I remember the first time I made this Christmas Puppy Chow (Chocolate Peanut Butter Chex Mix) Recipe, it was an instant hit at our holiday party. The perfect balance of chocolate, peanut butter, and a little salty crunch from the pretzels makes it so addictive you won’t want to stop snacking. If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s easy to throw together and loved by just about everyone, this recipe is your new best friend.

What I really love about this Christmas Puppy Chow is how versatile it is—it works wonderfully as a quick gift, a stocking stuffer, or just a cozy snack while watching holiday movies. The combination of chocolatey sweetness with peanut butter and the pop of festive M&Ms and salty pretzels just screams celebration. Trust me, once you try this Chocolate Peanut Butter Chex Mix, you’ll be making it year after year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Christmas Puppy Chow (Chocolate Peanut Butter Chex Mix) Recipe plays a key role in delivering that perfect sweet and salty flavor. Let me help you pick out what you need so you can have everything on hand and ready to mix.

Semisweet chocolate: Opt for good-quality chips or chopped bars for a smooth, rich flavor.
Unsalted butter: Adding this helps melt everything beautifully and keeps the mix from turning greasy.
Creamy peanut butter: Use creamy instead of chunky for an even coating on every piece.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash gives a lovely deep flavor that elevates the whole mix.
Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter taste.
Rice Chex cereal: This cereal creates the crunchy base that’s light and perfect for coating.
Confectioner’s sugar: Essential for that signature sweet, powdery coating that Puppy Chow is famous for.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adding cocoa deepens the chocolate flavor in the coating without extra sweetness.
Holiday M&Ms: For that festive pop of color and candy crunch, choose your favorite variety or seasonal pack.
Thin pretzels: The salty crunch here is what really makes this mix stand out—don’t skip them!

Variations

I love how this Christmas Puppy Chow (Chocolate Peanut Butter Chex Mix) Recipe is like a blank canvas for your snack cravings. I often tweak it depending on who’s coming over or what pantry staples I have. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Nut-Free Version: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter and make sure your M&Ms are nut-free, and it’s just as tasty for guests with allergies.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne in the melted chocolate step gives a surprising warmth that I’ve grown to love.
Mint Twist: Swap regular M&Ms for peppermint ones for an extra Christmas vibe—sweet and minty all in one bite!
Gluten-Free: Just make sure your pretzels and cereal are certified gluten-free and you’re all set.

How to Make Christmas Puppy Chow (Chocolate Peanut Butter Chex Mix) Recipe

Step 1: Melt Your Chocolate and Peanut Butter Together

Start by gently melting the semisweet chocolate chips, butter, and creamy peanut butter in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or carefully in the microwave in short bursts. Stir frequently so it melts evenly and doesn’t get grainy. Adding the vanilla extract and kosher salt right after melting really amps up the flavor here—don’t skip this step. It might seem simple, but this smooth chocolate-peanut butter mixture is the foundation of your tasty Christmas Puppy Chow.

Step 2: Pour Over Rice Chex and Stir Gently

Place your Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over it. Gently fold everything together with a spatula or wooden spoon to evenly coat each piece. Be patient and gentle here—you want to avoid breaking the cereal while making sure everything is well-covered. This step is where your Chex mix starts turning into magic.

Step 3: Add Cocoa Powder and Powdered Sugar Coating

In a large zip-top bag or separate big bowl, mix confectioner’s sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder. Add the chocolate-coated Chex into this mixture in batches, shaking gently until totally coated. I find using a bag here less messy and super efficient—you can shake until your arms feel like they’re going to fall off! This coating is what gives Christmas Puppy Chow that irresistible powdery texture we all crave.

Step 4: Toss in the Pretzels and M&Ms

Once all the Chex pieces are coated and ready, fold in your holiday M&Ms and thin pretzels. This adds that festive color and crunchy saltiness that I always look forward to. Mixing these in last ensures the candy doesn’t melt and the pretzels keep their crunch. If you want, save a few for decorating the top — it looks pretty on a serving tray!

How to Serve Christmas Puppy Chow (Chocolate Peanut Butter Chex Mix) Recipe

Christmas Puppy Chow (Chocolate Peanut Butter Chex Mix) Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple with this Christmas Puppy Chow—sometimes a sprinkle of extra powdered sugar or a few whole pretzels and M&Ms on top for that extra festive look. A handful of crushed peppermint candy canes also adds a fun crunchy contrast and makes it smell amazing!

Side Dishes

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Chex Mix pairs perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee—especially on a chilly winter afternoon. If you’re serving it at a party, it’s a fun sweet option alongside cheese boards or savory finger foods like mini quiches or sausage rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving, I love packaging Christmas Puppy Chow in clear cellophane bags tied with a red or green ribbon—it looks so festive and homemade. For parties, try serving it in a big festive bowl with scoops or in individual mason jars for guests to take home. I once layered it with whipped cream and strawberries in clear cups for a fun dessert option, and it was a huge hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Christmas Puppy Chow stores beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. I always find it tastes best the day after making it because the flavors have a little time to meld. Just be sure to keep it sealed tight so the confectioner’s sugar doesn’t absorb moisture and clump up.

Freezing

If you want to make it well in advance, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Chex Mix freezes wonderfully. I recommend portioning it in freezer-safe bags and squeezing out as much air as possible. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature and give it a quick shake to fluff it up.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t really necessary for Puppy Chow, but if you want to freshen it up, pop it in a warm oven (about 200°F) for just a few minutes to take the chill off. Just be careful not to let the chocolate melt again or it will lose its signature powdery coating.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy in this Christmas Puppy Chow recipe?

You can absolutely use crunchy peanut butter, but keep in mind the texture will be different—expect a bit more crunch in your mix from the peanut bits. I prefer creamy because it coats the cereal more evenly, but crunchy works if that’s your preference or what you have on hand.
How long does Christmas Puppy Chow last?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it lasts for up to a week while staying fresh and crunchy. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option for about a month.
Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute the semisweet chocolate and butter with dairy-free versions and choose vegan peanut butter. Double-check your pretzels and M&Ms to ensure they don’t contain animal products. It’s a delicious vegan-friendly holiday treat when made this way!
Why do you add cocoa powder to the powdered sugar coating?

The unsweetened cocoa powder deepens the chocolate flavor in the outer coating without making it too sweet. It creates a richer and more balanced taste that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
Can I make Puppy Chow without pretzels?

Definitely! Pretzels add a wonderful salty crunch, but if you don’t have them or want to skip the saltiness, you can simply leave them out or substitute with different crunchy snacks like nuts or crispy cereal pieces.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Puppy Chow (Chocolate Peanut Butter Chex Mix) Recipe has become one of my favorite holiday staples because it combines simplicity with that perfect festive touch. It’s a snack that brings people together, whether it’s casually munching on the sofa or neatly packed for gifting. If you haven’t tried it yet, I wholeheartedly recommend you dive in—it’s a cozy, sweet, salty, and downright fun treat that’s sure to brighten your holiday season.