Name: Christmas Reindeer Food Chocolate Puppy Chow Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 cups corn or rice Chex cereal; 1 ½ cups powdered sugar; 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips; 1 cup mini peanut butter cups; 1 ½ cups red and green M&M’s; 3 tablespoons butter; ½ cup creamy peanut butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

There’s just something so magical about this mix, especially around the holidays. I love sharing this Christmas Reindeer Food Chocolate Puppy Chow Recipe with friends and family because it’s crunchy, chocolaty, and sprinkled with festive colors that make it feel extra special for the season.

This image shows a white bowl filled with a mix of small square and round cereal pieces covered in a light dusting of powdered sugar, giving them a slightly rough texture. Scattered throughout the bowl are bright green and red candy-coated chocolate pieces that add pops of color against the mostly brown and white cereal. Some whole and broken miniature peanut butter cups are also mixed in, showing smooth chocolate surfaces and ridged edges. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a few candies and peanut butter cups placed nearby for decoration. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Reindeer Food Chocolate Puppy Chow Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Christmas Reindeer Food Chocolate Puppy Chow Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Christmas Reindeer Food Chocolate Puppy Chow Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Christmas Reindeer Food Chocolate Puppy Chow Recipe isn’t just any snack — it’s like the festive cousin of your favorite puppy chow but with a holiday twist that makes it perfect for gifting or a cozy night in.

Festive and Fun: The red and green M&M’s plus mini peanut butter cups add a merry splash of color and flavor perfect for Christmas.
Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients and steps, you can whip up a big batch in no time — perfect for last-minute holiday treats.
Kid-Approved: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, and great for holiday parties, classrooms, or leaving out for Santa’s reindeer.
Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to fit allergies or preferences, making it your own special Christmas treat.

A large white bowl filled with a snack mix that has multiple layers: square and round cereal pieces covered in white powdered sugar form the main layer, mixed with small green and red candy-coated chocolates evenly spread throughout. Next to the bowl, on the white marbled surface, are scattered a few loose candies and peanut butter cup pieces. A small white bowl filled with more red and green candies and peanut butter cups is seen at the bottom right corner, and a glass jar with a metal clasp also contains the snack mix at the bottom left. In the top left, there is a green glass with milk, and a beige cloth is spread in the background. A silver spoon is partially inserted into the large bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Christmas Reindeer Food Chocolate Puppy Chow Recipe is in its balance of crunchy cereal, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate coated in powdered sugar, bringing together textures and flavors that complement each other perfectly.

Flat lay of a large white ceramic bowl filled with golden corn Chex cereal, a small white bowl of creamy peanut butter, a small white bowl of semi-sweet chocolate chips, a small white bowl containing smooth butter, a small white bowl of fine powdered sugar, a small white bowl with glossy red and green M&M’s, and a small white bowl holding mini peanut butter cups, all arranged in balanced symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Corn or Rice Chex Cereal: The perfect light, crunchy base that holds onto the chocolate coating without getting soggy.
Butter: Adds richness and helps melt the peanut butter and chocolate into a smooth coating.
Creamy Peanut Butter: Brings that beloved nutty flavor and creamy texture, essential for that classic puppy chow taste.
Chocolate Chips: Choose semi-sweet for a balanced sweetness or milk chocolate if you want it a bit creamier and sweeter.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash brightens and deepens the overall flavor.
Powdered Sugar: Creates that iconic “snowy” coating, making it easier to handle and less sticky.
Mini Peanut Butter Cups: I love how they add little pockets of extra peanut butter goodness.
Red and Green M&M’s: Beyond their festive look, they add a fun crunch and a pop of color that screams Christmas.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’m a big fan of tweaking this recipe depending on the crowd. Sometimes I skip the peanuts and use almond butter for friends with allergies or throw in crushed candy canes for a minty twist.

