Nothing says holiday fun quite like a crunchy, sweet treat with a little holiday magic mixed in. That’s why I’m excited to share my Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Reindeer Food Recipe with you — it’s the perfect snack to get into the spirit and delight both kids and adults alike. Trust me, the combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and festive colors makes it truly special.

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 Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Reindeer Food Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Reindeer Food Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Reindeer Food Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made this reindeer food recipe every holiday season for years, and it never fails to bring smiles. It’s not just a tasty treat—it’s a festive tradition that’s fun to prepare and share. Plus, it’s ridiculously simple, which is a win during the busy holidays.

Easy Prep: Just a few ingredients come together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect even for last-minute holiday fun.
Kid-Friendly: Little hands love helping fold in the colorful M&M’s and peanut butter cups—it’s a holiday activity as much as a treat.
Perfect Balance: The chocolate and peanut butter combo is always a winner, with a little crunch from the cereal to keep every bite interesting.
Festive & Fun: The red and green M&M’s bring such a joyful pop of color it’ll look amazing in your holiday snack spread or gift bags.

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 Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Reindeer Food Recipe plays a part in making this snack irresistible. The cereal gives the crunch, the chocolate and peanut butter bring creamy richness, and the festive candies add sweetness and color. Here’s what you’ll need and why they’re key:

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 crunchy base soaks up the chocolate peanut butter coating wonderfully without getting soggy.
Butter: Adds richness and helps melt the chocolate smoothly with peanut butter.
Creamy Peanut Butter: Infuses a nutty flavor and creamy texture that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
Semi-sweet or Milk Chocolate Chips: Melts down into a luscious coating that's just sweet enough without overpowering.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings out extra warmth and depth in the chocolate mixture.
Powdered Sugar: Coats the mixture for that classic “puppy chow” look and adds a delicate sweetness.
Mini Peanut Butter Cups: Tiny bursts of peanut butter and chocolate add an extra festive and indulgent touch.
Red and Green M&M’s: These bring in the holiday colors and fun crunch, making the treat instantly festive.

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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 make it your own. Whether you want to swap out ingredients for allergies or add a creative twist, there’s plenty of room to experiment and still end up with delicious results.

Variation: I once tried almond butter instead of peanut butter to accommodate a friend’s allergy, and it was just as tasty with a subtle nutty twist. Feel free to swap nut butters or even try sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
Extra Crunch: For a bit more texture, sprinkle in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts if you like a little crunch beyond the cereal.
Holiday Twist: Add festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes for an extra burst of Christmas spirit and flavor.

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

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter Magic

Start by gently melting the butter, creamy peanut butter, and chocolate chips together in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently so everything blends smoothly and the chocolate doesn't scorch. You’ll want a glossy, creamy mixture that smells heavenly—that’s when you know it’s perfect. Once melted, take it off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract for that added cozy flavor.

Step 2: Coat the Cereal

Pour the cereal into a large bowl and slowly drizzle the warm chocolate mixture over it. Stir gently but thoroughly until every piece of cereal is covered in that luscious chocolate-peanut butter coating. This is where patience helps — make sure not to mush the cereal but coat it evenly.

Step 3: Sweeten and Mix In Festive Fun

Sprinkle the powdered sugar over the coated cereal and stir until every bit is dusted and no longer sticky. This step really helps with that classic “puppy chow” texture. Finally, fold in your mini peanut butter cups and red and green M&M’s carefully so they don’t break up—these bring the fun holiday colors and extra yum.

Top Tip

After making this Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Reindeer Food Recipe a bunch of times, I learned a few tricks that make all the difference. It helps to trust your instincts and keep things simple—but here are some tips to keep you on track.

Low Heat Melting: Melting your chocolate and peanut butter over low heat prevents it from burning—patience here is key for a silky smooth coating.
Gentle Stirring: When mixing the cereal and chocolate, stir slowly to avoid breaking pieces but ensure every bit gets coated.
Use Fresh Powdered Sugar: Make sure your powdered sugar isn’t clumpy so the coating stays light and smooth without lumps.
Add Candies Last: Fold in peanut butter cups and M&M’s last to keep their shape and give your reindeer food that festive look.

How to Serve Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Reindeer Food Recipe

Chocolate Peanut Butter Reindeer Food - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this festive snack with a few extra mini peanut butter cups or sprinkling a handful of red and green holiday sprinkles over the top to really amp up the seasonal vibe. It makes it look extra special when you bring it out for guests or kids.

Side Dishes

This treat pairs wonderfully beside a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa—it’s a classic combo that’s hard to beat. If you want a fuller party spread, try some savory cheese and cracker boards alongside for balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like scooping the reindeer food into decorative glass jars tied up with red and green ribbons—makes a gorgeous gift or party favor. You can also serve it in holiday-themed bowls for an irresistible seasonal snack station.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once you’re done nibbling (unlikely, I know!) store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. It keeps fresh and crunchy for up to a week, so you can enjoy a few more festive bites later on.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this reindeer food in freezer bags before, and it comes out great! Just make sure to seal it well, and it can last up to two months. When you thaw it, give it a gentle stir to revive the crunch.

Reheating

This snack is best served at room temperature, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. If your chocolate gets too firm, just leave it out of the fridge for a bit, or briefly warm in the microwave for a few seconds to soften before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this reindeer food without peanut butter?

Absolutely! You can substitute almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even a soy-based butter alternative. Just keep in mind it may alter the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious.

How long does the Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Reindeer Food last?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, it stays fresh for about one week. If you want it longer, freezing is a great option for up to two months.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free Chex cereal varieties and double-check your other ingredients like the M&M’s to ensure they’re gluten-free.

Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?

To cut down on sweetness, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or swap some of the chocolate chips for a more bittersweet variety. You could also add a handful of unsweetened nuts to balance the flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Reindeer Food Recipe holds a special place in my holiday heart because it’s simple, fun, and truly brings everyone together. Whether you’re making it with kids, gifting it to neighbors, or simply enjoying a sweet moment yourself, it’s a delight that brightens up the season. I’m confident you’ll love making this as much as eating it—give it a go and add a little festive magic to your kitchen!