Christmas Reindeer Chex Mix is the ultimate festive snack, combining crunchy, sweet, and salty flavors in every bite. With a mix of Chex cereal, pretzels, and chocolate, this treat is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights by the fire. Ready in just 23 minutes, it’s a quick and easy way to spread holiday cheer.
The blend of textures—crispy cereal, chewy marshmallows, and creamy chocolate—creates a delightful contrast that’s impossible to resist. Packed with a touch of cinnamon and a hint of vanilla, this mix is as aromatic as it is delicious. Whether you’re gifting it or enjoying it yourself, this snack is sure to become a holiday favorite.
Festive Ingredients for Christmas Reindeer Chex Mix
- 9 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn Chex both work great!)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup butter (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 10 ounces holiday m&m candies (peanut butter or any flavor you prefer)
- 16 Reese’s peanut butter cups (cut into bite-sized pieces or use mini peanut butter cups for convenience)
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Holiday Snack
- Prepare the cereal: Pour 9 cups of Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Melt the chocolate mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup chocolate chips, ½ cup peanut butter, and ¼ cup butter. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir. Microwave for an additional 30 seconds and stir again until the mixture is completely smooth. (Note: Microwaves vary, so adjust time as needed.)
- Add vanilla: Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture.
- Coat the cereal: Slowly pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal in the bowl. Stir carefully to ensure all cereal pieces are evenly coated.
- Shake with powdered sugar: Transfer the coated cereal mixture into a large gallon-sized Ziplock bag. Add 1½ cups powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake vigorously to coat the cereal evenly.
- Add festive mix-ins: Open the bag and add 10 ounces of holiday m&m candies and 16 Reese’s peanut butter cups (cut into bite-sized pieces). Gently mix to combine.
- Serve or store: Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 1 week. Perfect for holiday snacking!
Fun Variations to Spice Up Your Reindeer Mix
Switch up the flavors by using white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. For a nut-free version, swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and skip the Reese’s cups. Add a festive crunch with pretzels or holiday-shaped sprinkles for extra flair!
Perfect Pairings for Your Holiday Snack
Serve this mix in festive bowls or mason jars for a charming holiday touch. Pair it with hot cocoa or eggnog for a cozy treat. It also makes a great addition to cookie platters or as a fun gift when packaged in cute holiday bags!
Quick Tips for Easy Prep and Storage
To save time, use mini Reese’s cups instead of cutting larger ones. Store your mix in an airtight container or Ziploc bag to keep it fresh for up to a week. If the mix clumps, simply break it apart with your hands before serving.
Common Questions Answered
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare it a day or two in advance—just add the M&M’s and Reese’s cups right before serving to keep them fresh. Can I use a different cereal? Yes! Corn Chex or even a mix of cereals works great for variety.
Equipment Tips for Smooth Mixing
Use a large, microwave-safe bowl for melting the chocolate mixture to avoid spills. A gallon-sized Ziploc bag is perfect for shaking and coating the mix evenly. For easier cleanup, line your mixing bowls with parchment paper!
Christmas Reindeer Chex Mix
Ingredients
- 9 cups Chex cereal (I used rice Chex, but corn Chex works great too!)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup butter (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 10 ounces holiday m&m candies (I used peanut butter, any flavor will work)
- 16 Reese’s peanut butter cups (cut into bite-sized pieces – or use mini peanut butter cups)
Instructions
- Pour cereal into large mixing bowl; set aside.
- In another large bowl that is microwave-safe, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter.
- Microwave chocolate, peanut butter, and butter for 1 minute. Remove from microwave and stir, then microwave for 30 more seconds and stir again until the peanut butter mixture is completely smooth (it might only take the first minute of microwaving, every microwave is different).
- Stir in vanilla extract with the chocolate.
- Pour melted chocolate slowly over Chex Mix cereal in the bowl, stirring carefully to coat cereal pieces evenly with chocolate.
- Pour coated cereal mixture into large gallon Ziplock bag.
- Add powdered sugar into the bag and seal bag closed. Now is the fun part – shake the bag all around to coat all of the cereal well.
- Add Christmas m&m’s and Reese’s peanut butter cups to the Christmas snack mix and you are good to go!
- Store leftovers in a ziploc bag or other airtight container and it will last for up to 1 week. Enjoy one of our favorite holiday treats!