Christmas Puppy Chow is a fun and festive treat that’s perfect for the holiday season! It’s a crunchy mix made with cereal coated in chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar, which gives it that sweet, melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone loves. The holiday twist usually comes in with red and green sprinkles or M&Ms, making it look as cheerful as it tastes.
I love making Puppy Chow because it’s so simple and quick to whip up, yet it always feels special. I usually make a big batch and have it ready for when friends drop by during the holidays. Plus, it’s one of those snacks that disappears fast, so it’s a big hit with both kids and grown-ups alike. Just be warned—once you start snacking, it’s hard to stop!
My favorite way to serve Christmas Puppy Chow is in a big festive bowl right in the middle of the table. It’s great for munching while everyone chats and gets into the holiday spirit. I also like to package some up in little clear bags tied with ribbon to give as quick, homemade gifts. It’s a sweet little gesture that always brings smiles.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Chex Cereal: This cereal gives Puppy Chow its light crunch. You can swap it with Corn Chex or Wheat Chex if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chocolate adds the right balance of sweetness. If you want it sweeter, use milk chocolate chips; for less sweetness, try dark chocolate chips.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter melts smoothly and binds the mix. If you’re allergic or prefer, almond or sunflower seed butter works well too.
Powdered Sugar: It coats the cereal to keep pieces from sticking and adds sweetness. You can use a sugar substitute if needed.
M&Ms: Red and green M&Ms add a festive look and a bit of crunch. You can replace them with holiday-colored chocolate candies or skip them for a simpler snack.
How Can I Get Every Cereal Piece Evenly Coated Without Making a Mess?
Coating the cereal evenly is key to great Puppy Chow. The best way is to use a large resealable plastic bag. After mixing the melted chocolate and peanut butter with cereal, put it in the bag with powdered sugar, seal tightly, and shake, shake, shake!
- This keeps everything contained and coats each piece well.
- If you don’t have a bag, use a large bowl with a lid or cover with plastic wrap tightly, then shake gently.
- Use a spatula to mix gently if you prefer not to shake.
Just be sure to let the mixture cool a bit before adding powdered sugar to avoid clumping. This simple technique saves time and mess.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – I like using a big bowl so there’s plenty of space to mix everything evenly.
- Microwave-safe bowl – perfect for melting the chocolate, peanut butter, and butter quickly and smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate measurements of ingredients like vanilla and sugar.
- Resealable plastic bag or large bowl with lid – essential for coating the cereal with powdered sugar without making a mess.
- Spoon or spatula – helpful for stirring and mixing the coatings into the cereal.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use white chocolate chips instead of semisweet for a sweeter, creamier flavor, perfect for a more festive look.
- Add chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, for extra crunch and flavor.
- Mix in crushed peppermint candies or candy canes for a minty twist and extra holiday cheer.
- Replace M&Ms with holiday-shaped chocolates or sprinkles for a different colorful look.
Christmas Puppy Chow
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup red and green holiday M&M candies
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare from start to finish. There’s no baking required, and most of the time is spent mixing and coating the cereal. A few minutes of resting allow the coating to set, so you’re ready to enjoy your festive snack in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cereal:
Pour the 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set it aside. This gives you plenty of room to mix later without spilling.
2. Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup chocolate chips, ½ cup peanut butter, and ¼ cup unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for added flavor.
3. Coat the Cereal:
Pour the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the cereal. Use a spatula to gently stir everything together, making sure each piece of cereal is coated with the chocolate-peanut butter blend.
4. Add the Powdered Sugar:
Transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag. Add 1 ½ cups powdered sugar into the bag, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously. Keep shaking until the cereal pieces are thoroughly coated with powdered sugar, giving Puppy Chow that classic look and sweetness.
5. Add Festive M&Ms and Serve:
Pour the coated cereal back into your large mixing bowl. Add ½ cup red and green holiday M&M candies, then gently mix them in. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes so the coating can set. Serve in a festive bowl and enjoy your tasty Christmas Puppy Chow!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cereal?
Yes! While Rice Chex is classic for Puppy Chow, you can substitute with Corn Chex or Wheat Chex depending on your taste preference. Just avoid cereals that are too fragile or small.
Can I Make Christmas Puppy Chow Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! It stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Just give it a gentle shake before serving to redistribute any powdered sugar that may have settled.
What Can I Use Instead of Peanut Butter?
You can swap creamy peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter if needed. Make sure it’s smooth to get that perfect coating consistency.
How Do I Keep the Puppy Chow from Getting Soggy?
Make sure your cereal is completely dry before mixing. Also, let the coated mix set at room temperature so the chocolate can firm up, which helps keep it crunchy longer.