Introduction

This Christmas Puppy Chow recipe is a festive twist on the classic snack mix, combining crispy Chex cereal with a rich chocolate-peanut butter coating and a sparkling sugar dusting. It’s a delightful treat perfect for holiday gatherings and sharing with loved ones.

A white bowl filled with multiple small, square and bite-sized pieces of chocolate in dark brown color, all covered with a thick layer of white powdered sugar. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, decorated with a bright red ribbon tied in a bow beneath the bowl, with some powdered sugar sprinkled around the base and on the ribbon. The background shows soft out-of-focus warm yellow lights, creating a cozy feeling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

9 cups Chex cereal
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup festive sanding sugar

Instructions

Prepare the cereal: Measure 9 cups of Chex cereal and place it in a very large mixing bowl, larger than you think you need, then set it aside.
Melt the chocolate mixture: Over medium heat on the stovetop, melt together 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter, and 1/4 cup butter. Stir constantly to create a smooth blend without burning.
Add vanilla and cool slightly: Remove the melted chocolate mixture from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Let the mixture rest for 2-3 minutes to cool slightly but remain pourable.
Combine chocolate with cereal: Pour the chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal in three stages. Gently fold the cereal each time to coat without breaking the pieces, tossing carefully to ensure even coverage.
Combine sugars: In a large airtight plastic bag, add 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 cup festive sanding sugar. Shake the bag well to blend the sugars evenly.
Coat cereal with sugar mixture: Add the chocolate-coated Chex cereal to the sugar mixture in stages. Toss inside the bag to coat the cereal completely, then remove the coated cereal onto a wax paper-lined rimmed baking sheet as you go.
Chill and set: Spread the coated cereal in a single layer on the baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for one hour to allow the coating to set firmly.
Store and serve: After chilling, remove from the refrigerator. Store the puppy chow at room temperature or chilled until ready to serve. Enjoy this festive holiday snack!

Tips & Variations

Use gluten-free Chex cereal to make this recipe gluten-free.
For extra festive flair, mix in red and green M&M’s or holiday-themed sprinkles before chilling.
Substitute almond or cashew butter for peanut butter to suit different tastes or allergies.
If you prefer a richer chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
Ensure your mixing bowl is large enough to prevent spills while tossing the cereal with chocolate and sugars.

Storage

Store the puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to one week. If refrigerated, allow it to come to room temperature before serving for best texture. Avoid storing in humid conditions to keep the coating crisp.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with many small square pieces of snack covered in white powdered sugar, showing a slightly rough and powdery texture on the pieces, with some red hints visible underneath the sugar. The bowl sits on a folded cloth with red, green, and white patterns, tied with a red velvet ribbon bow at the front. The background is blurred with warm yellow and orange bokeh lights, giving a cozy feeling. The surface underneath is a white marbled texture with a light dusting of the powdered sugar around the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Christmas Puppy Chow up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness, and chill or bring it to room temperature before serving.

What if I don’t have festive sanding sugar?

You can use regular granulated sugar or colored sugar crystals to add a festive touch. Powdered sugar alone also works well, though the sanding sugar adds a nice sparkle and slight crunch.