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

There's something downright magical about the combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and a festive crunch. That’s exactly what makes the Reindeer Food Chocolate Peanut Butter Snack Recipe a holiday favorite in my kitchen—it's quick to whip up, perfectly sweet, and full of holiday cheer.

A white bowl is filled with a mix of small square and round cereal pieces coated in a light dusting of powdered sugar, creating a powdery brown and white textured layer. Mixed in are shiny red and green candy-coated chocolates scattered evenly throughout, adding bright pops of color. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some loose candies and miniature peanut butter cup pieces nearby, enhancing the festive look. 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 Reindeer Food Chocolate Peanut Butter Snack Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Reindeer Food Chocolate Peanut Butter Snack Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Reindeer Food Chocolate Peanut Butter Snack Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe hits all the right notes: it’s nostalgic, easy to make, and impossible to resist. I’ve made this snack ever since I was a kid, and each year it brings that warm, cozy feeling of the holidays right to my fingertips.

Effortless prep: Just a few ingredients and one saucepan means you’ll have this festive snack ready in no time.
Perfect balance of flavors: The creamy peanut butter meets rich chocolate and a little crunch from the cereal — total comfort food.
Kid and adult friendly: Everyone from little ones to grown-ups adores this sweet treat, making it a great party pleaser.
Customizable holiday fun: Swap out M&Ms or use different chocolates for your own personal twist.

A large white bowl filled to the top with a crunchy snack mix that has three layers: the bottom layer is made of small square and round pieces covered in a light dusting of white powdered sugar, the middle layer has small shiny red and green candy-coated chocolates scattered evenly, and the top layer shows more powdered square and round pieces mixed with the same red and green candies. A silver spoon is resting inside the bowl on the left side. Around the bowl, there are some red and green candies scattered on a white marbled surface. In the background on the top right, there is a soft cream-colored cloth, and to the left is a tall glass of milk with some white and green patterns partially visible. A small glass jar with a few pieces of the snack is at the bottom left, and a small white bowl with red and green candies and small round chocolates is at the bottom right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Reindeer Food Chocolate Peanut Butter Snack Recipe plays a key role in creating that nostalgic “puppy chow” effect—sweet, crunchy, and irresistibly nutty. Here’s a quick rundown of why I rely on each one:

Flat lay of a large simple white ceramic bowl filled with golden corn Chex cereal, a small white bowl of smooth creamy peanut butter, a small white bowl of semi-sweet chocolate chips, a small white bowl with three whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of pale yellow butter cubes, a small white bowl of fine white powdered sugar, a small white bowl with mini peanut butter cups scattered inside, and a small white bowl filled with red and green M&M’s — all arranged with perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, fresh and natural, 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: This acts as the crunchy base with a neutral flavor that crisps nicely when coated.
Butter: Adds richness and helps melt the peanut butter and chocolate smoothly.
Creamy peanut butter: Provides that beloved nutty creaminess that melds so well with chocolate.
Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips: The star of the show, melting into a luscious coating for each crunchy morsel.
Vanilla extract: A little splash deepens the flavor, boosting the chocolate and peanut butter combo.
Powdered sugar: This ensures the snack isn’t sticky, while adding that snowy white look and a touch of extra sweetness.
Mini peanut butter cups: Little bites of peanut butter goodness scattered throughout for fun surprise pockets of flavor.
Red and green M&M’s: Festive and colorful, they make the snack feel extra special for the holidays.

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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

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Over the years, I’ve tried swapping peanut butter for almond butter when guests have allergies, and even tossed in different colored candies to match various holidays. Try making this your signature festive snack!

Variation: I once added a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a salty-sweet punch, and it was a crowd-pleaser.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Reindeer Food Chocolate Peanut Butter Snack Recipe

Step 1: Melt the magic

Start by placing the butter, peanut butter, and chocolate chips in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir often to make sure everything melts smoothly without scorching—this low-and-slow method keeps your chocolate silky. Remove from heat once everything is fully melted and glossy.

Step 2: Bring in the vanilla

Stir in the vanilla extract right away so it blends thoroughly, giving your snack that warm, aromatic lift that you can really taste.

Step 3: Coat the cereal

Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal in a large bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold everything together until every piece is evenly coated. Take your time here to make sure that luscious chocolatey layer covers the cereal completely.

Step 4: Powder it up

Next, sprinkle the powdered sugar over the coated cereal, tossing carefully until everything looks like it’s been dusted with fresh snow. This step stops it from being sticky and adds that classic puppy chow texture.

Step 5: Add festive extras

Last but not least, fold in the mini peanut butter cups and the bright red and green M&M’s. These add bursts of flavor and color that always make me smile. From there, it’s ready to serve or package up as a sweet gift.

Top Tip

From my years making this snack, a few tricks really make a difference so it turns out perfect every time. These are little wins that can save you from a sticky mess or uneven coating.

Low heat melting: Melting the chocolate mixture slowly prevents burning and keeps the texture smooth and creamy.
Gentle folding: Take your time mixing the chocolate and cereal—rough handling can break the cereal or cause clumps.
Use fresh powdered sugar: Old powdered sugar can absorb moisture and make the snack sticky, so it’s worth grabbing a fresh bag for that perfect coating.
Add peanut butter cups last: Folding these in at the end keeps them from melting and keeps their shape intact.

How to Serve Reindeer Food Chocolate Peanut Butter Snack Recipe

Reindeer Food Snack - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a few extra mini chocolate chips or crushed candy canes on top to amp up the festive feel. Sometimes, a light dusting of extra powdered sugar just before serving makes it look extra snowy and magical.

Side Dishes

This snack pairs wonderfully with a mug of hot cocoa or eggnog, making it a fun addition to holiday parties or cozy nights by the fire.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve served this in clear glass jars tied with ribbons and little festive tags—perfect for gifting or a charming snack display table. You could also portion it into festive paper cones or holiday-themed bowls for easy grab-and-go treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Reindeer Food Chocolate Peanut Butter Snack in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. I like to keep mine in a large zip-top bag—just squeeze out the air to maintain that fresh, crisp texture.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for later, freezing works beautifully. Pop it into a sealed freezer bag or container, and it will keep well for up to two months. Just make sure it’s completely cooled and dry before freezing to avoid sogginess.

Reheating

This snack is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so no reheating needed. If the chocolate feels a bit firm after freezing, just let it come to room temp for about 15 minutes before serving to revive that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Reindeer Food Chocolate Peanut Butter Snack Recipe nut-free?

Absolutely! You can swap out peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or almond butter if no peanut allergies are involved. Just be sure to check your chocolate chips and candies too, as some contain nuts or are processed in nut facilities.

How long does this snack stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this snack stays fresh for about one week. Beyond that, the cereal may soften a bit. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.

Can I prepare this snack ahead of time for a party?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and keep it stored in an airtight container or sealed bag. Just give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute any powdered sugar that settles.

Can I use other cereals instead of Chex?

Chex cereal works best because of its shape and mild flavor, which holds the chocolate coating well. However, if you want to experiment, rice Krispies or Crispix could work, though the texture and coating might differ slightly. Avoid cereals that are too sweet or soft, as they can get soggy.

Final Thoughts

The Reindeer Food Chocolate Peanut Butter Snack Recipe has been a staple in my holiday traditions because it’s simple, fun, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re making it for your family, friends, or just sneaking a bite for yourself, it’s a sweet little joy that’s easy to share and even easier to love. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—because snacks like this are the heart of holiday happiness.