Reindeer Chow: The Sweet Snack Santa Actually Wants This Year

Santa’s tired of cookies, friends. He’s been carbo-loading for centuries, and the guy deserves a glow-up. Enter: Reindeer Chow—a crunchy, sweet, slightly ridiculous holiday snack mix that doubles as a homemade gift idea. Think of it as the edible equivalent of Christmas pajamas: cozy, festive, and impossible not to share.

Need a last-minute gift idea that doesn’t scream “I panic-bought this at the gas station”? This Reindeer Chow recipe with Chocolate Cinnamon Coconut seasoning is the ultimate holiday hack. It’s crunchy, sweet, giftable, and most importantly—it tastes like Christmas gave you a big bear hug (with sprinkles).

Recipe Details

• Feeds: 8–10 snackers or 4 Santa-sized portions

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Chill Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

• Temperature: Stovetop medium heat (for popcorn)

• Servings: About 8 cups of snack mix

Ingredients

Main Mix

• 1 cup Corn Chex

• ½ cup Rice Chex

• ½ cup Wheat Chex

• 2 cups pretzels

• ½ cup dry roasted peanuts

• 3 cups popcorn (microwave or stovetop)

• 1 bag (about 11–12 oz) white chocolate chips

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

• 3 tablespoons Flavor Expedition Co. Chocolate Cinnamon Coconut Seasoning

• Christmas sprinkles (because duh, it’s Christmas)

Optional Stovetop Popcorn

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

• ½ cup popcorn kernels

• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Pop it like it’s hot: Make popcorn however you like—microwave or stovetop (see below for stovetop instructions).

2. Mix & mingle: In a gigantic bowl, toss together the Chex cereals, pretzels, peanuts, and popcorn.

3. Melt the magic: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth and silky.

4. Pour party: Drizzle the melted chocolate over the snack mix. Stir like your Christmas spirit depends on it, making sure everything gets coated.

5. Festive bling: Sprinkle in the Chocolate Cinnamon Coconut seasoning and Christmas sprinkles. Stir again for maximum cheer.

6. Set it & forget it: Spread the coated mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Add a final dusting of seasoning + sprinkles (because more = merrier). Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes, or until firm.

7. Break & gift: Once set, break into snackable chunks. Scoop into festive tins, jars, or bags. Add ribbon, tags, or even a candy cane for peak gift-giving energy.

Optional: Stovetop Popcorn Instructions

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons coconut oil with 2 kernels. Cover and wait for them to pop.

2. Add the rest of the kernels, cover, and shake the pot occasionally.

3. When popping slows to 1 pop every 2–3 seconds, remove from heat. Salt lightly.

Tips & Notes

• Giftable AF: Dollar store tins, mason jars, or even clear treat bags work perfectly. Add a bow and you’re basically Martha Stewart.

• Flavor swap: Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne with the seasoning. Naughty list approved.

• Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to a week (if it lasts that long).

Reindeer Chow with Chocolate Cinnamon Coconut seasoning is crunchy, sweet, giftable, and festive enough to earn you a permanent spot on Santa’s nice list. Whether you’re filling snack bowls or stuffing gift tins, this recipe is proof that sometimes the best presents really are homemade (and edible).

🎁✨ Ready to sleigh the snack game? Try this recipe and then check out our other Flavor Expedition Co. recipes for more gift-worthy ideas. Your tastebuds (and your gift list) will thank you!