, but trust me, they add a whole new level of indulgence. Their bite-sized richness is a great surprise in each handful.

Essential kitchen tools: no fancy gadgets required

One of the best things about this Reindeer Food recipe is how little equipment you need. In fact, you probably have everything in your kitchen already. Here’s the short list:

Large mixing bowls: You’ll need one for combining the Chex and pretzels, and another for tossing everything with the powdered sugar. I recommend a big, wide bowl to make the tossing process easier.
Microwave or stovetop pan: To melt the chocolate and peanut butter, you can either use the microwave (super quick!) or a small saucepan on the stovetop if you prefer more control.
Wooden spoon or spatula: This is for stirring everything together. You want something sturdy to make sure all the cereal and pretzels get evenly coated.
Airtight container: For storing your Reindeer Food after it’s made. It keeps it fresh and crispy for days (if it lasts that long!).

Step-by-step: how to make Christmas Puppy Chow (and what I’ve learned along the way)

Start with the cereal and pretzels: In a large bowl, combine 5 cups of Rice Chex cereal and 1 ½ cups of broken mini pretzel pieces. I like to give the pretzels a rough chop so they’re in smaller, bite-sized bits. Toss them together so they’re evenly distributed.
Melt the peanut butter and chocolate: This part smells heavenly. You can melt 1 ½ cups of chocolate chips and 1 ½ cups of peanut butter together in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each interval, or do it on the stovetop over low heat. Just be careful not to overheat, as chocolate can seize up if it gets too hot.
Coat the cereal: Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal and pretzels. Now comes the fun part: stir everything together until the cereal and pretzels are fully coated. It’s going to look like a gooey mess, but trust the process!
Chill it out: Pop the bowl in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the mixture set up just enough so the powdered sugar sticks better. (Don’t skip this step—trust me, I tried once and ended up with a sticky disaster!)
The powdered sugar magic: In a second large bowl, sprinkle ½ cup of powdered sugar on the bottom. Add half of the chilled cereal mixture, then sprinkle another ½ cup on top. Gently toss to coat, then repeat with the remaining mixture. If you feel like it needs more powdered sugar, keep adding ¼ cup at a time until it’s perfectly coated.
Final chill: Chill everything again for another 30-60 minutes to let it fully set.
Add the goodies: Now for the fun part—stir in 1 ½ cups of red and green M&Ms and 1 cup of mini peanut butter cups. Toss everything together and try not to snack too much before serving (it’s harder than you think!).

Variations and fun adaptations

This recipe is super versatile, and you can easily tweak it depending on your preferences or dietary needs:

Vegan version: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and swap the peanut butter cups for a vegan candy option. Just double-check your M&Ms as some may contain milk.
Gluten-free: Rice Chex is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to use gluten-free pretzels and candy to keep it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Nut-free version: Swap out the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or another nut-free spread. You can also replace the peanut butter cups with chocolate chips or any nut-free candy.
Spicy-sweet twist: For an unexpected twist, sprinkle a bit of cayenne or chili powder into the powdered sugar. It adds a fun, subtle kick that plays nicely with the sweetness.

Serving ideas: making it festive

Presentation is key during the holidays! I love serving this Reindeer Food in a big, festive bowl surrounded by candy canes or Christmas ornaments. You can also portion it out into small holiday-themed bags or jars to give as gifts. A little ribbon and a tag that says “Reindeer Treats” makes it extra special.

For added flair, sprinkle a few more M&Ms or crushed candy canes on top before serving. Trust me, it’s impossible to resist!

Drink pairings: something for everyone

This sweet treat pairs perfectly with a variety of holiday drinks. For the kids (and adults alike), serve it with a big mug of hot cocoa topped with marshmallows. If you’re looking for something more “grown-up,” a glass of spiced eggnog or mulled wine would complement the sweetness wonderfully. The richness of the Reindeer Food balances nicely with the warmth and spice of these classic holiday drinks.

Storing and reheating: keeping it fresh

Reindeer Food stores beautifully in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature. If you want it to last even longer, you can keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks. It doesn’t need reheating, but if it’s been in the fridge, you may want to let it sit out for about 10 minutes before serving to soften just a bit.

Adjusting for different servings

This recipe makes a decent amount, but it’s super easy to double (or even triple) if you’re feeding a crowd. Just be sure to use a larger mixing bowl when you increase the recipe size! If you’re making a smaller batch, halve the ingredients, but don’t skimp on the powdered sugar—this is key to getting that perfect coating.

FAQ

1. Can I use different cereals? Yes! Corn or wheat Chex work well, though rice gives the lightest, crispiest texture.

2. How do I avoid clumping? Be sure to chill the mixture after coating it with chocolate, so the powdered sugar sticks more evenly.

3. What if my chocolate seizes? If it happens, try adding a little oil or butter to smooth it out.

4. Can I freeze Reindeer Food? Yes! It freezes well in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

5. What other candies can I add? Feel free to get creative—try peppermint bark pieces, chocolate-covered raisins, or festive sprinkles!