The Jolly Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe Everyone Adores

Munching on this classic Christmas puppy chow brings back memories of cozy holiday gatherings.

Sweet chocolate and powdered sugar create an irresistible treat that sparks joy.

Kids and adults alike go crazy for these crunchy, bite-sized morsels.

Magical moments happen when everyone gathers around a big bowl of this festive snack.

The simple ingredients come together in minutes, making it perfect for busy holiday preparations.

I love how quick and easy this recipe becomes with just a few pantry staples.

Trust me, you’ll want to make extra because these addictive little bites disappear fast.

Grab a handful and let the holiday cheer begin!

Christmas Puppy Chow Tips You’ll Be Glad To Know

• Keep Cereal Crisp: Ensure Rice Chex is fresh and crisp before coating to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
• Melt Chocolate Carefully: Use low microwave power and stir frequently to prevent chocolate from burning or seizing.
• Control Sugar Coating: Add powdered sugar gradually for even distribution and adjust amount based on desired sweetness level.
• Prevent Clumping: Let chocolate-coated cereal cool slightly before adding powdered sugar to avoid sticky, dense clusters.
• Store Smartly: Use airtight containers and keep away from direct heat to maintain crunchiness and prevent melting of chocolate and sprinkles.

Store Christmas Puppy Chow The Smart Way

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container, keeping the puppy chow crisp and fresh for up to 5-7 days at room temperature.
• Prevent Moisture: Seal the container tightly to block humidity, which can make the cereal lose its signature crunch.
• Room Temperature: Store in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to maintain the treat's texture and flavor.
• Freeze Option: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to one month, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

What Goes Well With Christmas Puppy Chow

• Pair with Festive Hot Cocoa: Brew a rich, creamy hot chocolate topped with marshmallows to complement the sweet and chocolatey puppy chow. The warm beverage balances the crunchy, cool treat perfectly.
• Match with Peppermint Cocktail: Create a festive adult version by serving a peppermint martini or white chocolate peppermint cocktail alongside the puppy chow. The minty notes enhance the holiday flavors beautifully.
• Serve with Holiday Milk Flight: Offer different flavored milks like chocolate, vanilla, and eggnog to dip and enjoy with the puppy chow. Kids and adults will love exploring these delightful milk combinations.
• Complement with Christmas Cookie Platter: Arrange classic sugar cookies, gingerbread, and shortbread next to the puppy chow for a delectable holiday snack spread. The variety of textures and flavors will make everyone smile.

Different Ways To Enjoy Christmas Puppy Chow

• Peppermint Crunch Edition: Swap out regular M&Ms for crushed candy canes and white chocolate chips, creating a cool minty flavor profile that screams holiday cheer.
• Gingerbread Spice Mix: Replace vanilla extract with gingerbread spice and add ground cinnamon to the chocolate mixture, then dust with graham cracker crumbs for extra warmth.
• Nutty Holiday Blend: Incorporate chopped roasted pecans or almonds into the mix, and use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a richer, more sophisticated taste.
• Winter Wonderland Version: Mix in white chocolate chips, use white chocolate for coating, and sprinkle with silvery edible glitter and white nonpareils for a sophisticated snow-covered look.

FAQ For Christmas Puppy Chow Fans

• What makes this Puppy Chow special for Christmas?

This version features holiday M&Ms and festive sprinkles that give it a cheerful, seasonal touch perfect for Christmas celebrations and winter gatherings.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids can help mix ingredients, shake the bag with powdered sugar, and enjoy adding colorful sprinkles, making it a fun family activity.

• Can I use a different type of chocolate?

White chocolate or milk chocolate chips work great as substitutes for the chocolate chips, allowing you to customize the flavor and appearance of your Puppy Chow.

• How do I prevent the chocolate from burning when melting?

Always use short 30-second intervals in the microwave and stir between each interval to ensure smooth melting and prevent scorching the chocolate mixture.

Why Christmas Puppy Chow Is So Fun

• Celebrate Festive Flavors: Dive into a delightful holiday treat that blends rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and crunchy cereal with a festive twist of colorful M&Ms and sprinkles.
• Effortless Holiday Baking: Create a crowd-pleasing snack in under 30 minutes with simple microwave melting and easy mixing techniques that require minimal cooking skills.
• Perfect Party Companion: Whip up a shareable, portable dessert that's ideal for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or casual munching with its irresistible sweet-and-crunchy texture.
• Kid-Friendly Christmas Craft: Engage children in a fun, no-bake recipe that lets them help with shaking, mixing, and adding festive decorations, making holiday prep a joyful family activity.

