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Easy Lighter Holiday Reindeer Chow Christmas Mix Recipe

lighter reindeer chow - featured image
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A lighter version of the classic holiday snack, made with dark chocolate and coconut oil instead of butter. This crunchy, chocolatey mix is ready in 10 minutes and stays fresh for weeks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips (preferably Ghirardelli 60% cacao)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil (refined or unrefined)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure)
  • 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
  • ½ cup mini dark chocolate chips (optional)
  • ⅓ cup holiday sprinkles (round ones work best)

Instructions

  1. Prep your workspace. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. Measure out your powdered sugar into a large resealable bag or paper bag.
  2. Melt the chocolate and coconut oil. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each, until completely smooth (about 1½ to 2 minutes total).
  3. Add the vanilla. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  4. First coating. Pour the 9 cups of Rice Chex into an extra-large mixing bowl. Drizzle about half the melted chocolate over the cereal. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the cereal until evenly coated.
  5. Let it set slightly. Spread the coated cereal onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
  6. Second coating. Return the cereal to the mixing bowl and drizzle the remaining chocolate over it. Fold again until every piece is evenly coated.
  7. The shaking magic. Transfer the double-coated cereal to the bag with powdered sugar. Seal tightly and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until every piece is dusted. If needed, add another tablespoon of powdered sugar and shake again.
  8. Add the extras. If using mini chocolate chips and sprinkles, open the bag and toss them in. Seal and give one more gentle shake to distribute evenly.
  9. Spread and set. Pour the finished mix back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread into a single layer and let set completely for about 20 minutes at room temperature.
  10. Break into clusters. Once set, break the mix into bite-sized clusters.

Notes

For best results, let the chocolate set fully before storing to prevent gummy powdered sugar. Use a sturdy freezer bag or doubled paper bag for shaking to avoid splitting. The mix tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: reindeer chow, Christmas mix, holiday snack, lighter, dark chocolate, coconut oil, gluten-free

Find it online: https://platebelle.com/easy-lighter-holiday-reindeer-chow-christmas-mix-recipe/