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Reindeer Chow

This no-bake holiday treat combines crispy rice cereal and roasted peanuts coated in melted chocolate and peanut butter, then dusted with powdered sugar. Ready in under 20 minutes, it's a ridiculously easy and delicious snack perfect for holiday parties or gifting.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 185
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 cups rice square cereal such as Chex
  • 2 cups roasted peanuts unsalted or salted
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Equipment

  • Large microwave-safe mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring cups and measuring spoons
  • Large gallon-size resealable plastic bag
  • Shallow dish or wide bowl
  • Parchment paper or paper towels

Method
 

  1. Pour the 2 cups of rice square cereal and 2 cups of roasted peanuts into your large gallon-size resealable plastic bag. Shake gently to mix them together evenly.
  2. Place 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter, and 2 tablespoons of butter in your microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until completely smooth and melted (usually 1 to 2 minutes total).
  3. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the melted chocolate mixture.
  4. Carefully pour the warm chocolate mixture into the bag with your cereal and peanuts. Work quickly before the chocolate cools.
  5. Seal the bag completely, pushing out excess air. Shake vigorously for 2 to 3 minutes, squeezing and turning the bag to coat every piece with the chocolate mixture.
  6. Pour 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar into a wide shallow bowl or dish.
  7. Open the bag and carefully pour the chocolate-coated cereal and peanut mixture into the dish with the powdered sugar.
  8. Toss the mixture gently but thoroughly with a spoon or your hands until every piece is dusted with powdered sugar.
  9. Spread the finished Reindeer Chow on a sheet of parchment paper or clean paper towels to cool completely for 10 to 15 minutes. Store in an airtight container.

Notes

Make sure your chocolate mixture cools slightly before adding the powdered sugar, or the sugar will melt into a glaze instead of creating that signature white dusty coating. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. Serve at room temperature for best texture.