What You’ll Use For Christmas Puppy Chow

• Rice Chex Cereal: Crunchy base that gets coated with chocolate mixture, ideal for holding sweet coating.
• Chocolate Chips: Provides rich chocolate flavor and helps create smooth melted coating.
• Peanut Butter: Adds creamy texture and nutty taste to the chocolate mixture.
• Butter: Helps create smooth melting and adds richness to the coating.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with subtle sweet notes.

• Powdered Sugar: Gives sweet dusty coating and creates classic puppy chow texture.

• M&Ms: Colorful holiday candies that add crunch and festive look.
• Holiday Sprinkles: Provides extra holiday cheer and decorative touch to the snack.

Steps To Make Christmas Puppy Chow Quickly

Step 1: Prepare Cereal Base

Pour Rice Chex cereal into a spacious mixing bowl, creating a crispy canvas for your festive treat.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Magic

• Chocolate chips
• Peanut butter
• Butter

Zap the mixture in short bursts, stirring between each interval until silky smooth. Drizzle in vanilla extract for an extra flavor punch.

Step 3: Coat Cereal Completely

Cascade the molten chocolate mixture over the cereal, using a spatula to gently swirl and ensure every piece gets a luxurious chocolate hug.

Step 4: Sugar Shower

Transfer the chocolate-kissed cereal into a jumbo resealable plastic bag or roomy container. Dump in powdered sugar and shake with enthusiasm until each morsel is blanketed in sweet white goodness.

Step 5: Deck the Chow

• Holiday-themed M&Ms
• Festive sprinkles
• Colorful edible confetti

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Scoop the Christmas Puppy Chow into a jolly serving bowl or portion into cute gift bags. This treat stays fresh and crispy for up to a week when stored in an airtight container.

Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas Puppy Chow sprinkles holiday cheer with its irresistible chocolate-coated cereal mix. Peppermint-kissed crunch and powdered sugar create a merry treat perfect for sharing with family and friends at seasonal gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 9 cups rice chex cereal
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup peanut butter
• ¼ cup unsalted butter

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) vanilla extract

Decorative Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup red and green M&Ms
• ½ cup holiday sprinkles

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious mixing vessel and carefully distribute the Rice Chex cereal, creating an even layer that will serve as the foundation for this festive treat.
2. Select a microwave-safe container and combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter, creating a rich, glossy mixture that will envelop the cereal in decadent goodness.
3. Apply gentle heat in short intervals, stirring meticulously after each burst to ensure a smooth, completely integrated chocolate base, then introduce vanilla extract for an aromatic enhancement.
4. Cascade the molten chocolate mixture over the cereal, using a silicone spatula to perform a delicate folding technique that guarantees uniform chocolate coverage without crushing the delicate cereal pieces.
5. Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into a generously sized sealable plastic bag or container with a secure lid, then shower the powdered sugar over the contents.
6. Execute a vigorous shaking motion to create a pristine, sugar-dusted exterior that completely encapsulates each cereal morsel.
7. Spread the sugared mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing it to cool and solidify for approximately 15 minutes, which will help set the chocolate coating.
8. Once cooled, gently incorporate the festive M&Ms and holiday sprinkles, distributing them evenly to create a visually stunning and colorful holiday treat.
9. Present the Christmas Puppy Chow in a decorative serving bowl or portion into charming gift bags, ready to delight friends and family with its sweet, crunchy appeal.
10. Preserve the remaining mixture in an airtight container, maintaining its crispness and flavor for up to one week at ambient room temperature.

Notes

• Swap Rice Chex for gluten-free alternatives like corn or rice cereals to accommodate gluten-sensitive diners, ensuring everyone can enjoy this festive treat.
• Use dark chocolate chips or dairy-free chocolate for a richer flavor and to create vegan-friendly versions that still capture the holiday spirit.
• Keep the coating temperature low and gentle to prevent chocolate from burning, which helps maintain smooth, silky texture and consistent coverage on cereal pieces.
• Allow the mixture to cool completely before adding M&Ms to prevent color bleeding and maintain the vibrant look of holiday sprinkles and candies.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg