Christmas Puppy Chow is a festive, crunchy treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. It’s a mix of crunchy cereal coated in rich chocolate and peanut butter, dusted with a snowy layer of powdered sugar. This sweet and crunchy snack is a holiday favorite that’s easy to whip up and hard to put down.
I love making Christmas Puppy Chow because it’s so simple and fun, especially with kids around. It feels like a little holiday project as you toss everything together and watch the cereal get coated in that delicious chocolatey mix. Plus, the powdered sugar adds the perfect touch that makes it look and taste like a snowy winter treat.
My favorite way to enjoy Puppy Chow is to fill a big bowl and set it out during holiday gatherings. It’s always the first thing to disappear! It’s also great for gift-giving in a festive bag or jar, bringing a little homemade cheer to friends and neighbors. Whenever I make this, I find myself sneaking handfuls long before Christmas morning.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Chex Cereal: This cereal is light and crunchy, perfect for coating. You can swap it with other rice or corn cereals if needed, but avoid anything too sugary or heavy to keep the right texture.
White Chocolate Chips & Candy Melts: White chocolate gives a smooth, creamy coating, while candy melts add festive color. If candy melts aren’t available, consider adding food coloring to white chocolate instead.
Mini M&Ms: They add color and a little extra crunch. You can substitute with holiday-themed sprinkles or skip them for a simpler treat.
Powdered Sugar: This creates the classic “snowy” look and adds sweetness. If you prefer less sugar, dust lightly or try cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.
How Do You Get an Even, Clump-Free Coating on Puppy Chow?
Coating the cereal evenly without clumps is key. Here’s how I do it:
- Warm the white chocolate and candy melts slowly, stirring often to avoid burning.
- Pour melted chocolate over cereal all at once, then gently fold with a spatula. Avoid stirring too hard to keep cereal pieces intact.
- Immediately transfer coated cereal to a sealed bag or container with powdered sugar, then shake gently but thoroughly. This keeps pieces separate and fully coated.
- Spread lined tray to dry helps prevent sticking. Let it sit uncovered for about an hour for the coating to firm up.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – I use this to coat the cereal evenly without spilling.
- Microwave-safe bowls – perfect for melting chocolate and candy melts safely and quickly.
- Spatula or large spoon – helps fold the melted chocolate into the cereal gently.
- Resealable plastic bag or airtight container – for shaking on the powdered sugar and coating everything evenly.
- Baking sheet or large tray – to spread the Puppy Chow out for drying and setting.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use dark or milk chocolate instead of white for a richer flavor.
- Mix in colorful mini marshmallows or holiday sprinkles for extra festivity.
- Add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for crunch and added flavor.
- Squeeze a bit of peppermint extract into the melted chocolate for a peppermint twist.
Christmas Puppy Chow
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup candy melts (red and green), or colored white chocolate candy melts
- ½ cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
- ½ cup mini M&Ms (red and green for a festive touch)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candy pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Christmas Puppy Chow snack takes about 15 minutes to prepare. After mixing and coating, allow about 1 hour for the mixture to dry and set before serving. It’s quick, easy, and super festive!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Your Cereal Ready:
Start by placing 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. This will be the base for your festive treat.
2. Melt the Chocolate and Candy Melts:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and the red and green candy melts. Heat them in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until everything is smooth and melted.
3. Add Vanilla Flavor:
Once melted, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to give your chocolate a lovely flavor boost.
4. Coat the Cereal:
Pour the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the cereal. Gently stir with a spatula or spoon, making sure every piece gets coated without breaking the cereal.
5. Mix In Festive M&Ms:
Add ½ cup of red and green mini M&Ms to the coated cereal. Fold them in carefully to spread them throughout the mixture.
6. Add Powdered Sugar Coating:
Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag or container. Add ½ cup powdered sugar, seal tightly, and shake gently to coat every piece in a snowy layer of sweetness.
7. Optional Peppermint Topping:
If you like, sprinkle crushed candy canes or peppermint pieces over the Puppy Chow and give it a gentle toss to combine.
8. Let It Set:
Spread the Christmas Puppy Chow out on a large baking sheet. Let it sit uncovered for at least an hour to allow the coating to firm up.
9. Time to Enjoy!
Serve your festive Puppy Chow in a big bowl for everyone to enjoy. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for freshness.
Can I Use Other Types of Cereal?
Yes! While Rice Chex is classic for Puppy Chow, you can substitute with other similar cereals like Corn Chex or even crispy oat cereals. Just be sure they have a sturdy texture to hold the coating well.
How Do I Prevent the Chocolate from Clumping?
Gently fold the melted chocolate into the cereal instead of stirring vigorously to avoid clumps. Immediately transferring the coated cereal into a sealed bag with powdered sugar and shaking helps keep the pieces separate and evenly coated.
Can I Make This Puppy Chow Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Christmas Puppy Chow can be prepared a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh and crunchy.
What’s a Good Substitution If I Don’t Have Candy Melts?
If candy melts aren’t available, you can use white chocolate chips and add a few drops of food coloring to tint the chocolate red and green. Just melt and mix gently to achieve festive colors.