The holidays are here, and if you’re looking for a quick, fun, and absolutely addictive snack to make with your kids—or to gift to neighbors and teachers—Reindeer Chow is my go-to recipe.
It’s sweet, salty, and completely customizable, and the best part?
It’s fast enough that even a busy mom like me can whip it up in no time.
This festive snack mix combines chex cereal, pretzels, popcorn, white chocolate, and holiday sprinkles into a sweet, crunchy treat that everyone will love.
It’s perfect for Christmas parties, small gifts, or just a cozy night at home with the family.
Why I Love Making Reindeer Chow
As a mom, I’m always looking for treats that are simple, fun, and don’t require hours in the kitchen. Reindeer Chow hits all of those marks:
- Fast & Easy: You can make it start-to-finish in under 30 minutes.
- Kid-Friendly: Little hands love helping stir and sprinkle.
- Perfect for Gifting: Package in holiday bags and ribbons for teachers, friends, or neighbors.
- Mix & Match: Add your favorite mix-ins, from nuts to holiday M&Ms.
Honestly, every time I make this, my kids sneak a handful before it even cools down. It’s that good.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 bag of microwave popcorn (kettle corn works wonderfully for a sweet-salty balance)
- 1 cup pretzels
- 1 cup Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup Corn Chex cereal
- 2 cups white melting chocolate (wafers or chips work best)
- Holiday sprinkles (red, green, and white)
- Mini holiday chocolate chips (optional)
- Nuts or festive peanuts (optional)
- Small gift bags and ribbons (if gifting)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Pop and Prep Your Popcorn
Start by popping your bag of microwave popcorn.
I love kettle corn—it’s the perfect sweet-and-salty base.
Once it’s popped, carefully pick out any unpopped kernels.
Then, in a large mixing bowl, add the pretzels, Rice Chex, and Corn Chex.
Use your hands to gently mix everything together so it’s evenly distributed.
Step 2: Melt Your White Chocolate
While the mix is ready, melt your white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler.
I prefer wafers because they melt smoothly and are easy to pour.
Once melted, drizzle the chocolate over your popcorn mixture.
Don’t worry if it looks thick—it will set beautifully.
Step 3: Add Festive Touches
Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle on your holiday sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or nuts.
I love using red and green chocolate pieces to really make it feel Christmasy.
This is also the fun part for the kids—they love sprinkling the toppings and seeing the colors pop.
Step 4: Let It Set
Set your Reindeer Chow aside for about an hour, or until the chocolate has fully hardened.
If you make it the day before, even better—the flavors have a chance to meld together and it’s super easy to portion out for gifts.
Step 5: Break and Serve
Once the chocolate is set, break the mix into bite-sized clusters with your hands.
The combination of sweet chocolate, salty pretzels, crunchy cereal, and popcorn is magical.
Honestly, it’s the perfect holiday snack for any age.
Step 6: Package as Gifts (Optional)
If you’re gifting, fill small holiday bags with Reindeer Chow and tie them with a festive ribbon. I
’ve given these to teachers, neighbors, and even the postal carrier—they always bring a smile.
Tips From a Busy Mom
- Keep It Fun: Kids love helping, so let them sprinkle the toppings—they’re proud to see their handiwork!
- Customize Your Mix: Add holiday M&Ms, peanuts, or even dried cranberries for extra flavor.
- Use Kettle Corn: The sweet-salty balance is what makes it irresistible.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to a week or in individual gift bags for easy sharing.
Why Reindeer Chow Works Every Time
This snack mix is all about contrast—sweet, salty, crunchy, and chocolatey.
It’s super fast, perfect for holiday gift-giving, and endlessly customizable.
Making it with the kids adds a little holiday magic, and gifting it spreads joy in a very simple, delicious way.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a busy mom like me looking for a quick holiday treat, or you want a fun recipe to make with friends and family, Reindeer Chow is a must-try.
It’s festive, fun, and everyone will be asking for the recipe.
Make a batch today, enjoy some yourself, and share the rest—it’s one of those holiday recipes that truly brings people together.
