Christmas Puppy Chow is a festive twist on a classic snack mix that’s crunchy, sweet, and perfectly dusted with powdered sugar. It’s made with crispy cereal pieces coated in a rich chocolate and peanut butter mixture, then sprinkled with a snowy layer of sugar that makes every bite feel like a holiday treat. The addition of colorful red and green candies adds a cheerful look that’s just perfect for Christmas.
I always love making this during the holiday season because it’s super easy and fun to whip up. It’s one of those snacks I find myself sneaking from the bowl when no one’s looking! The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is a total winner, and the powdered sugar gives it just the right amount of sweetness and a little messy, snowy charm. Plus, it’s a hit with kids and adults alike, making it great for parties or just a cozy night in.
Whenever I share this Christmas Puppy Chow at gatherings, it disappears fast—people just can’t resist going back for more. It’s perfect to pack up in little bags and give as homemade gifts, too. I like to serve it alongside a warm cup of cocoa or tea for a quick holiday pick-me-up. If you’re looking for a simple, cheerful snack that brings a bit of Christmas magic to your kitchen, this is the one to try!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cereal: Rice or Wheat Chex are perfect for this snack because they’re light and crunchy. If you prefer gluten-free, Rice Chex is a safe choice. For texture variety, you can mix in Cheerios or pretzel sticks.
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chocolate works well for the balance of sweetness. You can swap with milk or dark chocolate depending on your taste. For a dairy-free option, use vegan chocolate chips.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter helps the chocolate stick to the cereal. You can use almond or sunflower seed butter for allergies or to change the flavor. Just make sure it’s smooth and not chunky.
Powdered Sugar: This gives Puppy Chow its signature snowy look and sweet finish. If you’re avoiding refined sugar, try powdered coconut sugar or erythritol, but the texture might change slightly.
Holiday Candy: Adding red and green candies or sprinkles makes it festive. You can skip them if you want a plainer look or substitute with dried cranberries or chopped nuts for extra chew or crunch.
How Do You Get Every Cereal Piece Covered Evenly Without Breaking Them?
The secret is gentle stirring and shaking without crushing the cereal. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a large mixing bowl so you have room to move the cereal around without smashing it.
- After pouring melted chocolate mixture over the cereal, stir slowly with a spatula or wooden spoon. Go gently around the edges and underneath to coat all pieces.
- Transfer the coated cereal into a big resealable plastic bag or container before adding powdered sugar.
- Seal it tightly, then shake vigorously but carefully so powder sugar coats every piece. This also keeps the cereal from clumping together.
Taking these steps helps keep the crunchy texture and gives you that even, snowy coating Puppy Chow is known for.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – I use it to stir everything together without making a mess.
- Microwave-safe bowl – perfect for melting the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter quickly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts, so every batch turns out just right.
- Resealable plastic bag or large container with a lid – makes shaking in the powdered sugar easy and keeps things tidy.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – helps gently coat the cereal with the melted chocolate mixture without breaking the cereal.
- Soup or small cookie scoop (optional) – for portioning out candies or sprinkles evenly over the finished Puppy Chow.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use white chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of milk for different flavor profiles. White gives it a snowy look and extra sweetness.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for extra crunch and protein. Best to fold in after coating with sugar.
- Mix in dried cranberries or mini marshmallows for a chewy, fruity twist good for variety.
- Swap the holiday candies with mints or rainbow sprinkles for a different festive vibe. This is great if you want to customize the colors or flavors.
Christmas Puppy Chow
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 9 cups Rice Chex or Wheat Chex cereal
- 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
- 1/2 cup red and green holiday-themed candy-coated chocolates (e.g., M&M’s Christmas edition) or festive sprinkles
Time Needed
This tasty Christmas Puppy Chow snack takes about 15 minutes to prepare and mix, with an optional 10-15 minute cooling time to let it set perfectly before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Melt the Chocolate & Peanut Butter
Place the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Stir in the vanilla extract.
2. Coat the Cereal
Pour the cereal into a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal, then gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until every piece is well coated.
3. Add the Powdered Sugar
Transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag or a container with a lid. Add the powdered sugar, seal tightly, and shake vigorously until all pieces are evenly covered with powdered sugar.
4. Add Festive Touches and Serve
Pour the cereal into a large bowl. Gently fold in the holiday-themed candy-coated chocolates or colorful sprinkles for a festive look. Let it cool and set for 10-15 minutes, then enjoy!
5. Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to keep it fresh and crunchy.
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter Instead of Creamy?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to stir natural peanut butter well before measuring because the oils tend to separate. The texture might be a bit looser, so mix gently to keep the cereal coated without making it soggy.
Can I Make Christmas Puppy Chow Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! It stores well in an airtight container for up to a week. Just keep it at room temperature and avoid humidity to maintain the crunchy texture. If you want to prep early, add the candy-coated chocolates right before serving so they stay crisp.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Candy-Coated Chocolates?
No problem! You can swap with holiday sprinkles, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or mini marshmallows. These alternatives add fun color and texture without changing the classic taste too much.
How Do I Prevent the Cereal from Getting Soggy?
Be sure to melt and stir the chocolate mixture just until smooth and coat the cereal gently and quickly. Also, shake the coated cereal with powdered sugar right after coating while still warm to help the coating set and keep the crunch.