Get ready to make the most addictive and easy holiday treat of the season! This Gluten Free Reindeer Chow recipe is the perfect combination of crunchy, sweet, and salty. It’s a classic for a reason—it’s incredibly simple to whip up, requires no baking, and is always a massive hit at holiday parties, in cookie tins, or for a festive movie night.
We’re taking the traditional “puppy chow” or “muddy buddies” and making sure it’s completely safe for all our gluten-free friends. But don’t worry, it has the same irresistible chocolate and peanut butter coating you know and love. This is a treat the whole family will devour.
Why This Gluten Free Reindeer Chow Recipe Works
You are going to absolutely love this recipe. It’s a holiday staple in my house because it is practically foolproof and endlessly customizable. Here’s why it’s the best:
- Perfectly Crunchy: We use a specific method to ensure every piece is perfectly coated without becoming soggy.
- Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You only need a handful of common ingredients to make this festive snack.
- Completely No-Bake: Free up your oven for other holiday baking! This entire recipe comes together on the stovetop and in a bowl.
- Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: Whether you call it Reindeer Chow, Puppy Chow, or Muddy Buddies, everyone recognizes and loves this classic treat. For another guaranteed crowd-pleaser, try these festive Rolo Pretzels.
What You’ll Need (Ingredients)
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here are the key players that make this gluten-free snack mix so irresistible.
Choosing The Right Gluten-Free Cereal
The base of our Gluten Free Reindeer Chow is a crunchy cereal. The key is to pick one that is explicitly labeled gluten-free. Corn Chex and Rice Chex are the most popular and widely available options that work perfectly. Their light, airy texture and grid shape are ideal for catching all the delicious chocolatey coating.
The Best Chocolate and Peanut Butter
For the coating, a good quality semi-sweet chocolate chip will give you a rich, balanced flavor that isn’t overly sweet. Paired with creamy peanut butter, it creates that classic taste we’re after. Be sure to use standard creamy peanut butter, not a natural “oil on top” variety, as it can separate when heated.
How to Make Gluten Free Reindeer Chow (Step-by-Step)
Making this holiday snack is as easy as melt, mix, and shake! Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time.
- Melt: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Stir constantly until smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Coat: Place the gluten-free Chex cereal in a very large bowl. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and stir gently but quickly until all the pieces are evenly coated.
- Shake: Let the coated cereal cool for about 5 minutes. Transfer half of the mixture to a large zip-top bag with half of the powdered sugar. Seal the bag and shake vigorously until the cereal is completely covered in sugar. Repeat with the remaining cereal and sugar.
- Add Mix-Ins: Spread the Reindeer Chow on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle with your favorite holiday M&Ms and festive sprinkles. Let it cool completely to allow the chocolate to set.
Tips for the Perfect Batch
While this recipe is simple, a few expert tips will guarantee the best results.
- Work Quickly: Once the chocolate mixture is melted, be ready to coat the cereal. The mixture will start to set, so you want to get an even coating before it does.
- Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: Melt your chocolate and peanut butter mixture on low heat and stir constantly. Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize and become grainy.
- Cool Before Shaking: Allowing the coated cereal to cool for a few minutes before adding the powdered sugar is crucial. If it’s too hot, the sugar will melt and create a paste instead of a dusty coating. This is a key step seen in many snack mixes like this White Chocolate Trash Snack Mix.
Fun Variations and Festive Mix-Ins
This is where you can get really creative! Once the Reindeer Chow is cooled, you can add all sorts of festive goodies to make it your own.
- Holiday M&Ms: Red and green M&Ms are a classic for a reason!
- Gluten-Free Pretzels: Add some extra crunch and a salty kick with crushed gluten-free pretzels.
- Mini Marshmallows: For a softer texture contrast.
- Festive Sprinkles: Use your favorite holiday-themed sprinkles for extra color and fun.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some white chocolate and drizzle it over the finished Reindeer Chow for a beautiful finishing touch. It’s a technique that also elevates this easy Christmas fudge recipe.
Storing Your Holiday Snack Mix
Store your Gluten Free Reindeer Chow in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to one week. You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to thaw before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! To make nut-free reindeer chow, you can substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter (SunButter) or a cookie butter spread. Ensure your chocolate chips are also from a nut-free facility.
Store your reindeer chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
Many varieties of Chex cereal are gluten-free, including Rice Chex and Corn Chex, which are perfect for this recipe. However, always double-check the box for the ‘gluten-free’ label, as formulations can change and Wheat Chex is not gluten-free.
Yes, they are all names for the same delicious snack mix! The base recipe of Chex cereal coated in a chocolate-peanut butter mixture and tossed in powdered sugar is the same. ‘Reindeer Chow’ is simply a festive, holiday-themed name for it.
You can add many festive ingredients! Some popular choices include gluten-free pretzels, mini marshmallows, holiday-colored M&Ms, festive sprinkles, or even a handful of salted peanuts or pecans if you don’t need it to be nut-free.
More Holiday Treats You’ll Love
This Gluten Free Reindeer Chow is a fantastic addition to any holiday celebration. It’s a nostalgic, simple, and utterly delicious treat that brings everyone together. We hope this becomes a new tradition in your home!
If you make this recipe, we’d love to see it! Share your creations and tag us on Pinterest. Happy holidays and happy snacking!
Gluten Free Reindeer Chow Recipe
Gluten Free Reindeer Chow (The Easiest Holiday Snack!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Stir frequently until the mixture is completely smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the gluten-free Chex cereal into a very large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the top. Use a spatula to gently fold and stir until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Let the coated cereal sit for 5 minutes to cool down slightly. This prevents the powdered sugar from melting.
- Transfer half of the coated cereal to a large zip-top bag. Add half of the powdered sugar. Seal the bag, leaving some air inside, and shake vigorously until every piece is well-coated. Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining cereal and powdered sugar.
- While the Reindeer Chow is still setting on the baking sheet, sprinkle evenly with Holiday M&Ms and festive sprinkles.
- Allow the Gluten Free Reindeer Chow to cool and set completely at room temperature before transferring to an airtight container for storage.
Notes
Tip: Ensure your Chex cereal is labeled gluten-free, as formulations can vary. Both Rice Chex and Corn Chex are excellent choices.
