If you’re looking for the ultimate holiday snack that combines chocolate, peanut butter, and a delightful crunch, you’re in for a treat with this Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Puppy Chow Recipe. I absolutely love how this mix comes together—it’s sweet, a little salty, and just festive enough to brighten any holiday gathering. Trust me, whether you’re making it for a party, a gift, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and totally addictive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Holiday Snack: It’s festive, colorful, and totally crowd-pleasing for any holiday event.
- Quick and Easy: You’ll have this puppy chow ready in under 15 minutes—no fancy baking skills needed.
- Customizable Flavor: You can easily swap sugars or add extras to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
- Kid-Friendly and Fun: My family goes crazy for this—kids love helping toss and shake the ingredients!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s where the magic happens—each ingredient plays a special role in balancing rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and that signature sugary coating. When shopping, grab good quality semi-sweet chocolate chips and smooth peanut butter for the best melt and flavor. Also, festive sanding sugar is what really adds that holiday sparkle that makes this recipe so irresistible!
- Chex cereal: Rice or corn Chex works great here for that perfect crunch without sogginess.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: I prefer ones that melt smoothly for an even coating.
- Smooth peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter blends beautifully into the chocolate—chunky can be tricky for this.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps everything melt together without separation.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash brings out the chocolate and peanut butter flavors so nicely.
- Powdered sugar: This classic coating is the key to that iconic puppy chow texture.
- Festive sanding sugar: Adds sparkle and a subtle extra crunch—perfect for holiday cheer!
Variations
One of the things I love about this Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Puppy Chow Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often switch up sugars or toss in some holiday sprinkles to match the season. Feel free to get creative and make it uniquely yours!
- Nut-Free Variation: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter; it still melts well and is allergy-friendly.
- Dark Chocolate Swap: I’ve done this with dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor that balances the sweetness.
- Extra Crunch: Adding chopped nuts or pretzels gives a crunchy surprise that’s super fun to munch on.
- Seasonal Twists: Swap festive sanding sugar for crushed candy canes or colored sprinkles for extra holiday flair.
How to Make Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Puppy Chow Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Cereal And Melting Mixture
Start by measuring out 9 cups of Chex cereal into a very large mixing bowl—you’ll need the space to toss later without spilling everywhere. While that’s set, gently melt your semi-sweet chocolate chips, smooth peanut butter, and butter together over medium heat. Stir constantly so everything melds smoothly without burning. Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract and give it a couple of minutes to cool slightly. This little rest is super important because it makes sure you don’t melt or crush the cereal too much when you pour.
Step 2: Coat The Cereal Gently
Pour the chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal in three stages, folding very gently after each addition. When I first tried this, I was a bit too enthusiastic and ended up breaking a lot of pieces—but once I slowed down and folded gently, the cereal stayed perfectly crisp. Tossing until everything looks evenly coated is key.
Step 3: Sugar-Coat And Chill
Combine the powdered sugar and festive sanding sugar in a large, airtight plastic bag and shake well to mix. Then, in batches, add some of the chocolate-coated cereal to the bag, toss gently to coat, and spread the finished mix out on a wax paper–lined rimmed baking sheet.
After everything’s coated and spread in a single layer, pop it in the fridge for about an hour to set. This step really helps everything firm up, so your puppy chow isn’t sticky but perfectly snackable.
Pro Tips for Making Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Puppy Chow Recipe
- Use a Very Large Bowl: Trust me, having enough space to toss keeps your kitchen less messy and your cereal intact.
- Let the Chocolate Cool Slightly: If it’s too hot, the cereal softens or breaks—waiting a couple of minutes makes a big difference.
- Fold, Don’t Stir Vigorous: Being gentle helps keep those crunchy pieces whole and delicious.
- Use Fresh Powdered Sugar: Old or clumpy powdered sugar leads to uneven coating—fresh sugar gives you that perfect dusting.
How to Serve Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Puppy Chow Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a little extra festive sanding sugar or miniature holiday-themed sprinkles on top right before serving—it adds that whimsical sparkle that makes this snack feel extra special. Sometimes, I throw in a few crushed peppermint bits for a cool bite that pairs wonderfully with the peanut butter and chocolate.
