If you’ve never heard of it before, Reindeer Poop Snack Mix Recipe might just become your new holiday favorite. It’s a fun, sweet treat that’s super simple to whip up, and trust me, it’s as delicious as the name is hilarious. Whether you need a festive snack for a party, a family gathering, or just an easy sweet bite to satisfy those chocolate cravings, this recipe nails it every time. Stick around—I’m going to share exactly how I make it so you can get the yummiest, perfectly coated mix with minimal fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy: You only need a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps—no baking required!
- Perfectly Sweet & Chocolatey: The cocoa powder and powdered sugar coating adds an irresistible richness.
- Kid-Approved Snack: My family goes crazy for this, and it’s great for holiday parties.
- Flexible & Fun: You can swap ingredients and make it your own, which I’ve done plenty of times!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully to give you a crunchy, chocolatey, and slightly nutty snack mix that’s impossible to stop munching on. When buying the cereal, I usually go for Corn Pops or something similar that’s light and crispy—makes a perfect base.
- Corn Pops cereal: A light, crispy cereal that holds up well when coated with chocolate.
- Peanut butter: Creamy works best for stirring smoothly into the chocolate mixture.
- Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet chips give just the right balance of sweetness.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the chocolate smooth and silky.
- Honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and helps the chocolate mix stick.
- Cocoa powder: Adds a rich, deep chocolate flavor in the coating step.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cocoa powder and adds that delightful snowy finish.
Variations
I love that the Reindeer Poop Snack Mix Recipe is so easy to tailor. Over the years, I’ve mixed things up with different add-ins or tweaks depending on what I have on hand or who I’m making it for.
- Peanut-Free Version: Swap peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter to keep it nutty but allergy-friendly—I did this once for a family friend, and it was just as delicious!
- Mix-In Fun: Toss in mini marshmallows, pretzels, or even dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor surprises.
- Spiced Up: A pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper in your cocoa powder mix makes for a cozy or slightly spicy twist.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and maple syrup instead of honey to keep it plant-based.
How to Make Reindeer Poop Snack Mix Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter
Begin by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the snack mix from sticking later. In a large microwave-safe bowl, add your peanut butter, chocolate chips, and vegetable oil. I like to microwave it at half power for one minute to start—this prevents burning and helps everything melt evenly. Then, stir well and continue to heat in 30-second bursts at half power until everything is silky smooth, usually around 2 to 3 minutes total. Stirring in between makes sure it doesn’t overcook or seize.
Step 2: Stir in Honey and Coat the Cereal
Once your chocolate-peanut butter mixture is smooth and glossy, stir in the honey. It adds just a nice hint of sweetness and ensures the cereal will be properly coated. Add the cereal in two-cup increments, stirring well after each addition to coat it evenly. It’s tempting to dump it all at once, but this layering technique helps every piece get that luscious chocolate coverage.
Step 3: Coat with Cocoa Powder and Powdered Sugar
In a large container or a gallon-size zip-top bag, mix together the cocoa powder and powdered sugar. Once combined, add your chocolate-coated cereal to the container, seal it tightly, and shake until each piece gets a nice dusting of the cocoa-sugar mixture. This step adds that lovely ‘powdery snow’ effect and extra chocolate kick—the best part!
Step 4: Let It Set and Enjoy
Spread the coated mix onto the lined baking sheet and let it sit for a bit so the chocolate sets. This only takes a few minutes at room temperature, but if you’re impatient like me, you can pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to speed it up. Then, dive in! You’ll love how each bite is perfectly crunchy, chocolaty, and sweet.
Pro Tips for Making Reindeer Poop Snack Mix Recipe
- Use Half Power for Melting: Microwaving at half power prevents chocolate from burning and keeps the peanut butter smooth.
- Add Cereal Gradually: Coating the cereal in smaller batches makes sure every piece gets fully covered.
- Shake, Don’t Stir: Using a sealed container or bag to shake the cocoa and powdered sugar mixture keeps the coating evenly distributed without breaking the cereal.
- Don’t Skip the Setting Time: Let the mix cool and set so the chocolate coating firms up—you’ll avoid messy clumps.
How to Serve Reindeer Poop Snack Mix Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple because the mix itself is packed with flavor, but sometimes I sprinkle a few extra mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint pieces on top for some festive flair. It makes it extra fun, especially for kids at holiday parties.
