Christmas reindeer crack, also known as reindeer chow, is the ultimate holiday treat that brings festive fun to every bite. This sweet and salty snack mix is a family tradition that makes the season extra magical. It’s perfect for holiday parties, a cozy Christmas movie night, or even to leave as a treat for Santa and his reindeer.

 

Every December my kitchen becomes like Santa’s workshops for sweet treats. This Christmas reindeer crack mix is always at the top of the list to make. It’s super simple to put together and my kids love to help mix up all of the ingredients.

This snack mix goes by many different names, reindeer crack, Christmas trash, reindeer chow, and white chocolate snack mix. Whatever you want to call it, it’s delicious!

I love making this sweet and salty snack mix all season long. It’s great for class holiday parties, neighbor gifts, or just to munch on while I’m wrapping presents. I usually just package up in a little bag with ribbon or a holiday tin.

If you are looking for more fun holiday treats be sure to try this s’mores bark, churro snack mix, butter toffee pretzels, and Andes mint pretzel bark.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Sweet and salty deliciousness. A great combination of flavors and textures.
• Festive and fun. Holiday candies and sprinkles bring the fun to this snack mix.
• Customizable. This is super easy to make your own. Check the variation ideas below.
• Perfect for gifting. A great homemade gift for friends and family.

Reindeer crack ingredients

This recipe is made with just a few ingredients and is easily customizable.

***Note: I have left the peanuts out of these pictures due to a nut allergy in my house.

• Pretzels – You can use your favorite pretzels like mini pretzels, pretzel sticks, or pretzel squares.
• Bugles chips – These salty chips make the perfect addition.
• Cheerios – I like using Cheerios for more texture and crunch.
• Chex cereal – You can use your favorite Chex cereal like corn, wheat, or rice.
• M&M’s – We use the holiday red and green M&M’s but you can use your favorite.
• Peanuts – Roasted peanuts are a wonderful addition. Feel free to leave them out if you have a nut allergy in your family.
• White chocolate chips – I recommend using a high quality chocolate like Ghiradelli.
• Sprinkles – These are optional but add fun, festive color.

How to make Christmas reindeer crack

1. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
2. Place the pretzels, Bugles, Cheerios, Chex, M&M’s, and peanuts in a large bowl. Toss together to combine.

3. Prepare a double boil by filling a medium saucepan with about 1-inch of water. Bring the water to a low boil. Place a glass bowl on top of the saucepan with the white chocolate chips. Stir until melted. ***You can also melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave. Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring each time until melted.
4. Pour the melted chocolate over the snack mix. Immediately toss to coat everything with white chocolate.

5. Spread the snack mix on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle on the sprinkles.
6. Let the snack mix rest until the chocolate hardens. Break apart into pieces to serve.

Heather’s recipe tips

• Make sure to use a big bowl. It’s important to use a large bowl so there is enough room to mix together.
• Quality chocolate. Use good quality white chocolate.
• Try using a double boiler. I recommend using a double boiler to melt the chocolate. You can use a microwave if needed. ***If using a microwave, heat in 30 second intervals to make sure not to over cook the chocolate.
• Mix fast. Make sure to mix the white chocolate in fast before it starts to harden.
• Add sprinkles quickly. Make sure to add the sprinkles right after drizzling the chocolate.

Variations

• Chips: You can substitute different chips like corn chips,
• Cereal: This recipe can be made with your favorite Chex cereal, Cheerios, Kix, Golden Grahams, or even Fruit Loops.
• Nuts: You can substitute the peanuts with cashews, walnuts, or leave out the nuts completely.
• Candy: You can use Reeces Pieces, peanut M&M’s,

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. This snack mix does not need to be refrigerated. It will last about 5 days.

It can be frozen in a freezer safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

More holiday recipes

• Cranberry jalapeno dip
• Pecan pie bark
• Fruitcake cookies

Let me know if you make this reindeer crack in the comments below.