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Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe – Easy Festive Snack for Holiday Parties

Christmas Puppy Chow - featured image

This Christmas Puppy Chow is a quick, festive, and irresistibly delicious snack perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or cozy nights in. Crunchy Chex cereal is coated in a creamy chocolate-peanut butter mixture, tossed with powdered sugar, and finished with holiday M&Ms and sprinkles for a magical treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 9 cups rice Chex cereal (or corn Chex)
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)
  • 1 cup holiday M&Ms (red and green)
  • 1/3 cup Christmas sprinkles
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
  • Optional: mini marshmallows
  • Optional: substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter for peanut butter
  • Optional: use gluten-free Chex cereal
  • Optional: coconut oil instead of butter for dairy-free

Instructions

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Pour Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until smooth (about 90 seconds total). Alternatively, melt together over low heat in a saucepan, stirring constantly.
  3. Stir in vanilla extract and peppermint extract (if using) into the melted mixture.
  4. Pour the melted mixture over the Chex cereal. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold until every piece is coated.
  5. Sprinkle in holiday M&Ms and Christmas sprinkles, folding gently to distribute. Add mini marshmallows or extra chocolate chips if desired.
  6. Transfer the coated cereal into a large zip-top bag or paper bag. Add powdered sugar. Seal the bag and shake until the cereal is completely coated.
  7. Spread the Puppy Chow onto the prepared baking sheet. Let it cool for about 10–15 minutes.
  8. Once cool, transfer to a serving bowl or package into holiday bags for gifting.

Notes

For best results, use gentle folding to avoid crushing the cereal. Sift powdered sugar to prevent clumping. Cool completely before storing to maintain crunch. Easily adapt for gluten-free, nut-free, or dairy-free diets by substituting ingredients. Double the recipe for parties and gift in festive bags or jars.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas Puppy Chow, holiday snack, festive treat, Chex mix, chocolate peanut butter, party food, easy dessert, edible gift, Christmas recipe, kids snack