When you’re busy running around during the holiday season shopping for gifts, wrapping presents, and prepping for holiday parties, you’ll be so glad you have a bowl of this Reindeer Chex Mix to munch on. This sweet and salty snack mix sure satisfies my sweet tooth. In fact, I have to keep it in pre-portioned containers or I’ll eat way too much in one sitting!

What IS Reindeer Chow?

Have you ever had Puppy Chow? I mean, of course, the sweet treat, not real dog food! Puppy chow is a nickname for that delicious snack made with Chex cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Some people also call this concoction Muddy Buddies.

Well, Reindeer Chow takes that classic treat and adds a holiday twist. Mini pretzels add extra crunch, brownie mix provides a rich fudgy flavor, and of course, some holiday M&M candies bring that festive flair!

Ingredients for Reindeer Snack Mix

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this sweet treat:

• Rice Chex cereal– I prefer this as a base as it has a neutral flavor and stays crispy while still absorbing all the yummy chocolate and peanut butter. Feel free to use other Chex cereals, too, or a combination of them.
• Semisweet chocolate chips– I recommend semi-sweet chips to balance out the sweetness of this dish, but you could also use milk or dark chocolate according to your preference.
• Creamy peanut butter– helps bind everything together. You could use other nut butters as well for allergy purposes.
• Unsalted butter– adds richness and helps melt the chocolate and peanut butter smoothly.
• Pure vanilla extract– for flavor.
• Brownie mix– this adds a fudgy, chocolatey texture and flavor and adds an extra sweetness to the coating.
• Powdered sugar– for that signature snowy look and to keep everything from clumping together.
• Mini pretzels– for a salty, crunchy contrast to all the sweet elements.
• Christmas M&Ms (Red and Green)– add a pop of color and festive charm to the dish!

Find the exact amounts you’ll need in the recipe card below!

What equipment do I need to make Reindeer Chow?

Everything you need to make this Christmas Chex mix is a kitchen staple. Gather together these things:

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large baking sheet
• Parchment paper or wax paper
• Mixing bowls
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Rubber spatula
• Serving bowl
• Jars for small cellophane bags for gifting

How to make Christmas Reindeer Chow

1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place 6 cups of Rice Chex cereal in a large bowl and set it aside. 
2. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, ½ cup creamy peanut butter, and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. 
3. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently stir together with a spatula until the cereal is evenly coated. Spread the chocolate-covered cereal mixture on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool and let the chocolate dry completely. 
4. Combine 1 cup brownie mix and ½ cup powdered sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mix over the coated cereal. Gently toss until the cereal is evenly coated with the brownie mix.
5. Add 1 ½ cups mini pretzels and 1 ½ cups Christmas M&M’s. Carefully mix to distribute everything evenly. 
6. Transfer the Reindeer Chow to a festive serving bowl or package it into gift bags or containers for gifting. 

Recipe Notes

• Be gentle when combining the cereal with the chocolate and peanut butter mixture to avoid breaking the cereal. This will help maintain that lovely crunchy texture you’re looking for.
• Make sure each piece of cereal is evenly coated with the chocolate mixture.
• Allow the mix to cool completely before adding the powdered sugar. This helps the sugar stick better and keeps the cereal from getting soggy. 

How to Give Reindeer Chex Mix as a Gift

I love that you can pop these in a mason jar, spruce it up with some decorations, and give it as a gift! Add a cute gift tag and some baker’s twine, then trace and cut out antlers from brown construction paper.

Note: as pictured, my Reindeer Chow gifts are perfect for a Christmas party or when you know they’ll be eaten immediately. Otherwise, I would make sure to replace the lid and attach the paper antlers to the jar with some glue before gifting this mix in a jar.

For an alternate quick and easy presentation, place a few scoops of Reindeer Chow into festive cellophane bags, tie each bag with a ribbon, and add a cute gift tag!

I prefer giving edible gifts to neighbors, teachers, and friends because A- they know you made it with love, and B- edible gifts don’t add clutter or take up space! Reindeer Chow is the perfect choice for an edible gift, and you can make several jars from one batch!

How to Store Reindeer Chow

Store your snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Try not to eat it all at once!

