Ingredients:

  • 9 cups (225 g) Rice or Corn Chex Cereal
  • 1 cup (175 g) Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
  • ½ cup (120 g) Creamy Peanut Butter
  • ¼ cup (57 g) Unsalted Butter, cut into pieces
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) Pure Vanilla Extract
  • ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) Peppermint Extract (Optional)
  • 2 cups (250 g) Powdered Sugar (Icing Sugar), plus extra for dusting
  • 1 cup (150 g) Mini Red and Green M&Ms or holiday sprinkles (Optional)

Instructions:

  1. Measure the Cereal: Pour the 9 cups of cereal into the largest mixing bowl you own. Set aside.
  2. Melt the Base: Combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in the microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring vigorously after each interval, until the mixture is smooth and completely melted (usually 60–90 seconds total). Do not overheat.
  3. Flavour the Coating: Stir the vanilla extract and peppermint extract (if using) into the melted mixture until fully incorporated.
  4. Coat the Cereal: Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the measured cereal. Gently fold the cereal with a silicone spatula until every piece is coated. Work quickly but carefully to avoid crushing the cereal squares.
  5. Transfer to Bag: Carefully divide the coated cereal into one or two extra-large (2-gallon or 8-litre) zip-top bags.
  6. Add the Dust: Pour 1 cup of the powdered sugar into each bag, ensuring the bag is only half full of cereal to allow for maximum shaking room.
  7. Seal and Shake: Seal the bags completely, ensuring all air is expelled. Shake vigorously for 60–90 seconds until the chocolate coating is completely encased in the powdered sugar 'snow.'
  8. Set the Chow: Pour the Reindeer Chow onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread it out into a single layer and allow it to cool and dry completely for 15 minutes. This stops the chow from sticking together.
  9. Finish and Mix (Optional): Once cool, transfer the chow back to a clean bowl. Stir in the optional M&Ms or festive sprinkles for extra colour and crunch.
  10. Serve or Store: Store the finished chow in an airtight container at room temperature.