Festive Sweet Snack Mix

Featured in: Sweet Whispers

This festive snack features crunchy cereal coated in a smooth blend of melted chocolate, peanut butter, and butter. Once coated, it’s dusted with powdered sugar and mixed with colorful chocolate candies and optional pretzels for texture and holiday fun. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for sharing or gifting during celebrations. Nut-free variations and festive add-ins can personalize this easy treat.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 12:16:00 GMT
Festive Simplified Reindeer Chow mix coated in powdered sugar and chocolate, a delightful holiday snack. Save
Festive Simplified Reindeer Chow mix coated in powdered sugar and chocolate, a delightful holiday snack. | butterhollow.com

A festive and easy-to-make sweet snack mix featuring crunchy cereal, chocolate, and peanut butter—perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting.

This simple mix has become a holiday staple in our family—everyone loves its sweet and crunchy combination.

Ingredients

  • Base: 6 cups rice or corn Chex cereal
  • Coating: 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • Topping: 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 cup red and green chocolate candies (such as M&Ms), 1/2 cup mini pretzels (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth (about 1–2 minutes).
Step 2:
Add the Chex cereal to the bowl. Gently fold until all the cereal is evenly coated with the chocolate-peanut butter mixture.
Step 3:
Transfer the mixture to a large zip-top bag or a large bowl with a lid. Add the powdered sugar, seal, and shake until the cereal is well-coated.
Step 4:
Spread the coated cereal onto a lined baking sheet to cool for 5 minutes.
Step 5:
Once cool, transfer to a serving bowl and gently mix in the chocolate candies and mini pretzels, if using.
Close-up of a bowl filled with sweet and crunchy Simplified Reindeer Chow, perfect for sharing. Save
Close-up of a bowl filled with sweet and crunchy Simplified Reindeer Chow, perfect for sharing. | butterhollow.com

Making this snack mix brings back fond memories of holiday baking days with my family.

Notes

Add festive sprinkles for extra color and texture.

Required Tools

Large microwave-safe bowl, Spatula, Zip-top bag or container with lid, Baking sheet, Measuring cups

Allergen Information

Contains peanuts and dairy. Chocolate candies may contain or be processed with nuts, milk, or soy. Always check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.

Homemade Simplified Reindeer Chow recipe with colorful candies, ideal for gifting during the holidays. Save
Homemade Simplified Reindeer Chow recipe with colorful candies, ideal for gifting during the holidays. | butterhollow.com

This sweet and crunchy treat is perfect for sharing or gifting during the holidays.

Kitchen Tips & Answers

Can I make a nut-free version?

Yes, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative while keeping the creamy coating texture.

How should I store the snack mix?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness, ideally consumed within one week.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Absolutely, festive sprinkles or mini pretzels add color and crunch, enhancing texture and appearance.

Is microwave melting the best method?

Microwaving in short intervals ensures smooth melting without burning, blending the chocolate and peanut butter evenly.

What type of cereal works best?

Rice or corn-based cereal like Chex provides an ideal crunchy base that holds the coating well.

Festive Sweet Snack Mix

Crunchy sweet snack with chocolate, peanut butter, and festive candy topping, ready in 15 minutes.

Prep duration
10 min
Heat duration
5 min
Complete duration
15 min
Created by Ella Thompson


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Eating preferences Meat-free

What you'll need

Base

01 6 cups rice or corn Chex cereal

Coating

01 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
02 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
03 1/4 cup unsalted butter

Topping

01 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
02 1/2 cup red and green chocolate candies (e.g., M&Ms)
03 1/2 cup mini pretzels (optional)

Method

Phase 01

Melt Coating Ingredients: Combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and unsalted butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until smooth and fully melted, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Phase 02

Coat Cereal: Add Chex cereal to the melted mixture and fold gently until all cereal pieces are evenly coated.

Phase 03

Sugar Coating: Transfer coated cereal to a large zip-top bag or a bowl with a lid. Add powdered sugar, seal tightly, and shake thoroughly to coat evenly.

Phase 04

Cool Coated Mix: Spread the coated cereal on a lined baking sheet and allow it to cool for 5 minutes at room temperature.

Phase 05

Add Toppings and Serve: Once cooled, transfer to a serving bowl. Incorporate chocolate candies and mini pretzels if desired. Mix gently before serving.

Kitchen tools needed

  • Large microwave-safe bowl
  • Spatula
  • Zip-top bag or container with lid
  • Baking sheet
  • Measuring cups

Allergy details

Always review individual ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains peanuts and dairy.
  • Chocolate candies may contain or be processed with nuts, milk, or soy.
  • Check ingredient labels for allergy concerns.

Nutrient breakdown per portion

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 320
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Proteins: 4 g