Holiday Snack Mix Recipes

I love to make holiday-themed snack mix all year round! Here are some other fun recipes to try:

• Halloween Snack Mix
• Valentine Snack Mix
• Christmas Snack Mix
• Easter Chex Mix

These ones can be themed for any holiday depending on how you package it, or just eat them any time of year!

• Cookie Butter Snack Mix
• Circus Animal Puppy Chow
• Funfetti Puppy Chow

Which easy recipe is your favorite?

FOLLOW ME

 FACEBOOK ~ PINTEREST 
 INSTAGRAM ~ TWITTER 
YOUTUBE

Keep an eye out for more of my easy recipes each week!

Print

Reindeer Chow

Make Reindeer Chow for a sweet snack or gift! Mix Chex cereal and pretzels in a peanut butter chocolate coating, then add holiday M&Ms. Finally, toss it all in a powdered sugar/brownie mix, and enjoy!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword Reindeer Chow

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 18 1/2 cup servings

Calories 330kcal

Author Lynne Feifer

Ingredients

• 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup brownie mix
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 ½ cups mini pretzels
• 1 ½ cups Christmas M&Ms (red and green)

Instructions

• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place 6 cups of Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
• In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, ½ cup creamy peanut butter, and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. 
• Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently stir with a spatula until the cereal is evenly coated. Spread the chocolate-covered cereal on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool, and let the chocolate dry completely. 
• Combine 1 cup brownie mix and ½ cup powdered sugar. Sprinkle the mix over the coated cereal. Gently toss until the cereal is evenly coated with the brownie mix.  
• Add 1 ½ cups mini pretzels and 1 ½ cups Christmas M&M's. Gently mix to distribute evenly. 
• Transfer the Reindeer Chow to a festive serving bowl or package it into gift bags or containers for gifting. 

Notes

• Be gentle when combining the cereal with the chocolate and peanut butter mixture to avoid breaking the cereal. This will help maintain the desired crunchy texture. 
• Make sure each piece of cereal is evenly coated with the chocolate mixture.  
• Allow the mix to cool completely before adding the powdered sugar. This helps the sugar stick better and keeps the cereal from getting soggy. 
• Store the Reindeer Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. 

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 330kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 238mg | Potassium: 130mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 249IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 5mg

The post Reindeer Chow appeared first on 365 Days of Baking.

Whether you’re the room mom for the class party or are just looking for a fun treat for Valentine’s Day, this festive snack mix is the perfect solution! It’s colorful, easy to customize, and it’s quick and easy to make.

What’s your favorite Valentine’s candy? My guilty pleasure is the big conversation hearts for a quick sugar rush. But don’t get me started on all the delicious chocolate lining the aisles of grocery stores! It’s the best part of Valentine’s Day!

This Valentine’s Snack Mix is a fun mix of chocolate and sugar candies, and the crackers help balance the sweetness. I think your kids (and you!) are going to love this sweet treat!

Valentine Snack Mix Ingredients

Feel free to substitute your favorite candies and snacks in this recipe. Here’s what I used:

• 3 cups Chex cereal, any flavor ( I prefer Rice Chex or Corn Chex)
• 2 cups oyster soup crackers
• 2 cups square pretzels (or mini pretzels work well too)
• ½ cup butter, melted
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup candy conversation hearts
• 7 ounces Nerds Valentine Gummy Clusters
• 4.25 ounces Hot Tamale cinnamon candies
• ½ cup M&Ms milk chocolate candies, “Cupid blend”
• 2.8 ounces Jelly Belly  Sour Pucker Lips

How to make Valentine Snack Mix

This easy recipe comes together in just over 30 minutes. Just mix, pour, and bake!

1. First, preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the Chex cereal, oyster crackers, and pretzels.
3. Next, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat, or in a microwave at 50% power. Combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla in a small bowl. Mix until combined, leaving it just runny enough so that you can pour it over the cereal mixture.
4. Pour the brown sugar mixture over the cereal mix, stirring completely with a rubber spatula until fully coated.
5. Spread the snack mix into an even layer as you can on the prepared cookie sheet. Bake it in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through the baking time.
6. Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely. If you add the candy too soon, it will begin to melt, especially the M&Ms!
7. Transfer the salty treat to a clean large bowl and add the candies. Mix well and serve! Note: because of the weight of the candy, it tends to sink to the bottom, so make sure you mix it up well before serving, or top each serving with additional candy.

