Christmas Puppy Chow is a festive twist on the classic snack mix that’s perfect for the holiday season! It’s made by coating crunchy cereal pieces in a blend of melted chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar, then adding a sprinkle of holiday cheer with red and green candies or sprinkles. The combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy makes it an irresistible treat to munch on during cold winter days or holiday parties.
I love making this recipe because it’s so easy and fun to prepare, especially with the kids. Watching the cereal get all covered in chocolate and then tossing it with powdered sugar feels a little like winter magic. Plus, it’s one of those snacks that everyone goes back for seconds — even grown-ups! My trick is to let it chill in the fridge for a bit, so the chocolate hardens up just right and gives every bite a satisfying snap.
My favorite way to serve Christmas Puppy Chow is in a big festive bowl during holiday movie nights or to package it up in little bags as homemade gifts for friends and neighbors. It’s cheerful, simple, and always brings a smile. Whenever I make this, it reminds me of cozy family moments and the joy of sharing something sweet during the most wonderful time of the year.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chex Cereal: This is the base that gives Puppy Chow its crunch. Rice or corn Chex both work well. If unavailable, try crisp rice cereal or another light, crispy cereal.
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chocolate chips offer a nice balance of sweetness. You can swap for milk chocolate for sweeter or dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
Peanut Butter: Creamy or chunky works fine here. If you have a peanut allergy, try sunflower seed butter or almond butter as a tasty alternative.
Powdered Sugar: This coats the Puppy Chow and adds sweetness. If you want to cut back on sugar, you could lightly dust with cocoa powder or skip adding this entirely for a less sweet snack.
Candy-Coated Chocolates: Red and green M&M’s or similar candies give a festive look. You can substitute with holiday-themed sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or dried cranberries for a different twist.
How Do You Get Each Piece Perfectly Coated Without Breaking the Cereal?
Coating the cereal evenly with the chocolate mixture can be tricky. Here’s how to get it right:
- Use a large bowl so there’s room to gently stir without crushing the cereal.
- Pour the warm chocolate-peanut butter mix over the cereal slowly, then gently fold it with a spatula to coat all pieces.
- Transfer the coated cereal to a resealable bag before adding powdered sugar — this allows you to shake and coat each piece without clumps.
- Shake the bag gently but thoroughly, so the sugar covers evenly without breaking the cereal.
- Add candies last and fold carefully to avoid crushing them.
Chilling the coated mix on wax paper helps the chocolate harden for that nice snap. Trust these simple steps, and your Puppy Chow will come out perfectly coated and crunchy every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – I prefer it because it gives plenty of space to gently stir and coat the cereal evenly.
- Microwave-safe bowl – perfect for melting the chocolate, peanut butter, and butter quickly without extra dishes.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate measurements, especially for ingredients like vanilla and sugar.
- Resealable plastic bag or large container with a lid – great for shaking the coated cereal with powdered sugar and candies without making a mess.
- Wax paper or a large baking sheet – to spread out the Puppy Chow and let it cool without sticking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use white or dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for different flavor profiles.
- Add crushed peppermint candies or candy canes for a minty, holiday twist.
- Mix in chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds for crunch and extra flavor.
- Substitute dried cranberries or cherry bits for a fruity burst inside the snack.
Christmas Puppy Chow
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 9 cups rice or corn Chex cereal
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup red and green candy-coated chocolate pieces (like M&M’s)
- Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Christmas Puppy Chow recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 30 minutes to let it cool and set. It’s quick to whip up and makes a perfect last-minute holiday treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Melt the Chocolate Mixture:
In a microwave-safe bowl, add the semisweet chocolate chips, peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until everything is melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
2. Coat the Cereal:
Place the cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the cereal. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold and coat each piece evenly. Be careful not to crush the cereal.
3. Add Powdered Sugar:
Transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag or container. Add the powdered sugar, seal tightly, and shake well until all the cereal pieces are fully covered with powdered sugar. This gives Puppy Chow its classic “snowy” look!
4. Mix in the Festive Touches:
Open the bag or container and add the red and green candy-coated chocolates and chopped nuts if you like. Gently fold or shake just enough to mix without breaking the candies.
5. Let It Cool and Store:
Spread the Puppy Chow out on wax paper or a baking sheet to let it cool and harden for about 30 minutes. Once ready, store the snack in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh.
Enjoy your festive Christmas Puppy Chow as a crunchy, sweet holiday treat perfect for sharing at parties or gifting to friends and family!
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter Instead of Regular Peanut Butter?
Yes! Natural peanut butter works fine, but since it’s thinner, you may want to reduce the butter slightly to keep the coating firm. Also, stir it well before melting to combine the oils.
Can I Make Christmas Puppy Chow Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! It stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Just keep it away from heat to prevent the chocolate from melting.
What Can I Substitute for Candy-Coated Chocolates?
If you don’t have red and green candies, try mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, chopped dried cranberries, or festive nuts to add color and texture.
How Do I Keep the Cereal Crunchy?
Make sure to coat the cereal while the chocolate mixture is warm but not too hot, and allow it to cool completely on wax paper before storing. Avoid storing in humid or warm places for best crunch.
