Christmas Puppy Chow is a fun and festive snack that’s perfect for the holiday season. It’s made with crispy cereal pieces coated in a sweet, chocolaty mixture and dusted with powdered sugar, giving it a delightful crunch and a snowy, Christmas look. Some versions even include colorful sprinkles or red and green candies to make it extra cheerful!
I love making Puppy Chow because it’s so simple to prepare and always a big hit whether I bring it to a party or just keep it around the house for family snack time. One of my favorite parts is watching how quickly it disappears—everyone seems to love grabbing handfuls of it while chatting or watching holiday movies. It’s a playful treat that reminds me a bit of childhood celebrations and easy, casual fun.
When I serve Christmas Puppy Chow, I like to put it in festive bowls or fill small treat bags tied up with ribbons—it’s an easy way to spread holiday cheer and share something tasty with friends and neighbors. Plus, it’s quick to whip up last minute if friends stop by unexpectedly. Puppy Chow always adds a little extra joy to the season.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice cereal squares: These are the base and hold all the flavors. I use Chex because they stay crunchy. If needed, you could try puffed wheat or similar cereals but watch for sogginess.
Chocolate chips: Semisweet is classic, balancing sweet and rich. For a twist, use milk or dark chocolate. Allergy alert? Try dairy-free chocolate chips or carob chips.
Peanut butter: Adds creaminess and flavor. Creamy works best to coat evenly. Swap with almond or sunflower butter if you need a peanut-free version.
Powdered sugar: This coats the cereal and gives that snowy look. Don’t skip it! You can adjust the amount to your sweetness taste but keep enough for good coverage.
Holiday sprinkles: These make it festive. Choose your favorite red and green sprinkles or edible stars. You can skip them if you prefer plain Puppy Chow.
How Do I Make Sure Every Cereal Piece Is Evenly Coated?
Coating the cereal well ensures every bite tastes great and looks festive. Here’s how I do it:
- After melting the chocolate, peanut butter, and butter smoothly, pour it over the cereal in a large bowl.
- Use a gentle folding motion with a spatula to mix so you don’t break the cereal pieces.
- Transfer the coated cereal into a large sealable bag or container before adding powdered sugar.
- Seal and shake gently but thoroughly. This sealing-and-shaking step helps powder stick evenly.
- Aim for a light shake first, then go for full coating without pressing too hard to avoid crushing the cereal.
This approach keeps the cereal crunchy and nicely coated for that perfect Puppy Chow texture and flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – I use it because it gives plenty of space to gently mix everything without spilling.
- Microwave-safe bowl – this makes melting the chocolate and peanut butter easy and quick.
- Spatula or large spoon – perfect for folding the coating into the cereal carefully.
- Resealable plastic bag or large container with a lid – I love shaking the coated cereal here for even coverage.
- Festive serving bowl or treat bags – makes your presentation extra cheerful for the holidays.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use white chocolate and red/green candies for a snowy, candy cane look that’s sweet and colorful.
- Mix in chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for extra crunch and flavor.
- Swap peanut butter with cookie butter or marshmallow fluff for a different sweet twist.
- Add crushed peppermint candies or red and green M&Ms for a festive, minty flavor.
Christmas Puppy Chow
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 9 cups rice cereal squares (such as Chex)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar
- Red and green holiday sprinkles (about 1/4 cup)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. There’s no baking required, so you can mix everything up quickly and enjoy right away or store it for later snacking.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Melt the Chocolate Mixture:
Put the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until everything is melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract until it’s well mixed.
2. Coat the Cereal:
Place the rice cereal squares in a large bowl. Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon to coat all the pieces evenly without breaking them.
3. Add the Powdered Sugar:
Transfer the coated cereal to a large resealable plastic bag or container. Add the powdered sugar, seal it, and shake gently until every piece is nicely covered with the powdered sugar.
4. Add Festive Sprinkles and Serve:
Pour the coated cereal into a bowl. Sprinkle the red and green holiday sprinkles on top and gently mix to spread the colors evenly. Let it sit for a few minutes so the sprinkles stick well. Serve in a festive bowl and enjoy!
5. Storage:
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. It stays crunchy and delicious!
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter Instead of Creamy Peanut Butter?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to stir the natural peanut butter well before measuring, and expect a slightly different texture. It may be a bit less smooth but will still coat the cereal nicely.
How Do I Store Christmas Puppy Chow to Keep It Fresh?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature, away from heat or moisture. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to one week.
Can I Make This Puppy Chow Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day or two ahead, store it in an airtight container, and it will be ready to serve whenever you want. Just give it a gentle mix before serving if some pieces stick together.
What’s a Good Substitute if I’m Allergic to Peanuts?
You can swap peanut butter for almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or any nut-free spread you like. These alternatives will still give you that creamy texture and flavor.
