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White Chocolate Reindeer Chow, a festive snack mix, is displayed as a featured image.

Perfect White Chocolate Reindeer Chow

This recipe provides the secrets to making irresistible White Chocolate Reindeer Chow with a balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy textures. It avoids the common pitfalls of sticky or clumpy messes by focusing on the proper handling of white chocolate and balancing the moisture content of ingredients.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 9 cups Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or combination
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 12 ounces white chocolate chips high-quality recommended
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup holiday-themed sprinkles red, green, white
  • 1 cup mini pretzels, broken into smaller pieces
  • 1 cup holiday M&Ms

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Rubber spatula
  • Large zip-top bag
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Cereal: Pour the cereal into a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
  2. Melt the White Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat!
  3. Flavor the Chocolate: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt into the melted white chocolate mixture.
  4. Coat the Cereal: Pour the melted white chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently toss until the cereal is evenly coated. Work quickly to prevent the chocolate from cooling and hardening.
  5. Add the Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the broken pretzels and M&Ms.
  6. Coat with Powdered Sugar: Place half of the coated cereal mixture into a large zip-top bag. Add half of the powdered sugar. Seal the bag and gently shake until the cereal is completely coated with powdered sugar. Repeat with the remaining cereal mixture and powdered sugar.
  7. Cool and Harden: Spread the Reindeer Chow in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle with holiday sprinkles. Allow the chow to cool and harden completely, about 30 minutes. This prevents clumping.
  8. Break Apart and Serve: Once hardened, break the Reindeer Chow into smaller pieces and serve. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

Use high-quality white chocolate to avoid seizing. Microwave the white chocolate in short bursts. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Work quickly once the white chocolate is melted. Shake the zip-top bag well to evenly coat with powdered sugar. Cool completely on parchment paper before breaking apart to prevent clumping. Sprinkle immediately after spreading the mixture on parchment paper, while the chocolate is still wet.