The holidays are all about magic, joy, and a little bit of indulgence—and nothing captures that better than a big tray of Christmas Reindeer Crack. This sweet, salty, crunchy, glossy, ridiculously addictive treat is everything you love about Christmas in one bite. Whether you’re prepping for a party, looking for an easy edible gift, or just want something to snack on while watching holiday movies, this is the recipe.
Just one handful of this mix and you’ll be hooked. With crispy Chex cereal, salty pretzels, buttery Bugles, festive M&M’s, and a generous drizzle of silky white chocolate, this treat delivers on flavor and texture. It’s like Christmas exploded into snack form—and we’re not mad about it.
Let’s make some magic!
What is Reindeer Crack?
If you haven’t heard of Reindeer Crack before, prepare to become obsessed. It’s a no-bake, mix-and-pour snack mix made with a combination of crunchy ingredients (like cereals, pretzels, and chips) tossed together in melted white chocolate and sprinkled with holiday-themed candy and toppings.
The “crack” name? That comes from how utterly irresistible it is. Once you take a bite, you’ll find yourself going back for another handful…and another.
This specific version is Christmas-themed, of course, and matches the deliciously beautiful image you see—fully coated, with a white chocolate shine, hints of red and green candies, and just the right amount of sprinkle sparkle.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe
There’s no shortage of sweet holiday recipes out there, but Christmas Reindeer Crack is on another level.
- Sweet + salty = perfect balance – You get that classic holiday sweetness from the white chocolate and M&M’s, while the Bugles and pretzels add the salty contrast that makes it so satisfying.
- Quick to make – You’re looking at under 30 minutes from start to finish, with most of that being hands-off while it cools.
- Kid-friendly – Even the littlest helpers can help pour, mix, and sprinkle.
- No baking – Zero oven time means less fuss and no worrying about burning anything.
- Great for gifting – It stores well and looks adorable in cellophane bags with ribbon or in festive tins.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s dive into what makes this mix so magical.
Cereal Base
- 4 cups Rice Chex or Corn Chex – This gives structure and a crispy texture that holds up well under melted chocolate.
Salty Add-Ins
- 3 cups mini pretzels – For that perfect crunch and salty bite.
- 3 cups Bugles – The cone shape adds fun texture and a savory note that balances the sweet.
Sweet Additions
- 1½ cups holiday M&M’s – Red and green only, for the festive vibes. Use peanut or classic based on your preference.
Coating
- 24 oz white almond bark (or white melting chocolate) – This melts beautifully and gives that glossy, candy-like finish.
Toppings
- Holiday sprinkles (red, green, and white) – Because it’s not Christmas without a little sparkle.
Substitutions & Variations
Want to tweak it to your taste or what you have on hand? No problem!
- Swap the cereal – Try Crispix or even Golden Grahams for a twist.
- Use different candy – Crushed peppermint, mini marshmallows, or toffee bits work great.
- Chocolate options – Use milk or dark chocolate if you prefer (though it won’t have the same snowy look).
- Make it gluten-free – Use gluten-free pretzels and cereal.
- Add crushed cookies – Oreos or shortbread add a whole new flavor level.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
Good news—this recipe is light on equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Spatula or large spoon
That’s it! No fancy tools needed.
Step-by-Step Instructions (with Tips!)
Let’s walk through it together, step by step.
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. You’ll want this ready to go because once the chocolate is melted and poured, you have to move fast before it sets.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In an extra-large mixing bowl, combine:
- Chex cereal
- Pretzels
- Bugles
- M&M’s
Gently toss to combine everything evenly. Be careful not to crush the cereal or Bugles.
Step 3: Melt the White Almond Bark
Break the almond bark into chunks and place it in a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and silky. Don’t overheat—it’ll seize! Usually, it takes around 90 seconds to 2 minutes total.
Pro Tip: Add a teaspoon of coconut oil to make the chocolate a little glossier and easier to pour.
Step 4: Coat the Snack Mix
Immediately pour the melted white chocolate over the dry mix. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together until fully coated.
You want a nice, even coating so every bite gets a little bit of everything.
Step 5: Spread and Sprinkle
Spread the mixture evenly on your prepared baking sheet. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with red, green, and white sprinkles.
Timing matters here—sprinkle fast before the chocolate hardens.
Step 6: Let It Set
Leave the tray at room temperature for about 20 minutes until the chocolate hardens. Then, break into chunks and serve!
How to Get That Perfect Glossy Finish
You know that glossy, candy-like shine from the photo? That’s the white almond bark doing its thing.
To get that finish:
- Stir well during melting
- Work quickly while coating
- Spread evenly and don’t refrigerate to set—it can make the chocolate cloudy
Holiday Sprinkles: Why They Matter
Sprinkles are more than decoration—they signal festivity. Kids love them, adults smile at them, and they make the treat feel like a holiday celebration in snack form.
