Can I make this without peanut butter?

Absolutely! Swap it for almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.

Can I use a different cereal?

Yes — Crispex or even Corn Chex are great alternatives for extra crunch.

How do I make it look more festive?

Add holiday sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or drizzle white chocolate on top for extra sparkle!

Is this safe for dogs?

Nope! Despite the cute name “Puppy Chow,” this one’s for humans only. (Chocolate and dogs don’t mix — save the real reindeer food for Santa’s crew!)

Reindeer Food Recipe: 5 Irresistibly Sweet Holiday Bites

Description

This Reindeer Food Recipe (Christmas Puppy Chow) is a festive, sweet, and crunchy holiday snack made with Chex cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, pretzels, and M&Ms — all dusted with snowy powdered sugar. Perfect for gifting, Christmas parties, or a cozy movie night treat that both kids and adults will love!

Ingredients

Scale

9 cups Rice Chex cereal (or Crispex)
2 cups mini pretzels, broken into pieces
1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips (or dark chocolate)
1 cup creamy peanut butter (or almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter)
1 ½ cups powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
1 cup red and green M&Ms
½ cup mini peanut butter cups (optional)

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine Rice Chex cereal and pretzel pieces.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and peanut butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and pretzels, stirring gently to coat evenly.
Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, until the coating begins to set.
In a separate large bowl, add ½ cup powdered sugar. Add half of the chilled mixture, then top with another ½ cup powdered sugar. Add the remaining chocolate mixture on top.
Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Add more powdered sugar, ¼ cup at a time, for a snowy look.
Chill again for 30–60 minutes, until completely set.
Stir in red and green M&Ms and peanut butter cups.
Transfer to a festive bowl and enjoy!

Notes

Chocolate: Use dark or semisweet for the best balance. Milk chocolate can make it too sweet.

Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.

Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature, 1 week in the fridge, or 1 month in the freezer.

Tip: Wrap in small bags or jars for easy edible Christmas gifts!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: No-Bake, Chill
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 24 g
Sodium: 190 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 43 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg