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This easy reindeer food recipe is a delicious mix of sweet and salty – perfect for Santa’s reindeer AND all of his helpers!
Rudolph’s Favorite Treat!
This reindeer food recipe is one of our favorite traditions that adds a touch of MAGIC to the Christmas season.
We make it every season, usually a few days before Christmas. It’s the perfect treat to leave out for Santa’s reindeer on Christmas Eve, but also a delicious snack for us humans to enjoy!
It’s made with a mixture of cereal, pretzels, peanuts, and M&Ms, all coated in a creamy white chocolate bark. Just 15 minutes of hands-on work then you simply let it set!
Try our Christmas Snack Mix or Christmas Puppy Chow for more favorites!
WHY WE LOVE IT:
- Perfect for Christmas Eve. We usually make it a few days before Christmas, and then we leave it out for Santa’s reindeer on Christmas Eve.
- Kids can help. Reindeer food is a great way to get your kids involved in the holiday festivities.
- Prep in 15 minutes. Just mix and coat then let it set. It’s a perfect easy dessert for making with kids!
Ingredients
PREP TIME: 5 minutes
COOK TIME: 10 minutes
REST TIME: 1 hour
- 2 cups Rice Chex cereal – or Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, or another favorite
- 2 cups plain Cheerios – or KIX
- 2 cups mini pretzels – or halved pretzel sticks
- 2 cups Christmas M&M’s – We used plain but other types of red and green M&M’s can be used.
- 1-2 cups peanuts, salted or unsalted – or walnuts, pecans, almonds, or cashews
- 1 (16-ounce) package white almond bark – or white candy wafers. If using white chocolate chips, add 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil to help it melt better.
- optional mix-ins – holiday sprinkles. Add plain popcorn, bugles, craisins, mini marshmallows, and extra types of cereal (the total amount of mix-ins should be 9-10 cups).
How to Make Reindeer Food
- COMBINE. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups Chex, 2 cups Cheerios, 2 cups pretzels, 2 cups red and green M&M’s, and 1-2 cups peanuts and mix well.
- COAT. Break 16 ounces of almond bark into pieces and melt in a medium pot over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.
- COOL. Pour melted bark over the cereal mixture and mix well. Spread out onto wax paper or onto a parchment paper–lined baking sheet. Let set for 1 hour, then break into pieces to serve.
Melt in the Microwave
Place in a microwave-safe bowl, melt on full power for one minute, and stir. Return for 15-second intervals stirring each time until smooth.
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Collections
Reindeer Food Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups plain Cheerios
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 2 cups Christmas M&M’s
- 1-2 cups peanuts, salted or unsalted
- 1 (16-ounce) package white almond bark
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine Chex, Cheerios, pretzels, M&M’s, and peanuts and mix well.
- Break almond bark into pieces and melt in a medium pot over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Pour melted bark over cereal mixture and mix well.
- Spread out onto wax paper or a parchment paper–lined baking sheet. Let set for 1 hour, then break into pieces to serve.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Once set, keep your magical reindeer food in an airtight container or a ziplock bag. Store at room temperature for 10-14 days.
