'Tis the season for snacking, and nothing says Christmas like a big bowl of festive Christmas Puppy Chow! This twist on the classic snack mix features Rice Chex cereal coated in a luscious peanut butter-chocolate-butter mixture that's heavier on the peanut butter (because let’s be honest, sometimes chocolate takes over). The coated cereal is then dusted in powdered sugar and tossed with salty pretzels, and colorful holiday M&Ms. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and festive fun.
Trust me, Santa won’t be able to resist sneaking handful after handful of this irresistible treat. It’s ideal for holiday parties, gift-giving, or just cozying up with your favorite Christmas movie. Bonus? It’s a no-bake recipe that comes together in minutes! If you love festive treats, check out my Christmas blondies!
Jump to:
Why you'll love this recipe
- Balanced Flavor: The extra peanut butter makes this mix rich and creamy without being overly chocolatey, and the pretzels add a savory crunch that cuts through the sweetness. Sweet and salty cookies have pretzels as well.
- Festive & Fun: With salty pretzels and Christmas-colored M&Ms, it’s a cheerful treat that doubles as decoration for your snack table.
- Quick & Easy: No baking required! This comes together in less than 15 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute holiday prep just like my no bake gingerbread cheesecake.
Equipment
A large bowl with a lid is my favorite way to coat the christmas puppy chow with powdered sugar, it's much easier and more sturdy.
Ingredients
What you'll need for this easy puppy chow recipe:
- Rice Chex Cereal: The base of the mix; light and crispy, perfect for soaking up the peanut butter-chocolate coating.
- Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter like Skippy or Jif—not natural, as it tends to separate. Check out my peanut butter chocolate rice krispies too!
- Chocolate: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate works best for a rich flavor.
- Butter: Adds extra smoothness to the coating.
- Powdered Sugar: Coats everything for that classic Puppy Chow sweetness.
- Pretzels: Mini pretzels work best for their bite-sized crunch and saltiness.
- Christmas M&Ms: Use your favorite flavor—milk chocolate, peanut, or even pretzel M&Ms for extra texture.
See recipe card below for quantities.
Substitutions
Puppy chow recipe varations:
- Nut-Free: Substitute sunflower seed butter or cookie butter for a nut-free option.
- Extra Crunch: Add chopped nuts, like peanuts, for an extra crunchy bite or mini peanut butter cups! I added cashews to my butterscotch chocolate cookies and loved it!
- Flavored M&Ms: Try peanut butter or caramel M&Ms for a fun twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pretzels to make this snack mix safe for everyone to enjoy.
- White Chocolate: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions. These are just suggestions.
Instructions
How to make puppy chow!
Step 1. In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring well after each, until smooth and fully melted. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2. Place the Chex Rice Cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently fold with a spatula until all the cereal is evenly coated.
Step 3. Gently fold with a spatula until all the cereal is evenly coated. Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal to a large resealable plastic bag or a large lidded container.
Step 4. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag/container, and shake vigorously.
Step 5. Shake vigorously until all the cereal pieces are coated with powdered sugar.
Step 6. Pour the coated cereal into a large serving bowl. Add the mini pretzels and Christmas M&Ms, and gently toss to combine. Enjoy your Christmas puppy chow!
Hint: Gently stir the peanut butter chocolate mixture into the cereal, try not to break the cereal into little pieces.
Pro tips
- Work Quickly: Once the cereal is coated in the warm peanut butter-chocolate mixture, toss it in powdered sugar immediately to ensure it sticks. You have to work quickly making my chocolate covered rice krispies too.
- Cool Completely: Let the coated cereal cool fully before adding pretzels and M&Ms to avoid melting the chocolate candies.
- Use a Big Bowl: Tossing everything together can get messy—use a large mixing bowl with a lid for easy coating and shaking together.
FAQ
What is Christmas puppy chow great for?
Gifting and parties!! Package it in a cute tin or bag with fun ribbon for the easiest and thoughtful gift. Place on your appetizer table for fun holiday party snack.
What's the difference between puppy chow and muddy buddies?
Puppy Chow, often homemade in the Midwest, is Chex cereal coated in melted chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Muddy Buddies is the name General Mills uses for their pre-packaged version, which follows a similar recipe but is commercially produced.
What Chex Cereal should I use?
Whatever your heart desires! You can switch it up or use the classic flavor in this Christmas puppy chow!
Storage
Room Temperature
To keep your Christmas Puppy Chow fresh and crunchy, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay delicious for up to a week.
Freezer
If you're making it ahead for gifting or holiday parties, Christmas Puppy Chow also freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Did you try this recipe? Leave a ⭐️ rating below and share it on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest!
📖 Recipe
Christmas Puppy Chow
Equipment
- Measuring cups or kitchen scale
- Large bowl with lid or large ziplock bag
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (137 grams) semi sweet chocolate chips
- 1 ½ cups (378 grams) peanut butter I used Skippy (do not use natural)
- 4 tablespoons (55 grams) salted butter add ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt if you do not have salted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 9 cups (284 grams) Rice Chex Cereal
- 3 ½ - 4 cups (475 grams) powdered sugar you can eyeball this- should just coat the cereal so it doesn't stick together
- 2 cups (388 grams) Christmas m&ms or however much your prefer
- 2 cups (100 grams) mini pretzels or however much you prefer
Instructions
- In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring well after each, until smooth and fully melted. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Place the Chex Rice Cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently fold with a spatula until all the cereal is evenly coated.
- Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal to a large resealable plastic bag or a large lidded container. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag/container, and shake vigorously until all the cereal pieces are coated with powdered sugar.
- Pour the coated cereal into a large serving bowl. Add the mini pretzels and Christmas M&Ms, and gently toss to combine.
- See storage in notes below
Tony says
I love that it is not too sweet!