Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe tastes like crunchy peanut butter chocolate bites tossed in powdered sugar with peppermint and M&Ms for extra holiday sparkle. It suits busy hosts, kids, and gift givers, and it takes about 20 minutes start to finish. I stir a batch while the tree lights blink and try not to snack straight from the bowl.
Why Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe Is Worth It
Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe delivers big holiday flavor with almost no effort. You melt pantry staples, coat cereal, shake with powdered sugar, then add red and green candy. The process stays simple, the clean up stays easy, and the result vanishes fast. This snack mix scales well for parties and teacher gifts. You can tweak flavors for allergies or taste, and kids can help with the shaking part.
Ingredients You Need
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal (Corn Chex works too; use a gluten-free box if needed)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (Ghirardelli or Guittard melt smoothly; chocolate melting wafers also work)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (Jif or Skippy; swap sunflower seed butter for nut-free)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (or 3 tablespoons coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt or kosher salt
- 2 to 2.5 cups powdered sugar (start with 2 cups, add more for a thicker coat)
- 1 cup red and green M&Ms or chocolate candies (check labels for allergen info)
- 1/2 cup finely crushed candy canes, optional
- 1/3 cup holiday sprinkles, optional
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl, microwave-safe bowl, and heatproof spatula
- 2 large zip-top bags or a lidded container for shaking
- Sheet pan lined with parchment
- Measuring cups and spoons
Quick Tips & substitutions
- Pre-measure everything so the chocolate mix hits the cereal while warm.
- Warm the chocolate, peanut butter, and butter in 30 second bursts and stir well to prevent scorching.
- Fold the cereal gently so you keep the crunch.
- Split the sugar and cereal between two bags so you coat evenly.
- Want extra white look? Add a final dusting of powdered sugar on the sheet pan.
- Swap peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter.
- Use white chocolate or chocolate wafers if you want a sweeter base.
- For dairy-free, use dairy-free chocolate and coconut oil in place of butter.
- For gluten-free, stick with Rice Chex and candy labeled gluten-free.
How to Make Christmas Puppy Chow
Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 2 minutes Total: 20 minutes
- Line a sheet pan with parchment and pour 9 cups Chex into a large mixing bowl.
- Add chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter to a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then repeat until smooth and glossy, about 90 seconds total.
- Stir in vanilla and salt until combined.
- Pour the warm mixture over the cereal and fold with a spatula until every piece looks coated.
- Add 1 cup powdered sugar to a large zip-top bag, add half the coated cereal, seal, and shake until snowy.
- Repeat with the remaining powdered sugar and cereal.
- Spread the coated cereal on the lined pan and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Toss in M&Ms, crushed candy canes, and sprinkles, then mix gently on the pan.
- Taste, add a pinch more salt if you want extra contrast, and portion into bowls or gift bags.
Simple Variations
- Peppermint white chocolate: use white chocolate, add 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract, and top with extra candy cane dust.
- Hot cocoa mix: whisk 2 tablespoons cocoa powder into the powdered sugar and add mini marshmallows.
- Cookie butter gingerbread: swap peanut butter with cookie butter, add 1 teaspoon cinnamon plus a pinch of nutmeg and cloves.
- Dark chocolate sea salt: use 70 percent dark chocolate and finish with a light sprinkle of flaky salt.
- Nut-free crunch: use sunflower seed butter and swap M&Ms for candy-coated chocolates from a nut-free brand.
- Snickerdoodle: use white chocolate and finish with a mix of powdered sugar and cinnamon.
Ways to Serve Christmas Puppy Chow
- Fill clear treat bags with ribbon for stocking stuffers.
- Add to a holiday dessert board with cookies and fudge.
- Serve in big bowls for movie night with hot cocoa.
- Use as a crunchy topping for vanilla ice cream or yogurt parfaits.
- Pack small jars for teacher or neighbor gifts.
Storage
Store Christmas Puppy Chow in an airtight container at cool room temperature for 5 to 7 days. Keep it dry and away from heat so the coating stays crisp. Freeze for up to 2 months in a flat freezer bag, then thaw at room temperature before serving. If it looks light on sugar after thawing, toss with a tablespoon of powdered sugar to refresh the look.
Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the rice Chex cereal in a large bowl and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently fold until all the cereal is evenly coated.
- Transfer the coated cereal to a large zip-top bag. Add powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake well until the cereal is fully covered.
- Pour the puppy chow into a serving bowl. Add red and green chocolate candies and holiday sprinkles, if using.
- Toss gently to distribute candies and serve.