The Story & Intro
Every Christmas on the island of Crete, my grandmother used to say that magical treats taste better when shared with people you love. Even though we didn’t have Red & Green M&M Reindeer Chow growing up it’s more of an American holiday classic the spirit behind it reminds me a lot of those cozy winter nights in her kitchen. I still remember the smell of melted chocolate and toasted nuts drifting through the house. That warm feeling is exactly why I adore making Red & Green M&M Reindeer Chow every December.
When I first moved to the U.S. for a short work project in my twenties, a friend introduced me to this colorful, sweet snack. I couldn’t believe something so simple could taste so festive! I instantly fell in love with the crunch of Chex cereal, the creamy peanut butter chocolate coating, and those bright red and green M&M candies that make every handful look like Christmas joy in a bowl.
Now, as a 38-year-old mom inspired by my Cretan roots, I love whipping up Red & Green M&M Reindeer Chow and sharing it with friends, neighbors, and anyone who pops in during the holidays. My kitchen gets messy powdered sugar everywhere, M&Ms rolling across the counter but that’s the fun of it! Cooking should feel like home, warm and joyful, not perfect.
This recipe is one of those treats that brings everyone together. Kids love it, adults sneak handfuls when they think nobody’s looking, and it disappears faster than I can refill the bowl. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, crunchy, salty, and festive. Whenever I make Red & Green M&M Reindeer Chow, I picture my grandmother smiling, even though she never tried it. She always believed food was a way to share love, and this dish does exactly that especially during the holiday season.
Whether you’re preparing snacks for a Christmas movie night, filling holiday gift bags, or simply craving something sweet and cheerful, this Red & Green M&M Reindeer Chow will light up your kitchen and your heart. And don’t worry if you’re new to cooking this recipe is almost impossible to mess up. It’s fun, fast, and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
• 6 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 ½ cups Red & Green M&M candies
• Optional: pretzels, mini marshmallows, or festive sprinkles
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Melt the chocolate mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth and fully melted. Stir in vanilla extract.
2. Coat the cereal
Place the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm chocolate-peanut butter mixture over it. Gently fold until every piece is coated. Be patient you want every square covered!
3. Sugar shake time
Transfer the coated cereal into a large zip-top bag. Add powdered sugar, seal the bag tightly, and shake until everything is evenly dusted. Kids love helping with this step!
4. Add festive color
Pour the mixture into a big bowl and let it cool for 10 minutes. Then toss in the Red & Green M&M candies. Add extras like pretzels or marshmallows if you want more crunch.
5. Serve or store
Enjoy immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. It stays crunchy and delicious!
Serving Ideas
• Serve in a big holiday bowl for a Christmas party
• Pack into small gift bags for neighbors and teachers
• Sprinkle on top of vanilla ice cream
• Add to your holiday movie night snack board
• Fill mason jars and tie with ribbon for an adorable edible gift
Conclusion
Making Red & Green M&M Reindeer Chow isn’t just about mixing cereal and chocolate it’s about creating moments that feel warm, joyful, and shared. This recipe has become part of my December traditions, right alongside memories from Crete and my grandmother’s lessons about love through cooking. I hope your home fills with laughter, sweetness, and bright little candies that remind you how fun the holidays can be. Enjoy every crunchy, colorful bite!
⭐ Quick 100-Word Story Version
Hi, I’m INAYA from Crete! Holiday treats always remind me of my grandmother’s warm kitchen, even though we didn’t have Red & Green M&M Reindeer Chow back then. I discovered it during a trip to the U.S. and instantly loved its sweet crunch and festive colors. Now I make it every Christmas, and my kitchen becomes a happy, messy playground of powdered sugar and rolling M&Ms. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Every batch brings back cozy memories and helps me create new ones. I hope this cheerful treat fills your home with holiday magic!
🎄 Recipe Card
⏱ Time
• Prep: 10 minutes
• Total: 15 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
• Chex cereal
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Peanut butter
• Butter
• Vanilla
• Powdered sugar
• Red & Green M&Ms
• Optional add-ins
👩🍳 Instructions
- Melt chocolate, peanut butter & butter.
- Coat cereal.
- Shake with powdered sugar.
- Add M&Ms.
- Serve or store.
📝 Notes
• Add pretzels or marshmallows for extra crunch.
• Use white chocolate for a snowy version.
• Store airtight to keep it crunchy.
🔥 Nutrition (Approx per serving)
Calories: 320
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 15g
Protein: 4g
