The Story & Intro
Bonjour my friends! 🎄✨ It’s Lacamorea here your French girl in an American kitchen, spreading holiday cheer one sweet bite at a time. Every December, when the twinkling lights glow across the neighborhood and hot cocoa becomes an acceptable daily beverage, I find myself craving something festive, crunchy, and totally irresistible. That’s how nut-free Christmas reindeer chow became my annual signature treat.
The first time I made this nut-free Christmas reindeer chow was during my second winter in the US. I’d been invited to a holiday cookie exchange but discovered at the last minute that two kids attending had nut allergies. So there I was flour on my sweater, Christmas music blasting, and my French stubbornness fully activated determined to create a magical, nut-free Christmas reindeer chow everyone could enjoy. And ohhh la la… it disappeared faster than Santa’s cookies!
What I love most about this nut-free Christmas reindeer chow is how it checks all the boxes: sweet but not too sweet, crunchy, chocolatey, festive, and totally kid-safe. Plus, it looks like something straight out of Santa’s workshop with all the red and green candies. It’s the kind of snack that brings people together, sparks laughter, and fills the room with the kind of joy you can almost hear.
So if you’re looking to make a fun, allergy-friendly treat that’s guaranteed to shine on your holiday table, this nut-free Christmas reindeer chow will absolutely sleigh your celebrations. Let’s dive in together, mes amis! 🎅❤️
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make the ultimate nut-free Christmas reindeer chow. No nuts, no stress just holiday magic!
Dry Mix
- 8 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 3 cups pretzel sticks
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 ½ cups red & green M&M’s (nut-free facility preferred)
- 1 cup crushed nut-free chocolate sandwich cookies (optional but delicious!)
Chocolate Coating
- 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips (ensure nut-free)
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Start with your dry ingredients
In a huge mixing bowl trust me, you’ll want huge combine the Rice Chex, pretzel sticks, marshmallows, M&M’s, and crushed cookies. It should look like Christmas exploded in the bowl. 🥳
2. Melt your chocolate mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips, semi-sweet chips, and butter together using 30-second intervals. Stir after each interval until smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix again.
3. Pour and gently toss
Drizzle the warm chocolate mixture over the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold until everything is evenly coated. Try not to break the Chex cereal (I know, it’s tempting to stir like you’re whisking meringue, but gentle wins here!).
4. Add the powdered sugar magic
Pour the coated mixture into a large zip-top bag or airtight container. Add powdered sugar, seal, and shake until everything looks beautifully frosted. ❄️
5. Cool and set
Spread the mixture on parchment paper and let it cool for 20–30 minutes. Try—if you can not to eat it all before it sets.
6. Serve or store
Once fully cooled, transfer to a festive bowl or gift jars. This nut-free Christmas reindeer chow keeps for up to 1 week if stored in an airtight container.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in Christmas-themed bowls for extra holiday spirit 🎄
- Pack into mason jars tied with red ribbons for edible gifts
- Add holiday sprinkles for even more sparkle
- Use as a topping on vanilla ice cream
- Perfect for movie nights especially with Elf or Home Alone
Recipe Card 🎅✨
Nut-Free Christmas Reindeer Chow
⏱️ Time: 15 minutes prep, 30 minutes cooling
🍽️ Servings: 12
Ingredients
- 8 cups Rice Chex
- 3 cups pretzel sticks
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 ½ cups red & green M&M’s
- 1 cup crushed nut-free cookies
- 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Melt chocolate chips and butter; stir in vanilla.
- Pour chocolate over dry mix; fold gently.
- Add powdered sugar and shake until coated.
- Spread on parchment to cool.
- Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Always check labels to ensure nut-free manufacturing.
- Add festive sprinkles for extra color.
- Swap marshmallows for dried cranberries if you prefer less sweetness.
Nutrition (Approx per serving)
- Calories: 285
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 12g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 2g
Conclusion
My sweet friends, this nut-free Christmas reindeer chow is more than just a snack—it’s a piece of holiday joy you can share safely with everyone. From my Parisian childhood kitchens to my warm American holiday gatherings, this recipe has become a symbol of inclusivity, sweetness, and fun. Whether you’re making it for your kids, your coworkers, or simply for yourself (zero judgment I do it too!), this festive treat will light up your celebrations like a bright holiday star. ⭐
Thank you for joining me in my kitchen today. I hope this nut-free Christmas reindeer chow becomes part of your traditions, just as it has become part of mine. Joyeux Noël, mes amis! 🎄❤️