Each serving of this festive Valentine’s Day snack mix is about 1 cup. You’ll find the complete list of ingredients and instructions in the recipe card below!

More Mix-in Ideas

• White chocolate chips
• Mini marshmallows
• Peanuts
• Jelly Beans
• Circus Animal cookies
• Other favorite cereals (Golden Grahams work really well!)
• Pretzel Sticks

Do I have to bake Valentine Snack Mix before serving it?

Baking the Valentine’s Day Chex Mix gives the treat a proper coating and a solid consistency. If you skip this step you’ll be left with soggy cereal!

How to Store Leftover Valentine Snack Mix

Store this sweet snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature. It will be good for 4-5 days.

Make Edible Valentines

This fun Valentine’s mix makes an excellent edible Valentine’s Day gift! Grab clear or Valentine’s Day-themed cellophane bags, some coordinating ribbons, and gift tags. Fill each bag with a scoop or two of this easy party treat, tie it with a ribbon, and add the tag. Voila- a sweet edible gift!

Make a whole batch of these for your kids to give as Valentines this year, or set out a serving bowl filled with gift bags at a party.

Holiday Snack Mix Recipes

When it’s time for Halloween, you’ve got to try this spooky Halloween Snack Mix made with all sorts of sweet and salty goodies. Throw in some candy eyeballs to make this delicious snack mix extra fun!

This sweet and savory Christmas Snack Mix is perfect for the holidays! It’s filled with salty pretzels and crunchy candy, then covered in melted white chocolate. It’s easy to make, and there’s no baking required!

Make this Cookie Butter Snack Mix any time of the year! Sweet & Salty Chex™ Mix is tossed in cookie butter with a combination of Nature Valley™ Soft-Baked Granola Bites, Annie’s® Bunny Fruit Snacks, raisins, and dried cranberries. It’s a snack you’ll feel good about giving to your kids as an after-school snack.

Recipes Perfect for Valentine’s Day

If you’re looking for that dreamy dessert to make for your love this holiday, then try one of these recipes:

• M&M Valentine Blondies
• JELL-O Valentine Hearts
• Strawberry Poke Cake
• Molten Lava Cakes
• Heart Meringues with Berries and Cream
• Strawberry Cream Cheese Hand Pies
• Easy Chocolate Fondue
• Red Velvet Cherry Dream Bars
• Strawberry Nutella Crepes

Which one will you be making for Valentine’s Day?

FOLLOW ME

 FACEBOOK ~ PINTEREST 
 INSTAGRAM ~ TWITTER 
YOUTUBE

Keep an eye out for more of my easy recipes each week!

Print

Valentine Snack Mix

Share this sweet ‘n’ salty Valentine Snack Mix with your sweetheart! Salty snacks and sweet holiday candies covered in a delightful brown sugar glaze are perfect for class parties or Galentine's Day.

Course Appetizer, Snacks

Cuisine American

Keyword Valentine Snack Mix

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 8 cups

Calories 768kcal

Author Lynne Feifer

Ingredients

• 3 cups Chex cereal can use a combination or one flavor
• 2 cups oyster or soup crackers
• 2 cups pretzels squares
• ½ cup butter melted
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup candy conversation hearts
• 7 ounces Nerds Valentine Gummy Clusters
• 4.25 ounces Hot Tamale cinnamon candies
• ½ cup milk chocolate M&M's Cupid's blend
• 2.8 ounces Jelly Belly Sour Pucker Lips

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 250°F, and prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with parchment.
• In a large bowl, mix together the cereal, oyster crackers, and pretzels.
• Put the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla together in a small bowl. Mix until combined leaving it just a bit runny so that you can easily pour it over the cereal mixture.
• Pour the sugar mixture slowly over the cereal mixture while stirring to completely coat.
• Spread evenly onto the prepared cookie sheet, and bake for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through. Allow to cool completely after removing from the oven.
• Pour into an extra large bowl, and add the candies. Mix well and serve. Most of the candy will sink to the bottom because of the weight, so you may want to reserve some to put on when serving.

