Christmas Puppy Chow Mix

Christmas Puppy Chow is my festive go-to for every holiday party and gift bag. This sweet and crunchy treat blends Chex cereal with a decadent coat of chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Packed with sparkle from colorful sanding sugar, it disappears before the movie credits roll and makes a fun hands-on family activity.

The first time I made this, my friends started sneaking handfuls before it even cooled. Now I double the batch every December because it always vanishes fast.

Ingredients

• Chex cereal: nine cups makes the addictive crunchy base choose fresh cereal for that perfect snap
• Semi sweet chocolate chips: one cup melts smoothly and blends perfectly with peanut butter use good quality chocolate for extra richness
• Smooth peanut butter: half cup binds everything together and adds an irresistible nutty flavor creamy peanut butter gives the best texture
• Butter: quarter cup gives silkiness to the coating use unsalted for more control over flavor
• Vanilla extract: one teaspoon adds a warm note real vanilla makes a big difference here
• Powdered sugar: two cups creates the signature snowy look sift before using for even coverage
• Festive sanding sugar: one cup gives magical Christmas sparkle choose bright holiday colors for a showstopper effect

Instructions

Measure the Chex:

Use a very large mixing bowl even larger than you think you need to prevent pieces from spilling out as you stir

Melt the chocolate mixture:

Set a saucepan over medium heat and add the chocolate chips peanut butter and butter Stir constantly with a spatula until smooth and fully melted This usually takes about three to five minutes

Add vanilla:

Take the saucepan off the heat Stir in the vanilla and let the mixture cool for two to three minutes This short wait keeps the coating from making the cereal soggy

Coat the cereal:

Pour the chocolate mixture over the Chex in three stages Gently fold after each addition Use a big spatula or your clean hands to make sure every piece is coated without crushing the cereal

Powder and sparkle:

In a big airtight plastic bag mix together the powdered sugar and festive sanding sugar Shake to combine and break up any clumps

Sugar-coat the cereal:

Add the chocolate coated Chex to the sugar mixture in batches Seal the bag and toss gently until every piece is covered Then transfer the coated cereal to a rimmed baking sheet lined with wax paper

Chill to set:

Spread the coated cereal in a single layer on the baking sheet Place in the fridge for at least an hour to help everything firm up and prevent sticky hands

Enjoy and Store:

Once set move your puppy chow to an airtight container Keep it at room temperature or in the fridge It stays crisp and fresh for a week if you can resist that long

Sprinkles are my favorite part and I always let the kids choose the colors for each batch Last Christmas my youngest spent ten minutes deciding between red green and gold but finally picked them all together and it turned out unforgettable

Storage Tips

Store your Christmas Puppy Chow in an airtight container to keep it crunchy for up to one week Refrigeration is great if your kitchen is warm but room temperature is fine during colder months Try dividing into smaller containers for easy grab and go snacks or gift giving

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter if you need a nut free version Milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips also work if you prefer a sweeter or deeper chocolate flavor If you run out of powdered sugar you can pulse granulated sugar in a food processor until fine

Serving Suggestions

Fill festive tins or clear bags for party favors or hostess gifts Serve in a big bowl for movie night or scatter over a dessert board with cookies and candies This recipe is also adorable layered in mason jars with a ribbon

Cultural and Holiday Traditions

Puppy Chow may have Midwest American roots but calling it Reindeer Chow transforms it for Christmas I always remember my grandmother making a huge tub of it for the church holiday bazaar and sneaking little baggies to all the grandkids

Seasonal Adaptations

Use pastel sanding sugars for Easter Swap in orange and black for Halloween parties Add heart sprinkles for Valentine’s Day You can make this recipe any time of year with a color change to fit the season

Success Stories

Friends beg for the recipe every time I bring a batch to a get together My kids even convinced their teacher to let us make some for their class holiday party last year It is the ultimate crowd pleaser and disappears fast

Freezer Meal Conversion

Puppy Chow freezes surprisingly well Just pack tightly in a freezer bag and thaw at room temperature before serving The chilling time after making also helps avoid sticky clumps

This recipe is so festive and customizable you will return to it year after year. Share it with friends and family for instant holiday cheer.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What kind of cereal works best for this snack?

Chex cereal is ideal due to its absorbency and crunch, ensuring an even coating and a satisfying texture.

→ Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Yes, dark chocolate adds deeper flavor and less sweetness. Melt with butter and peanut butter as directed.

→ How should the finished snack be stored?

Keep in an airtight container, refrigerated for up to a week to maintain freshness and prevent melting.

→ Is there a nut-free alternative to peanut butter?

Sunflower seed butter or almond butter can be substituted for a similar taste and consistency without peanuts.

→ Can festive colors be customized?

Absolutely! Choose sanding sugars and sprinkles to match any celebration or holiday theme.

→ Can children help with preparation?

Yes, kids can help toss the cereal with coating and sugars, making it a fun and interactive holiday project.