The Story & Intro
Bonjour my friends! 👋 It’s Lacamorea here your French girl who swapped the cozy patisseries of Paris for the holiday sparkle of American kitchens 🇫🇷➡️🇺🇸. Every year when December rolls around, something magical happens: suddenly my kitchen smells like cocoa, peppermint, toasted marshmallows… and joy.
The very first holiday party I attended in the U.S., someone brought a big red bowl filled with something they called Reindeer Chow. One taste and BOOM I was in love. It had everything I adore: crunch, chocolate, sweetness, and that cozy hot cocoa warmth I didn’t know I needed. Naturally, I had to create my own version: hot cocoa reindeer chow.
This hot cocoa reindeer chow recipe quickly became my signature holiday treat. It’s festive, fun, addictive, and unbelievably easy. When I set it out during gatherings, people don’t ask what it is they just ask where it is, because it disappears fast! 🤣
What I love most is how it tastes like a mug of warm cocoa turned into a magical crunchy snack. You’ve got Chex cereal bathed in melted chocolate, dusted with hot cocoa mix, kissed with mini marshmallows, and sprinkled with peppermint or candies. It’s everything Christmas should be.
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing holiday treat, something kids can help make, or a sweet gift to pack in cute bags, this hot cocoa reindeer chow will be your new December tradition. Trust me, my friends this one’s pure holiday happiness. 💕✨
And before we dive in, here’s the short 100-word version of my Lacamorea story (as you requested) to go with every recipe:
Short Story Version (100 words):
Bonjour my friends! I’m Lacamorea, a 31-year-old French girl who traded Paris’s charming cobblestone streets for the cozy, cinnamon-scented kitchens of America. I’ve loved cooking since I was tall enough to reach the countertop… and bold enough to sneak little tastes of cake batter when no one was watching! 🍰😋 Cooking is my love language, my therapy, and my way of spreading joy. Every recipe I share carries a piece of my heart and a dash of French coziness. I hope my dishes bring warmth, sweetness, and a smile to your home, just like they do in mine. 💕🇫🇷🇺🇸
What Is Hot Cocoa Reindeer Chow?
Hot Cocoa Reindeer Chow also known as holiday muddy buddies is a sweet Christmas snack mix featuring:
- Chex cereal
- Melted chocolate & white chocolate
- Hot cocoa mix
- Powdered sugar
- Mini marshmallows
- Peppermint pieces or M&Ms
It tastes like sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace… but in crunchy snack form!
Ingredients You Need
Here’s everything to make a perfect batch of hot cocoa reindeer chow:
Dry Ingredients
- 8 cups Rice Chex or Corn Chex cereal
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies OR holiday M&Ms
- 2 packets hot cocoa mix (with marshmallows if possible!)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Chocolate Coating
- 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins (for extra magic ✨)
- Mini chocolate chips
- Pretzels
- Crushed graham crackers (S’mores vibes!)
- Holiday sprinkles
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Space
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Grab a large mixing bowl you’ll need plenty of room.
2. Melt the Chocolates
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine:
- semisweet chocolate chips
- white chocolate chips
- butter
Microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring each time until smooth.
Stir in vanilla.
3. Coat the Cereal
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over your Chex cereal.
Gently fold until every piece is beautifully coated and glossy.
4. Coat With Hot Cocoa Mix
In a large zip-top bag, add:
- hot cocoa mix
- powdered sugar
Add the chocolate-coated cereal to the bag, seal, and shake it like you’re dancing under Christmas lights! 🎄💃
Coat everything evenly.
5. Add the Marshmallows & Holiday Bits
Spread the cereal mixture on the prepared baking sheet.
Sprinkle over:
- mini marshmallows
- crushed peppermint OR M&Ms
- sprinkles (if using)
Let it set for 20–30 minutes.
6. Break Apart & Enjoy
Once set, break it into chunks.
Serve immediately—or store for up to a week in an airtight container.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in a holiday-themed bowl instant centerpiece 🎅
- Add to hot cocoa bars as a topping
- Fill mini mason jars for adorable DIY gifts
- Pack in festive cellophane bags for school treats
- Serve alongside Christmas cookies for a sweeter platter
Recipe Card 🎄✨
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cooling: 20 minutes
- Total: 30 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 8 cups Chex cereal
- 1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 packets hot cocoa mix
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- ½ cup crushed peppermint or M&Ms
👩🍳 Instructions
- Melt chocolates and butter.
- Stir in vanilla.
- Coat cereal with melted chocolate.
- Shake in bag with hot cocoa mix + powdered sugar.
- Spread on tray; top with marshmallows and candies.
- Let set, break apart, enjoy.
📝 Notes
- For extra crunch, add pretzels!
- Use white chocolate only for a “snowy” batch.
- Graham crackers = instant s’mores twist.
🔥 Nutrition (Approx. per 1 cup)
- 230 calories
- 9g fat
- 36g carbs
- 2g protein
Conclusion
This hot cocoa reindeer chow is everything the holidays should be fun, festive, cozy, and delicious. It’s a recipe that brings people together, gets little hands involved, and fills your home with sweetness and laughter. Whether you’re gifting it, serving it, or snacking on it while watching Christmas movies, this treat will quickly become a beloved annual tradition.
From my French-American kitchen to yours Joyeuses Fêtes, my friends! 🎄❤️