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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Execute a vigorous shaking motion to create a pristine, sugar-dusted exterior that completely encapsulates each cereal morsel.
- 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.
- Once cooled, gently incorporate the festive M&Ms and holiday sprinkles, distributing them evenly to create a visually stunning and colorful holiday treat.
- 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.
- 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