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Easy Reindeer Chow: Best 5-Minute Christmas Snack

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This Easy Reindeer Chow Christmas Snack is a quick, no-bake treat made with Chex cereal, white chocolate, and festive candy decorations. Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or last-minute cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 9 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn)
  • 1 cup pretzel twists
  • 1 cup salted peanuts
  • 1 cup M&M’s (red and green holiday)
  • 1/2 cup candy eyes (about 100 count)
  • 1/2 cup red candy noses (or red M&M’s)
  • 16 ounces white chocolate melting wafers (recommended: Ghirardelli)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure)
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pour the 9 cups of Chex cereal into your largest mixing bowl. Add the pretzel twists and peanuts. Toss them together gently with your hands.
  2. Place the white chocolate melting wafers and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely smooth (about 2 minutes total). Stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. Pour the melted white chocolate over the cereal mixture. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold everything together until every piece is coated. Work quickly.
  4. Transfer the coated mixture into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the powdered sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon (if using). Seal the bag tightly, leaving a little air inside, and shake until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Pour the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread it out in an even layer. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes until the coating sets.
  6. Once the coating is set, gently press the candy eyes and red noses onto the chow pieces to create reindeer faces. Scatter any extra candy pieces throughout the mix.
  7. Gently fold in the holiday M&M’s, being careful not to crush anything.
  8. Let everything set completely, about 20 more minutes. Then break apart any large clumps into bite-sized pieces.

Notes

Don’t skip the coconut oil—it keeps the chocolate from getting too thick. Work fast once the chocolate is melted; you have about 5 minutes before it starts setting. For best results, leave some air in the bag when shaking to ensure even coating. The flavors actually get better after a day or two. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: reindeer chow, Christmas snack, holiday snack, muddy buddies, puppy chow, no-bake, 5-minute recipe, easy snack, Chex mix, white chocolate

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/easy-reindeer-chow-best-5-minute-christmas-snack/