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 think you’ll 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!
Reindeer Food Recipe Ingredients
- Rice Chex cereal (2 cups): Light, crispy squares that hold the coating and add airy crunch. Or Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, or another favorite.
- Plain Cheerios (2 cups): Toasty oat rings for gentle sweetness and texture contrast.
- Mini pretzels (2 cups): Salty snap that balances the sweetness and adds fun shapes.
- Christmas M&M’s (2 cups): Pops of chocolate and color that make the mix look festive.
- Peanuts, salted or unsalted (1–2 cups): Nutty crunch and a savory note; choose salted for more sweet salty contrast. Or walnuts, pecans, almonds, or cashews
- White almond bark (1, 16-ounce package): Melts smooth and coats evenly so clusters set crisp and glossy. 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.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Use a very large bowl to toss so every piece gets coated.
- Melt almond bark low and slow, stir constantly for a smooth finish.
- 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.
- Work quickly after pouring the coating; spread in a single layer for fast, even setting.
- For extra holiday color, sprinkle a few M&M’s on top before it sets.
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.
Notes
Nutrition
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.
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This recipe was originally published November 2024.
