This Christmas Reindeer Chow Snack Mix combines popcorn, pretzels, rice Chex, white chocolate, marshmallows, and sprinkles for a sweet, crunchy holiday treat that’s just plain fun to make.

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Okay, confession time — this Christmas Reindeer Chow Snack Mix wasn’t some carefully planned recipe. It happened one of those December nights when the tree lights were flickering, the house smelled faintly of cinnamon candles, and I was sitting in a sea of wrapping paper that looked more like a Christmas explosion than anything Pinterest-worthy. I was hungry. I didn’t want to cook. You know that moment when you’re trying to wrap gifts, but somehow you end up tangled in tape and holding scissors you can’t find again? Yeah, that was me.

So I just started tossing things together — popcorn, pretzels, white chocolate, cereal — whatever looked good. My husband walked in, grabbed a handful, and went, “Oh wow… what is this?” And just like that, Reindeer Chow was born. It’s funny how the best things come from chaos. Every year since, we’ve made it while watching Elf or Home Alone, laughing over the mess we make and pretending it’s for the kids (it’s not).

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Reindeer Chow Snack Mix Recipe?

There’s something about Christmas snacks that just hit different, isn’t there? Maybe it’s the cozy chaos of it all. This Christmas Reindeer Chow Snack Mix is crunchy, salty, sweet, colorful — it’s like a holiday parade in your mouth. And the best part? You don’t even need an oven. Just one bowl, one spoon, and maybe a Christmas movie in the background.

It’s not fancy. It’s not fussy. It’s just fun. Whether you’re making treat bags for neighbors, movie-night snacks for the kids, or a “snack dinner” for yourself (we’ve all been there), this mix has that magic balance of comfort and crunch that keeps you going back for “just one more handful.”

Ingredient Notes:

Let’s get real — the ingredients for this Christmas Reindeer Chow Snack Mix aren’t anything wild. But when they come together, they’re holiday gold.

• Popcorn: I go with plain air-popped popcorn — keeps things crisp and light. Buttered popcorn can work, but it’ll make your mix a little slippery. (Been there, done that.)

• White Candy Coating: This is your snowy glue that holds everything together. Almond bark works best, but I’ve used white chocolate chips in a pinch.

• Pretzels: Those tiny twists add that salty crunch that cuts through all the sweetness. Don’t skip them — they’re the unsung heroes here.

• Rice Chex Cereal: Gives everything a toasty crunch and keeps the mix from being just “all sugar.”

• Red & Green Candies: M&Ms are perfect. They bring color and a pop of chocolate. It’s not Christmas without them, honestly.

• Sprinkles: Optional, sure, but when have I ever turned down sprinkles?

• Mini Marshmallows: They’re like little snowballs — soft, sweet, and just a touch gooey.

Sometimes I throw in crushed candy canes or chopped nuts if I’m feeling fancy. Sometimes I don’t. Depends on the mood, you know?

How To Make Christmas Reindeer Chow Snack Mix?

Alright, friend, this part is almost laughably easy. Seriously.

1. Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread your popcorn out like a fluffy little winter blanket — this is your base. Melt the white candy coating according to the package instructions. Don’t rush it. I’ve scorched more than one batch trying to multitask (spoiler: burned chocolate smells terrible).
2. Once it’s smooth and glossy, drizzle it all over the popcorn. Then toss in the pretzels, Chex cereal, and chocolate candies. Use tongs or your hands — it’s messy, but worth it. Sprinkle on your sprinkles (because it’s Christmas, we’re going all in), and toss in those marshmallows last so they don’t melt.
3. Let it set for about 30 minutes. Go wrap a gift. Or don’t. When you come back, break it apart and try not to eat half of it before putting it in a container. (Good luck with that.)

Storage Options:

Here’s the deal — this Christmas Reindeer Chow Snack Mix doesn’t last long, and not because it spoils. You’ll just keep sneaking back for more. But if you somehow have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay fresh for about a week — if it survives that long.

