Christmas Puppy Chow
This Christmas puppy chow is my favorite sweet snack to toss together when the holidays roll around. It’s crunchy, chocolatey, and coated in powdered sugar like fresh snow. I usually double the batch because it vanishes fast.
Table of Contents
Sweet, Crunchy, and The Kind of Treat Everyone Loves
If you’re looking for a holiday snack that disappears fast, this Christmas Puppy Chow is it! It’s sweet, crunchy, and the kind of treat everyone will keep reaching for.
The mix of Rice Chex and Corn Chex gives it a light, airy crunch, while the chocolate and peanut butter coat every piece in irresistible flavor. Tossing it all in powdered sugar is messy in the best way—like giving each bite a dusting of holiday snow.
To make it extra festive, I always add red and green M&Ms. It’s perfect for parties, easy to double, and just as customizable as my favorite party mix recipe.
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Rice Chex cereal: Light and crunchy, this cereal helps create that signature puppy chow texture. You can swap with Crispix or an all-corn version if preferred.
- Corn Chex cereal: Adds contrast in texture and a slightly different crunch. Feel free to use all Rice Chex or all Corn Chex if that’s what you have.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melt down to create the chocolate coating. You can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a sweeter or richer flavor.
- Creamy peanut butter: Brings smooth, nutty richness that complements the chocolate.
- Salted butter: Helps everything melt smoothly and adds depth. If using unsalted butter, add a small pinch of salt to the mixture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the chocolate-peanut butter combo. You can skip it if you don’t have any on hand, but it rounds out the flavor nicely.
- Powdered sugar: Coats everything for that classic snowy look and sweet finish.
How to Make Christmas Puppy Chow
Preparation
Line a large baking sheet with wax paper and set it aside. Measure out the Rice Chex and Corn Chex cereals and combine them in a large mixing bowl. Set out two 1-gallon storage bags and the powdered sugar for easy access during coating.
Step 1 – Melt the Chocolate Mixture
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and salted butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is completely smooth and melted.
Step 2 – Add Vanilla
Stir the vanilla extract into the warm chocolate mixture until fully incorporated.
Step 3 – Coat the Cereal
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the combined Chex cereals. Use a spatula to gently fold the cereal, turning carefully to coat every piece without crushing them.
Step 4 – Shake with Powdered Sugar
Divide the coated cereal between two 1-gallon storage bags. Add 1½ cups of powdered sugar to each bag. Seal the bags and shake thoroughly until all the cereal is evenly coated and no chocolatey spots remain.
Step 5 – Cool and Store
Spread the coated cereal mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Let cool completely. Once cool, transfer to an airtight container for storage.
Lynette’s Tip
Just like when you make chocolate covered pretzels, you want to melt the chocolate until it’s ALMOST melted. When there are a few bits of chocolate left, remove it from the heat, and stir until completely smooth. The chocolate will continue to melt as you stir.
More Snack Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Christmas Puppy Chow
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 Cup Rice Chex Cereal
- 4 1/2 Cups Corn Chex Cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with wax paper so the puppy chow has a place to cool. Measure the cereal into a large mixing bowl and set it aside.
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second bursts, stirring after each one, until the mixture is smooth and melted.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently stir until every piece of cereal is evenly coated.
- Divide the coated cereal between two 1-gallon resealable storage bags. Add 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar to each bag, seal tightly, and shake until the cereal is fully covered in sugar.
- Spread the coated cereal onto the prepared baking sheet to cool and set. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container for storage.
Notes
Variations
- Add Mix-ins: Toss in red and green M&Ms, crushed peppermint candies, or mini pretzels after the powdered sugar step to give it a festive touch.
- Different Nut Butter: You can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter. Just make sure it’s creamy and not too oily.
Nutrition
Recipe FAQs
There’s no difference, it’s just a regional name swap! Some call it Puppy Chow, others call it Muddy Buddies, but the ingredients and method are the same.
Natural peanut butter tends to separate and can make the coating oily or uneven. For best results, use a traditional creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy.
Be gentle when mixing the chocolate mixture with the cereal. A soft folding motion with a spatula works better than vigorous stirring.
Yes, you can melt the chocolate mixture on the stovetop using a double boiler. Just stir constantly to prevent burning.