Side Dishes
This snack mix pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of cocoa or a warm mug of coffee. If you want to offer something more substantial alongside it, light finger foods like fruit slices or cheese and crackers balance the sweetness nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Once, I packed this snack mix into festive holiday mason jars tied with ribbons as gifts for neighbors—it was such a hit! Alternatively, serve it up in a big decorative bowl surrounded by holiday greenery and ornaments for a charming buffet centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Reindeer Poop Snack Mix in an airtight container at room temperature; it stays crunchy and fresh for up to a week. Just make sure it’s sealed tight so it doesn’t absorb any fridge odors or humidity.
Freezing
Freezing is great if you want to keep it longer—just pop it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, thaw it at room temperature. It might lose a tiny bit of crispness but still tastes great!
Reheating
Since it’s a snack mix, reheating usually isn’t necessary, but if you want to melt the chocolate coating slightly for serving, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave does the trick. Just be careful not to over-melt and end up with a sticky mess.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cereal for this recipe?
Absolutely! While I recommend Corn Pops for its light crunch and flavor, you can use Rice Krispies, Cheerios, or any crisp cereal you like. Just avoid cereals that are too dense or soggy to keep the texture balanced.
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Is it okay to substitute the peanut butter with something else?
Yes! If you’re allergic or prefer a different flavor, almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even cookie butter can work well. Just choose a creamy version to blend nicely with the chocolate.
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How long will this Reindeer Poop Snack Mix stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this snack mix will stay fresh and crunchy for about a week. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a good option.
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Can I make this recipe ahead for holiday parties?
Definitely! You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container. The flavors actually meld nicely and the snack mix will be ready whenever your guests arrive.
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Why is it called Reindeer Poop Snack Mix?
It’s a playful holiday name that pokes fun at the messy chocolate-coated cereal pieces looking like tiny “poops.” It’s all in good fun and always gets a laugh when serving to kids and friends!
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Reindeer Poop Snack Mix Recipe turns out every time—it’s sweet, chocolatey, and just a little bit cheeky, which makes it a holiday classic in my house. Whether you’re making it for little ones or sneaking a bite yourself, it’s a sure crowd-pleaser that comes together in a snap. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this as much as I do; it truly adds a bit of fun and flavor to any festive occasion. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked!
Print
Reindeer Poop Snack Mix Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Reindeer Poop Snack Mix is a fun and festive treat perfect for holiday snacking. This no-bake recipe combines crunchy cereal coated in a rich, creamy chocolate and peanut butter sauce, then dusted with cocoa powder and powdered sugar for an irresistibly sweet finish. Quick to prepare and great for parties or gifting, this snack mix is a delightful combination of chocolatey goodness and a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 6 cups Corn Pops cereal or similar cereal
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Prepare the coating mixture: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to allow the snack mix to set later. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter, chocolate chips, and vegetable oil.
- Heat the chocolate mixture: Microwave the mixture at half power for one minute, then stir thoroughly. Continue heating in 30-second increments at half power, stirring each time, until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, about 2-3 minutes total.
- Add honey and coat cereal: Stir the honey into the melted chocolate mixture. Add about two cups of the Corn Pops cereal to the bowl and stir gently but thoroughly, ensuring every piece is coated.
- Complete coating cereal: Gradually add the remaining cereal in two-cup increments, stirring after each addition until all the cereal is evenly covered in the chocolate-peanut butter mixture.
- Prepare cocoa and powdered sugar mix: In a large container or a gallon-sized zip-top freezer bag, combine the cocoa powder and powdered sugar. Mix them together thoroughly.
- Coat cereal with dry mixture: Add the chocolate-coated cereal into the container with cocoa powder and powdered sugar. Seal the container tightly and shake vigorously until all the cereal is fully coated with the dry mix.
- Set and serve: Pour the coated snack mix onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and spread out evenly. Let the mixture set for a few minutes to firm up, then enjoy the festive treat.
Notes
- If you prefer a different nut butter, almond or cashew butter can be substituted, but may alter the flavor slightly.
- Use gluten-free cereal if you need this recipe to be gluten free.
- Store the snack mix in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
- This snack is perfect for holiday parties, gift bags, or a fun treat with kids.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and ensure the cereal is nut-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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