Gluten Free Reindeer Chow (Festive Snack Mix for the Holidays)

Get ready to mix up some holiday joy with this sweet and crunchy gluten free reindeer chow. It’s the kind of no-bake treat that makes your kitchen smell like Christmas magic and your snack bowls disappear fast. Whether you’re prepping party goodies, school snacks, or edible gifts, this fun mix will win hearts and hungry hands

Why This Reindeer Chow is a Holiday Hit

First of all, it’s completely gluten free and easy to make dairy free too. You don’t even need an oven, just a big bowl, a microwave, and a few festive ingredients. Kids love helping with this one and honestly, adults won’t stop sneaking handfuls either. You can customize it with whatever you have on hand and it makes such a cute gift when tucked into jars or tins

Want to make it even more special? Serve it with these soft and chewy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars for a cozy dessert duo that everyone will remember

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything that goes into this festive, gluten free snack mix
• Chex cereal (make sure it’s labeled gluten free)
• Popped popcorn
• Gluten free pretzels
• Dry roasted peanuts (skip if nut free)
• Dairy free white chocolate chips
• Coconut oil
• Christmas sprinkles or nonpareils

Optional add-ins: mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes, dried cranberries, or gluten free cereal bits

How to Make Gluten Free Reindeer Chow

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a very large mixing bowl, toss together Chex, popcorn, pretzels, and peanuts. Make sure everything is evenly combined

Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth and pourable. You can also melt it over a double boiler if you prefer

Coat the Mix

Pour the melted chocolate over your dry mix and quickly stir to coat every piece. You’ll want to work fast here before the chocolate starts to set

Add the Sprinkles

While the mix is still glossy, fold in your Christmas sprinkles. If you’re adding candy canes or marshmallows, now’s the time to toss them in gently

Chill and Break into Pieces

Spread the coated mix onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes or until the chocolate is firm. Once set, break it into bite-sized chunks and get ready to munch

Tips to Make It Even Better

• Get all your ingredients prepped before melting the chocolate so you can work quickly
• Fold in colorful toppings last to avoid melting the colors into the white chocolate
• Use a giant mixing bowl so you don’t lose half your mix over the edge
• You can swap pretzels for cereal if you’re out, or try adding sunflower seeds for a little crunch

If you’re creating a holiday dessert board, add a few No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls alongside this reindeer chow for a sweet, no-fuss addition

Gift and Serving Ideas

This reindeer chow looks adorable packed into mason jars, cellophane bags, or mini holiday tins. Add a ribbon and a handwritten tag, and you’ve got an instant, homemade gift. It’s perfect for teachers, neighbors, mail carriers or anyone who deserves a sweet surprise
You can also serve it in a big holiday bowl during movie night or add it to a snack tray for guests. We love pairing it with hot chocolate or even nestling it between cupcakes like these Halloween Zombie Cupcakes for a festive twist

How to Store Gluten Free Reindeer Chow

Pop your finished mix into an airtight container and keep it at room temperature. It’ll stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week but let’s be honest, it probably won’t last that long
Avoid refrigerating it if you can. The chocolate might sweat or soften weirdly when it comes back to room temp

Creative Twists and Flavor Ideas

• Add a drop of peppermint extract to your melted chocolate for a minty vibe
• Swap the white chocolate for dark or milk chocolate for a richer taste
• Throw in dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity punch
• Crushed peppermint bark? Don’t mind if we do

FAQs About Reindeer Chow

Try It and Share the Joy

This gluten free reindeer chow is the kind of holiday recipe that’s joyful to make and even more joyful to eat. Snap a photo before it disappears and tag us so we can cheer on your festive kitchen fun

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