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Reindeer Chow (Muddy Buddies)

Reindeer Chow—also known as Christmas Muddy Buddies—is a deliciously addictive holiday snack mix made with chocolate-coated Chex cereal, brownie-mix coating, M&M’s, peanut butter cups, and pretzels, creating the perfect sweet-and-salty treat for festive gatherings and easy edible gifting.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cooling Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings: 12 cups of snack mix

Ingredients

  • 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup dry brownie mix or 1 cup powdered sugar + 1 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 bag Christmas M&M’s 12 oz
  • 2 cups mini peanut butter cups
  • 2 cups pretzel twists

Instructions

  • Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl.
  • In a separate medium bowl, combine chocolate chips and peanut butter.
  • Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals until fully melted, stirring until smooth.
  • Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal.
  • Gently fold with a spatula until all cereal pieces are completely coated.
  • Place the brownie mix (or powdered sugar + cocoa mix) into a large resealable gallon-sized bag.
  • Add the chocolate-coated cereal to the bag.
  • Seal the bag and shake until all pieces are evenly coated.
  • Spread the coated cereal onto a sheet of parchment paper in a single layer.
  • Cool completely until dry.
  • Combine the coated cereal with M&M’s, peanut butter cups, and pretzel twists.
  • Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Use white chocolate instead of semisweet for a sweeter holiday twist.
  • Substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter for peanut allergies.
  • Replace pretzel twists with pretzel sticks or popcorn.

Make-Ahead Tips

  • Make the coated cereal a day ahead; mix in candies just before serving for best texture.
  • Store in airtight containers for up to 1 week.
  • Freeze the cereal-only portion for up to 2 months.

Serving Variations

  • Add crushed candy canes for a peppermint version.
  • Mix in mini marshmallows for extra softness.
  • Add red and green sprinkles for more color.

Avoid Mistakes

  • Don’t overheat the chocolate; it can seize.
  • Coat the cereal gently to prevent crushing.
  • Let the mix cool fully before adding M&M’s to prevent melting.