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If you’re looking for an easy Christmas treat that doesn’t require turning on the oven, this Christmas Puppy Chow is a fun one to make!
Also known as muddy buddies, puppy chow is made with crunchy Chex cereal coated in a sweet chocolate and peanut butter mixture and tossed in powdered sugar.
For the Christmas version, we’ll add red and green M&M’s and festive holiday sprinkles. It’s an easy snack to put together and makes a colorful addition to your Christmas dessert table.
I love recipes like this during the holidays because they’re quick to make, easy to share, and don’t require a lot of ingredients.
Ingredients for Christmas Puppy Chow
- 9 cups Rice Chex or Corn Chex cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup red and green M&M’s
- 1/4 cup Christmas sprinkles
How to Make Christmas Puppy Chow
Step 1: Prepare the Cereal
Measure the Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Make sure you have plenty of room to stir everything together without crushing the cereal.
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Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
Place the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until everything is melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
You can also melt the mixture in a small saucepan over low heat if you prefer.
Step 3: Coat the Cereal
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal.
Gently stir until all of the cereal pieces are coated. Try not to crush the cereal as you stir.
Step 4: Add the Powdered Sugar
Transfer the coated cereal to a large resealable plastic bag or a container with a lid.
Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake gently until the cereal is evenly coated.
If you don’t have a large bag, you can do this in batches in a covered container.
Step 5: Add the Christmas Decorations
Spread the puppy chow out on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Let it cool completely. Once cooled, gently stir in the red and green M&M’s and Christmas sprinkles.
Your Christmas Puppy Chow is ready to serve!
Tips for Making Christmas Puppy Chow
Use a large bowl. You’ll have an easier time coating the cereal without crushing it if you give yourself plenty of room to stir.
Let it cool before adding the candy. This helps keep the chocolate from melting the M&M’s.
Make it extra festive. Use red and green M&M’s, Christmas-colored sprinkles, or even holiday-shaped candy decorations.
Make a big batch. This recipe is easy to double if you’re making treats for a Christmas party or putting together homemade gift bags.
How to Store Christmas Puppy Chow
Store Christmas Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.
Christmas Puppy Chow Variations
There are lots of ways to change up this easy Christmas snack!
- White Chocolate Puppy Chow: Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Peppermint Puppy Chow: Add a little crushed peppermint candy after the mixture has cooled.
- Peanut Butter Cup Puppy Chow: Stir in mini peanut butter cups along with the M&M’s.
- Extra Chocolate Puppy Chow: Add chocolate candies or mini chocolate chips for even more chocolate flavor.
Christmas Puppy Chow is one of those easy holiday treats that everyone can grab by the handful.
Put it in a big bowl for your next Christmas party, add it to a holiday snack mix, or package it in little cellophane bags tied with ribbon for homemade Christmas gifts.
It’s simple, festive, and a fun addition to your holiday baking!
Follow my Christmas Candy & Homemade Treats board on Pinterest.