If you’re gifting it, scoop it into little mason jars or clear treat bags tied with a red ribbon. It looks festive, tastes amazing, and makes people think you spent way more effort than you did. Win-win.

Variations and Substitutions:

This is where the fun really starts — because honestly, there’s no wrong way to make Reindeer Chow.

• Swap the white chocolate for milk or dark chocolate if you want a richer vibe.

• Add roasted nuts for a more grown-up crunch.

• Mix in crushed peppermint or mini peanut butter cups for a flavor twist.

• Go gluten-free with gluten-free pretzels and Chex cereal — easy peasy.

• Use different sprinkles or colored candy for New Year’s, Valentine’s, or even Easter. Why not?

Basically, this recipe’s the cool aunt of snack mixes — it’s flexible, fun, and doesn’t judge your pantry choices.

What to Serve with Christmas Reindeer Chow Snack Mix?

If you’re wondering what to pair this with… honestly? Everything. But here are some of my favorites:

• Hot chocolate with whipped cream piled sky-high.

• A Christmas movie marathon (Elf, Home Alone, or The Grinch, if you ask me).

• A dessert board with cookies, fudge, and bark.

• Or — hear me out — a little glass of Bailey’s on the rocks. Because grown-ups need holiday cheer too.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I think it’s even better the next day once everything’s had time to mingle.

Can I use microwave popcorn?
For sure. Just go with plain or lightly salted. Buttered popcorn can make the coating too greasy.

Can I freeze it?
Ehh… you could, but I wouldn’t. Popcorn gets chewy, marshmallows get weird, and the magic disappears.

There you have it — my Christmas Reindeer Chow Snack Mix. It’s messy, it’s festive, it’s sweet, and it’s the kind of thing that brings everyone into the kitchen like moths to a twinkly light. If you try it, let me know what you think. And if you end up eating it straight off the baking sheet while watching Christmas movies in your pajamas? Well… welcome to the club.

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Christmas Reindeer Chow Snack Mix

A festive Christmas Reindeer Chow Snack Mix made with popcorn, pretzels, Chex cereal, marshmallows, white chocolate, and holiday candies — a sweet and salty holiday treat perfect for parties or gifting.

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8 Servings

Ingredients

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• 10 cups popped popcorn
• 16 oz white candy coating such as almond bark or white chocolate
• 2 cups miniature pretzels
• 2 cups rice Chex cereal
• 1 12 oz bag red and green chocolate candies (such as M&Ms)
• 1/2 cup festive sprinkles
• 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows

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Instructions

 

Prepare the baking sheet:

1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the popped popcorn evenly across the center. This will create the base for your snack mix and make cleanup simple.

Melt the candy coating:

1. Melt the white candy coating according to the package directions until smooth. Use a microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.

Coat the popcorn:

1. Pour the melted candy coating over the popcorn. Using tongs or a large spatula, toss the popcorn gently until each piece is evenly coated. Ensure all kernels are covered for an even layer of sweetness.

Incorporate the mix-ins:

1. Add the miniature pretzels, rice Chex cereal, and red and green chocolate candies. Toss carefully to distribute the ingredients evenly throughout the mixture.

Add decorative touches:

1. Sprinkle the festive sprinkles over the coated mixture. Gently fold in the miniature marshmallows last to maintain their shape and texture.

Allow to set:

1. Let the mixture rest for approximately 30 minutes at room temperature, or until the candy coating has completely set. Once firm, break the mixture into clusters of your preferred size.

Serve or store:

1. Transfer the snack mix into an airtight container for storage. Serve in decorative bowls for parties, or package in treat bags for a festive homemade gift.

Notes

To make this Christmas Reindeer Chow Snack Mix gluten-free, substitute gluten-free pretzels and gluten-free rice cereal in place of the standard versions. Be sure to verify that your white candy coating and chocolate candies are certified gluten-free as well.

Bitty

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Let me know! Mention @nodashofgluten or tag #nodashofgluten

Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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