Choose nonpareils, jimmies, or even edible glitter if you’re feeling fancy!
Making Ahead & Storing Tips
Shelf Life
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing?
- Not ideal. It can mess with the texture and the chocolate might “sweat” when defrosted.
Storage Ideas
- Mason jars with bows
- Holiday treat bags
- Festive tins (great for gifting!)
🎄 Christmas Reindeer Crack 🦌
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Holiday Dessert / Sweet Snack Mix 🎄🍫
Description
🦌🎄 Sweet, salty, crunchy, and perfectly coated in creamy white chocolate! ✨ This festive treat looks exactly like the photo — glossy, colorful, and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for gifting, snacking, or holiday movie nights! 🍫💚❤️
Ingredients
4 cups Rice Chex or Corn Chex cereal
3 cups mini pretzels
3 cups Bugles
1½ cups holiday M&M’s (red & green)
24 oz white almond bark or white melting chocolate
Holiday sprinkles (red, green & white)
Instructions
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to create your work surface.
⏱️ 1 minuteAdd the Chex cereal, pretzels, Bugles, and M&M’s into an extra-large bowl and gently toss to combine all the crunchy pieces.
⏱️ 3 minutesMelt the white almond bark in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth and silky.
⏱️ 3 minutesPour the melted chocolate over the snack mix and gently toss until every bite is coated for that glossy, snowy look.
⏱️ 2 minutesSpread the coated mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet and top with holiday sprinkles while still wet.
⏱️ 2 minutesAllow the mixture to set at room temperature until firm, then break into festive chunks.
⏱️ 15–20 minutes
Notes
Super festive, kid-friendly, and great for gifting.
Bugles are essential for the authentic photo-match look.
Use almond bark for the smoothest, thickest white coating.
Avoid adding popcorn, nuts, or marshmallows to keep the “exact match” style.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 165 kcal
Serving Ideas: How to Gift or Present Reindeer Crack
Here’s where the fun really starts:
- Gift bags – Tie with ribbon and attach a cute tag
- Party bowls – Serve at gatherings alongside other snacks
- Hot cocoa station add-on – Set a bowl nearby for snacking
- Stocking stuffers – Add to food-safe pouches and tuck into stockings
Fun Ways to Customize It by Theme or Holiday
Want to make it again for another season? Here’s how:
- Valentine’s Day – Use pink & red M&M’s and heart sprinkles
- Easter – Add pastel candies and bunny-shaped marshmallows
- 4th of July – Red, white, and blue everything
- Halloween – Orange and black candies, candy eyeballs, and mini candy corn
You may read as well :
🎄 Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe: A Sweet Holiday Classic That’s Fun, Festive & Easy! 🎅
White Trash Sweet Snack Mix: A Festive No-Bake Treat Everyone Will Love
Reindeer Crack for Kids’ Parties
This is a huge hit with kids. Let them:
- Help pour ingredients
- Mix with clean hands or spatulas
- Sprinkle toppings
- Package into gift bags for classmates or teachers
They love being involved—and eating the results.
Troubleshooting: Fixing Common Mistakes
- Chocolate too thick? Add a teaspoon of oil (vegetable or coconut) to loosen it.
- Cereal crushed? Stir gently—fold, don’t stir hard.
- Sprinkles not sticking? Add them while the coating is still wet.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: 165 kcal
- Carbs: 24g
- Sugars: 15g
- Fat: 6g
- Servings: 12
Portion control is key—it’s easy to eat a lot of this stuff!
Conclusion: Spread the Cheer with Every Crunch
There’s something undeniably magical about a treat that brings people together—and that’s exactly what Christmas Reindeer Crack does. It’s festive, flavorful, and fun to make. Plus, it’s so easy, you’ll find yourself making batch after batch for friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, and maybe even yourself. 😉
So go ahead—melt, mix, sprinkle, and crunch your way to holiday happiness. Trust me, your snack table (and your taste buds) will thank you.
Similar recipes :
Caramel Butterscotch & Chocolate Chip Crunch Bark Recipe: The Ultimate Chewy-Sweet Treat
🎄 No-Bake Christmas Funfetti Cheesecake Recipe: A Sprinkle-Filled Holiday Delight!
FAQs
1. Can I use white chocolate chips instead of almond bark?
Yes, but almond bark melts more smoothly and sets with a better finish. If using chips, add a teaspoon of oil to help the texture.
2. Is Reindeer Crack the same as Christmas Crack?
Not quite. Christmas Crack usually refers to toffee made with crackers. Reindeer Crack is a snack mix with chocolate coating.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It lasts for up to two weeks in an airtight container.
4. What if I’m allergic to peanuts?
Use peanut-free M&M’s or substitute with other candies like Skittles or mini marshmallows.
5. Can I double or triple the recipe?
Definitely! Just use a larger bowl and spread on multiple trays to cool evenly.
