This Christmas Puppy Chow recipe is an easy to make Holiday favorite! Rice Chex Cereal coated in a chocolate peanut butter mixture and finished off with a powdered sugar coating with Holiday M & M’s sprinkled throughout. Perfect for Holiday parties, goodie trays, gifting, and more!
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My family is absolutely obsessed with Chocolate Puppy Chow, aka Muddy Buddies. The crunchy texture, chocolate goodness in every bite, and powdered sugar coating just cannot be beat! Plus, the addition of M & M’s throughout adds a festive color that makes this perfect for the Holidays!
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Why is it called Puppy Chow?
Although the name may not be entirely appealing, the flavor certainly is. Puppy chow is thought to have originated in the Midwest and was named because of its resemblance to dog food. Later, Chex cereal caught on to the popularity of the snack and began publishing a recipe for ‘Muddy Buddies’ on the back of its boxes, which is why the two common names exist.
Ingredients Needed for Christmas Puppy Chow
See printable recipe card below for exact recipe ingredient amounts and step by step directions.
- Chex Cereal- this is the base of the recipe. You can use Chex brand or your local store brand. I use Rice Chex Cereal.
- Chocolate Chips- try to use semi-sweet chocolate chips in lieu of milk chocolate chips as the powdered sugar adds a lot of sweetness already.
- Peanut Butter- creamy peanut butter is best as you will be melting it with the chocolate to make a creamy chocolate coating for the cereal.
- Butter– I use unsalted. This helps keep the chocolate smooth, rich, and creamy.
- Vanilla Extract- this adds just the right amount of richness to the mixture. Pure versus imitation is best.
- Powdered Sugar- definitely the must have addition to the recipe. Adds to the fluffy, sweet taste.
- Green and Red M & M’s- optional, but highly recommended. You can also use sprinkles, mini peanut butter cups, or additional chocolate chips.
How to make Christmas Puppy Chow
- Place cereal into a large mixing bowl.
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate chips, butter, and peanut butter and microwave until smooth and creamy. Add in vanilla.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal and stir well to coat thoroughly. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes.
- Add the powdered sugar and stir until all is coated. You may need to add more to get all pieces coated. Allow mixture to fully cool.
- Add in the M & M’s and store in an airtight container up to 5 days.
Holiday Puppy Chow Recipe Variations
- Instead of chocolate chips, you can use red candy melts and green candy melts.
- White Chocolate Chips or Dark Chocolate Chips can be used instead of semi-sweet chocolate.
- Use Gluten Free Chex Cereal for a gluten free version.
- Add in sprinkles, pretzels, mini peanut butter cups, peppermint drops, or mini caramels.
- You can use any Chex Cereal in place of the Rice version, I believe they make corn Chex, wheat, and gluten free varieties.
- If you have a peanut allergy, you can use almond butter in place of the peanut butter.
How to store Christmas Muddy Buddies
- Room Temperature– once fully cooled, you can place in an airtight container or bag for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator– place in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
- Freezer– place in a freezer safe bag or container for up to 6 months. Allow to thaw before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Chex Cereal is best in this recipe?
You can’t go wrong with any version. I tend to use Rice Chex Cereal, however, corn, wheat, or even chocolate work great in this recipe.
What is the difference between Puppy Chow and Muddy Buddies?
Nothing! They are the exact same recipe. In fact, this recipe has so many names it can be referred to. Pick your favorite! You may know it as Reindeer Chow Muddy Buddies, Christmas Puppy Chow, Reindeer Food Recipe, Monkey Munch, or Muddy Munch.
Can you freeze Muddy Buddies?
Absolutely! Once fully cooled, simply place in a freezer safe container or bag and store frozen up to 6 months. Allow to fully thaw and dig in!
What is an easy way to coat the Chex Mix with powdered sugar?
My secret method is to use a garbage bag. Yep, you are probably thinking I am crazy, but I simply add the powdered sugar, pour in the cereal mixture, and shake it around to fully coat. I can then add more powdered sugar as needed and once done, I toss the bag in the garbage.
Can I change this up to fit any Holiday?
Absolutely! Simply use different colored M & M’s, sprinkles, or keep it to just the coated cereal for a muddy buddy recipe that can be enjoyed year-round.
More Christmas Recipes to try
Christmas Layered Jello– a tried and true family favorite that is festive, delicious, and makes the perfect addition to any Holiday meal!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Layered Fudge– a double-layered fudge that combines rich chocolate fudge and creamy peanut butter fudge into one smooth and creamy treat! You can’t go wrong combining these two classic flavors!
Macaroon Kiss Cookies– combine flaky sweetened coconut flakes and cream cheese for a chewy cookie everyone will enjoy!
Eggnog Mini Loaves– the seasonal flavors of eggnog, rum extract, and spices shine through in these moist, mini loaves! Pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee!
Peanut Butter Blossoms– the Holiday classic cookie every exchange needs. Made with creamy peanut butter, the dough is rolled in sugar and pressed with a chocolate Hershey kiss. These easy to make cookies turn out perfectly soft and chewy every time!
Rolo Pretzel Treats– a 3-ingredient sweet and salty treat that make the perfect snack or dessert. They are the easiest holiday treat and are so fun and festive for any occasion!
Christmas Reindeer Chex Mix is a delightful and festive snack mix that brings joy to any holiday gathering. Its combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the colorful M&M’s and any other add in desired, make it a visually appealing treat as well. Whether enjoyed while watching classic holiday movies or shared with loved ones during a cozy evening by the fireplace, this mix is sure to add an extra touch of merriment to your Christmas celebrations. So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed! Happy holidays!
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Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice Chex Cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar *more or less as needed
- ½ cup Holiday M & M's
Instructions
- Place cereal into a large bowl.
- In a medium bowl, add the chocolate chips, butter, and peanut butter. Microwave until smooth and creamy.
- Add in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the chocolate peanut butter mixture over the cereal and stir to coat thoroughly. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes.
- Add the powdered sugar and stir until all cereal pieces are coated. You can add more powdered sugar as needed.
- Allow to fully cool and add in the M & M's. Store in an airtight container.
Kim Wilson says
My kids love this! So easy and festive!
Kristin says
So glad you enjoy this!! Such a favorite in my house too!
Lynne Altuvilla says
Thank you so much for the recipes.
I can’t wait to make them! Love chocolate and peanut butter together. Thank you for all the recipes you have put on Facebook.
Kristin says
Awww, my pleasure! Glad you are enjoying them!!