Christmas Puppy Chow

What Makes Christmas Puppy Chow So Special

There’s a certain magic that happens when you combine that rich, melty chocolate and peanut butter with the satisfying crunch of cereal, all dusted in a snowy blanket of powdered sugar. This easy puppy chow recipe is more than just a snack; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that instantly feels like a holiday hug.

I’ve been making this very chocolate puppy chow recipe since my children were small, and now it’s a non-negotiable tradition with the grandchildren. They always ask, “How do you make puppy chow for Christmas, Nana?” and we make a big, joyful mess of it together. It’s one of those powdered sugar recipes that is just pure, unadulterated joy.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 9 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Estimated Prep & Cook Time for Christmas Puppy Chow

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 2 minutes

Total time: 12 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cereal

Measure your 9 cups of Chex cereal into a very large mixing bowl. This gives you plenty of room to fold everything together without making a mess.

Step 2: Melt the Goodness

In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. This is the heart of your holiday puppy chow!

Step 3: Create the Coating

Microwave the mixture on high for 1 minute. Remove it and stir until it’s completely smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Add the Flavor

Stir the pure vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture. This little splash adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your chocolate puppy chow.

Step 5: Coat the Cereal

Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the cereal. Now, gently fold it all together until every single piece is evenly coated.

Step 6: Get Ready to Shake

Place the powdered sugar in a large, clean paper bag or a gallon-sized zip-top bag. This is the fun part of this powdered sugar recipe!

Step 7: The Big Shake

Add the coated cereal to the bag with the powdered sugar, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously until every piece is fully covered in that snowy sweetness.

Step 8: Set and Serve

Spread the finished Christmas Puppy Chow out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to let it set. Then, it’s ready to serve and enjoy!

Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this puppy chow snack absolutely perfect every single time. Here are my favorite little tweaks.

• Flavor Swap: For a festive twist, use white chocolate chips and mix in some crushed candy canes after shaking.
• Diet Tweak: You can easily use a gluten-free Chex cereal and dairy-free butter to accommodate dietary needs.
• Prep Fix: If your coating seems too thick, add a tiny splash of vegetable oil to thin it for easier coating.
• Storage Tip: Always store your Christmas Puppy Chow in an airtight container to keep it crunchy.

Healthier Alternatives for Christmas Puppy Chow

I often get asked, “Can I make a lighter version of this holiday puppy chow?” Absolutely! While the classic is a treat, you can make mindful swaps.

Use dark chocolate chips for antioxidants, a natural peanut butter with no added sugar, and a light dusting of powdered sugar. You can even find a powdered erythritol blend to use instead of traditional powdered sugar for a lower-sugar option.

How to Serve Christmas Puppy Chow

In our house, this easy puppy chow is served in a big, beautiful ceramic bowl right in the center of the kitchen island. It’s the first thing little hands (and big ones!) grab on the way through.

I love to pair this chocolate puppy chow with a warm cup of spiced cider or a cold glass of milk. It’s also wonderful packaged in little cellophane bags tied with a ribbon as the most heartfelt homemade gift.

Frequently Asked Questions