The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
When it comes to holiday snacking, nothing beats a recipe that’s quick, festive, and completely irresistible. This Easy Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe—also known as Christmas Muddy Buddies—is exactly that. Crunchy cereal coated in a rich chocolate-peanut butter mixture, dusted in snowy powdered sugar, and finished with red and green candies, it’s a holiday snack that disappears almost as fast as you make it.
Christmas puppy chow is a seasonal twist on the classic snack mix many of us grew up with. It takes everything you love about the original—sweet, crunchy, chocolatey goodness—and dresses it up for the holidays. The result is a snack that feels nostalgic and playful, yet perfectly suited for Christmas parties, movie nights, and edible gifts.
Best of all, this recipe is completely no-bake and comes together in minutes. Whether you’re whipping up a last-minute treat for guests or making a batch with kids on Christmas Eve, this puppy chow is stress-free holiday magic.
Why Christmas Puppy Chow Is a Holiday Must-Make
Holiday baking can be time-consuming, and oven space is often at a premium. That’s why no-bake snacks like puppy chow shine during December. This recipe is:
- Quick and easy to make
- Kid-friendly and fun to customize
- Perfect for parties and gift bags
- Made with pantry staples
- Easy to double or triple for crowds
Its snowy powdered sugar coating gives it a festive, wintery look, while colorful candies make it feel unmistakably Christmas-ready.
Ingredients
- Rice Chex cereal
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Creamy peanut butter
- Unsalted butter
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar
- Red and green M&M’s
- Holiday sprinkles
Optional additions:
- White chocolate drizzle
- Mini pretzels
- Peppermint candies
- Mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Measure the Cereal
Place Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside. - Melt the Chocolate Mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract. - Coat the Cereal
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently fold until all pieces are evenly coated. - Add Powdered Sugar
Transfer coated cereal to a large zip-top bag. Add powdered sugar, seal, and shake gently until fully coated. - Cool and Decorate
Spread puppy chow onto parchment paper to cool. Once set, toss with M&M’s and holiday sprinkles. - Serve or Store
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Tips for the Best Puppy Chow
- Use gentle folding to avoid breaking the cereal.
- Let chocolate mixture cool slightly before adding sugar.
- Add candies only after the puppy chow has cooled.
- Shake in batches if making a large amount.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
Festive Variations
Peppermint Puppy Chow: Add crushed candy canes.
White Chocolate Christmas Chow: Use white chocolate chips instead.
Nut-Free Version: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter.
Extra Chocolatey: Drizzle with melted chocolate after cooling.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Puppy chow can be made up to 5 days in advance.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Do not refrigerate—humidity can cause clumping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Christmas puppy chow:
- In holiday snack bowls
- As part of a Christmas movie night spread
- Packaged in gift bags or jars
- On a dessert charcuterie board
- As a sweet treat after holiday meals
It’s especially popular with kids—and adults always sneak extra handfuls.
Why This Recipe Works
The balance of chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar creates the perfect coating that clings to every piece of cereal. The crunch of Chex combined with festive mix-ins makes this snack addictive in the best way.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe for Festive Snacks is one of those holiday treats that brings instant smiles. It’s fun, fast, and endlessly customizable—everything a Christmas snack should be.
Once you make it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a yearly tradition.
Easy Christmas Puppy Chow
A festive no-bake snack mix with chocolate, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and holiday candies.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place cereal in a large bowl.
- Melt chocolate, peanut butter, and butter until smooth.
- Pour chocolate mixture over cereal and toss gently.
- Shake with powdered sugar in zip-top bag.
- Cool and mix in candies before serving.
Notes
Add candies after cooling to prevent melting.
