I’m sure you’re familiar with the classic Muddy Buddies – Chex, peanut butter, chocolate and powdered sugar, it’s a fan favorite combo that hits every time. Today I’m elevating that nostalgic recipe that we all know and love with a few simple ingredient swaps that make this irresistible snack even more addicting.

This elevated Reindeer Chow is my new favorite holiday snack mix. It starts with classic cinnamon Chex cereal, but we make it extra special with brown butter and cookie butter for the most cozy, caramelized flavor. Tossed in powdered sugar “snow” and finished with festive mix-ins, this treat is perfect for gifting, parties, or snacking while wrapping presents. It takes just a few minutes to make and tastes like pure Christmas magic. Enjoy!

Cookie Butter Reindeer Chow

Ingredients:

• 6 cups Rice or Cinnamon Chex
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter 
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup cookie butter (Trader Joe’s or Biscoff)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup mini marshmallows (optional but cute + hot cocoa vibes)
• ½ cup holiday M&Ms or red/green chocolate candies

Optional add-ins: mini pretzels, stroopwafel bites, candied pecans

Directions:

1. In a saucepan over medium high heat, melt the butter and stir occasionally until it starts to foam. Stir consistently until you see the color change to amber and then as soon as it starts smelling toasty and is a light caramely brown color, remove from heat. (this happens FAST so watch it!)
2. In a glass or microwave safe bowl combine cookie butter with white chocolate chips.
3. Pour brown butter over the chocolate chips and cookie butter and add vanilla and cinnamon.
4. Stir with a spatula and heat in the microwave in 30 second increments if mixture is not already smooth.
5. Pour Chex into a large mixing bowl.
6. Drizzle melted cookie butter mixture over the Chex and stir until all the Chex are coated evenly.
7. Add powdered sugar to a large ziplock bag.
8. Transfer Chex into the bag, seal and shake, coating all Chex in the sugar.
9. Transfer to a bowl and drizzle with more melted cookie butter or eat straight from the bag!
10. ENJOY!!