Notes

• Feel free to substitute your favorite candy to make it your own.
• Nutritional information has been calculated for a 1-cup serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 768kcal | Carbohydrates: 145g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 832mg | Potassium: 177mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 66g | Vitamin A: 631IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 10mg

The post Valentine Snack Mix appeared first on 365 Days of Baking.

Snacking is where it’s at!

Nowadays we have SO many options to choose from when we want to munch on something or give the kids a bite to eat when they come home from school. With so many options, sometimes it difficult to decide, too!

I was shopping at my local Albertsons the other day when I decided I wanted to make a snack mix. Believe it or not, I’ve never made Chex Muddy Buddies™. Can you believe it? I have a food blog, it’s a popular snack, and I’ve never made them??

Get Out!!

Have you got the image from Seinfeld when Elaine pushed Jerry into his bedroom? 😉

SAVE THIS COOKIE BUTTER MIX TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD!

I decided that had to change.

When the kids were younger, I purchased the bags of it because it was just so good, it was convenient, and sometimes I’ll admit, things taste better when someone else makes it for you, right?

Take a look at these snacks from other bloggers around the interweb!
Salted Caramel Pretzel Snaps from Oh, Sweet Basil
Caramel Churro Chex Mix from Confessions of a Cookbook Queen
25 Healthy Snacks from The Idea Room
S’Mores Snack Mix from Like Mother, Like Daughter
Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas from Dizzy, Busy & Hungry

I came across these snacks from General Mills and decided to combine them into one tasty treat so that there was a taste of something everyone would enjoy. It’s sweet, but not too sweet with just the right amount of crunch and a bit of chewy mixed in. It tasted Snacksational!

~ FOLLOW ME ~
~ FACEBOOK ~ PINTEREST ~
~ INSTAGRAM ~ TWITTER ~

SIGN UP FOR THE WEEKLY 365 DAYS OF BAKING & MORE 
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER!

JOIN THE 365 DAYS OF BAKING AND MORE FACEBOOK GROUP TO RECEIVE ADVANCE NOTICE OF MY LIVE FB VIDEOS, SHARE RECIPES AND MORE!

Print

Cookie Butter Snack Mix

Cookie Butter Snack Mix - Sweet & Salty Chex™ Mix tossed in cookie butter with a combination of Nature Valley™ Soft Baked Granola Bites, Annie's® Bunny Fruit Snacks, raisins and dried cranberries. It's a snack you'll feel good about giving your kids after school and they'll enjoy eating!

Author Lynne Feifer

Ingredients

• 1 8.75- ounce package Sweet & Salty Chex™ Mix or 4 cups
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup cookie butter
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 1 8.4- ounce package Nature Valley™ Soft Baked Honey Almond Granola Bites - use 5 bites cut into quarters
• 1 4- ounce package Annie's Organic Bunny Tropical Treat Fruit Snacks - use 3 of the .8-ounce packs
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup golden raisins

Instructions

• Place the Chex Mix into a large bowl.
• In a small microwavable bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons butter and cookie butter.
• Microwave for 30 seconds. Stir until smooth and well combined.
• Pour over the Chex Mix and stir until well coated.
• Place the powdered sugar into a gallon size bag. Add the coated Chex Mix to it and seal the bag.
• Shake the bag until the contents are completely covered.
• Pour the Chex Mix into a clean large bowl.
• Add the Nature Valley™ Granola Bites, Annie's Fruit Snacks, cranberries and raisins and with a rubber spatula, gently mix everything together.
• Store in the refrigerator in a sealed plastic bag.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g

This Cookie Butter Snack Mix is a combination of fun snacks that you’ll feel good about serving your kids and they’ll enjoy eating it!

If you like this Cookie Butter Snack Mix, then you’ll love these other snack ideas…

Cinnamon Pear Slices/Cinnamon Apple Slices

Inside Out Caramel Apples

 Homemade Cheese Crackers

Baked Spiced Almonds

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Albertsons. The opinions and text are all mine.

The post Cookie Butter Snack Mix appeared first on 365 Days of Baking.