Variation: One year, I swapped the M&M’s for white chocolate chips and sprinkled in edible gold dust for a more elegant look — total crowd-pleaser!
Allergy-Friendly: Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter to keep the texture creamy but make it allergy-safe.
Chocolate Style: Try dark chocolate chips if you want a richer, less sweet version that's still festive.
Extra Crunch: Add chopped nuts or holiday-themed sprinkles for a little more texture and excitement.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Reindeer Food Chocolate Puppy Chow Recipe

Step 1: Melt that Magic

Start by gently melting the butter, peanut butter, and chocolate chips together in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently — this step took me a few tries to perfect because too high heat can scorch the chocolate or make it grainy. You want it smooth and glossy before you pull it off the heat.

Step 2: Vanilla and Mix

Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract right away—it adds a lovely warmth and depth that you wouldn’t expect but definitely notice. Then pour this luscious melt over the cereal in a large bowl and gently toss to coat all the crunchy pieces evenly.

Step 3: Sugar Snowfall

This part is fun! Sprinkle the powdered sugar over the chocolate-covered cereal and stir until each piece looks dusted in snowy sugar, so it’s not sticky to the touch. I usually do this in batches, careful not to over-mix and crush the cereal.

Step 4: Festive Finale

Finally, gently fold in the mini peanut butter cups and red and green M&M’s. From experience, adding these last keeps their shape intact and makes every bite an unexpected festive surprise.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this Christmas Reindeer Food Chocolate Puppy Chow Recipe absolutely foolproof and extra tasty.

Low Heat Patience: Melting the chocolate mixture on low heat and stirring frequently prevents burning and keeps it silky smooth.
Use a Big Bowl: Tossing the cereal with the chocolate coating in a large bowl gives you room to coat evenly without smashing the pieces.
Fold in Candies Last: Adding the peanut butter cups and M&M’s last avoids melting or crushing, preserving texture and color.
Storage Matters: Always store your puppy chow in an airtight container once cooled—it keeps that crunchy texture and festive look.

How to Serve Christmas Reindeer Food Chocolate Puppy Chow Recipe

Christmas Puppy Chow - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar on top before serving for that fresh “snow” look. Sometimes, I add a few whole mini peanut butter cups on top for guests to grab, and a few festive edible glitter sprinkles take it up a notch.

Side Dishes

This treat pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or eggnog. At holiday parties, I like to set it out alongside cheese platters or fresh fruit to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I packed the puppy chow in little mason jars tied with ribbons and a handwritten tag—such a cute little gift or stocking stuffer! You can also serve it in festive bowls or mini paper cones for easy snacking during holiday movie nights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week. If you notice any stickiness, a little pat with extra powdered sugar revives that perfect texture.

Freezing

Freezing works great! I portion the puppy chow into freezer bags and squeeze out the air. When you want it again, just let it come to room temp—no need to thaw in the fridge. It keeps for up to two months and tastes just as fresh.

Reheating

This snack doesn’t really need reheating, but if you want a softer chocolate bite, a few seconds in the microwave (10–15 seconds) works well. Be careful not to melt the chocolate too much again, or it can get sticky.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Christmas Reindeer Food Chocolate Puppy Chow Recipe nut-free?

Absolutely! Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or another nut-free spread, and leave out the peanut butter cups to keep it safe for those with allergies.

What’s the best way to keep the puppy chow crunchy?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature and avoid humidity. Adding powdered sugar coating helps keep it from getting sticky or soggy.

Can I use rice chex instead of corn chex?

Yes! Both work equally well, so use whichever you prefer or have on hand. The texture and coating process remain the same.

How long does this recipe take to make?

You can whip up this Christmas Reindeer Food Chocolate Puppy Chow Recipe in about 20 minutes — 15 for prep and 5 to melt and mix. It’s a fast and fun holiday treat!

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Reindeer Food Chocolate Puppy Chow Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it wraps up the joy of the holidays in every bite. Whether you leave it out for Santa’s reindeer, gift it to neighbors, or simply snack on it yourself, it’s one of those cozy, feel-good treats that always brings smiles. I can’t wait for you to make it and enjoy every festive, chocolaty crunch!