Side Dishes
This puppy chow stands strong on its own, but I like serving it alongside hot cocoa, mulled cider, or even a simple cheese platter during holiday parties. It adds a sweet contrast that guests always appreciate.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive gatherings, I love putting this puppy chow into clear treat bags tied with holiday ribbons—it makes a great party favor. You can also layer it in mason jars with colorful sprinkles for a beautiful gift. And if you’re feeling fancy, serve it in a festive bowl alongside mini cupcake liners so guests can easily grab a handful without the mess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and set, store your puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for about a week this way, which is great because it tends to disappear faster! I like to keep mine in a sealed container to lock in that crunch and keep it from getting sticky.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this before by placing the puppy chow in a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out excess air. When thawed, it’s almost as good as fresh! Just let it come to room temperature for a bit so flavors and texture shine again.
Reheating
No reheating needed here! Puppy chow is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If it seems a little firm from chilling, just let it sit out for 10-15 minutes and it’ll soften perfectly without losing crunch.
FAQs
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Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth in this recipe?
While you can, I recommend smooth peanut butter for this Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Puppy Chow Recipe because it melts more evenly and coats the cereal better. Crunchy peanut butter might make the mixture a bit lumpy or uneven, but if you love that texture, give it a try!
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How do I keep the puppy chow from getting soggy?
The key is gentle folding when mixing and making sure the chocolate mixture isn’t too hot when you combine it with the cereal. Also, chilling the coated puppy chow so it sets helps keep that crispy texture you want.
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What’s the best way to transport this snack for parties?
Use a large airtight container to keep freshness. If you’re gifting it, clear cellophane bags with a festive ribbon work beautifully. Just be sure to pack it gently to avoid breaking the coated cereal pieces.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Make sure your powdered sugar and sanding sugar are vegan-friendly too. It’s a delicious tweak that doesn’t compromise the festive feel.
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How long does Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Puppy Chow last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it will stay fresh and crunchy for up to one week. After that, it might start to lose that crisp texture, so it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later!
Final Thoughts
This Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Puppy Chow Recipe has become my go-to holiday snack for its ease, flavor, and festive vibes. Each time I make it, I think about how simple ingredients come together to create something that sparks joy at any gathering. I genuinely hope you try it and love it as much as my family and I do—this snack has a way of making holidays just a little bit sweeter and more fun. So, grab your biggest bowl and get ready to mix up a batch that everyone will be talking about!
Print
Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Puppy Chow Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Christmas Puppy Chow is a festive twist on the classic snack mix, combining crispy Chex cereal coated in a luscious blend of melted chocolate, peanut butter, and butter, then dusted with powdered and sanding sugar for a sweet, crunchy treat perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 9 cups Chex cereal
- 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coating
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup festive sanding sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Cereal: Measure 9 cups of Chex cereal and place it into a very large mixing bowl to ensure there’s enough space for coating later. Set it aside.
- Melt the Chocolate Mixture: Over medium heat on the stovetop, combine 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter, and 1/4 cup butter. Stir constantly until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
- Add Vanilla and Cool: Remove the melted mixture from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Allow it to cool for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly but remain pourable.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour the chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal in three stages, folding gently after each pour to evenly coat while avoiding breaking the cereal pieces. Toss gently to ensure all pieces are covered.
- Prepare Sugar Coating Mixture: In a large, airtight plastic bag, combine 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 cup festive sanding sugar. Shake to mix well.
- Coat with Sugars: Add the coated cereal in batches to the bag containing sugar mixture. Toss the cereal gently inside the bag to coat thoroughly. Remove the coated cereal to a wax paper-lined rimmed baking sheet.
- Set the Snack: Spread the coated cereal in a single layer on the wax paper and chill it for one hour to allow the coating to set firmly.
- Store and Serve: After chilling, the Christmas Puppy Chow can be kept at room temperature or refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use a bowl larger than you think to avoid spills when folding and coating the cereal.
- Gently fold the cereal to keep pieces intact and evenly coated without breaking.
- Chilling helps the coating to set and makes the snack less sticky to the touch.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
