Christmas Puppy Chow (Chocolate Peanut Butter Chex Mix) Recipe
A festive and irresistible holiday treat, Christmas Puppy Chow combines crunchy Rice Chex cereal coated in a rich chocolate-peanut butter mixture, dusted with powdered sugar and cocoa, and studded with colorful holiday M&Ms and crunchy pretzels for a perfect sweet and salty snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cups 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Coating
- 6 ounces semisweet chocolate
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Cereal and Mix-ins
- 8 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups confectioner’s sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups holiday M&Ms
- 2 cups thin pretzels
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine semisweet chocolate, unsalted butter, and creamy peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until smooth and fully melted. Mix in vanilla extract and kosher salt to enhance flavor.
- Coat the Cereal: Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently stir with a spatula to evenly coat every piece without breaking the cereal.
- Mix Sugar and Cocoa: In a separate large resealable plastic bag, combine the confectioner’s sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder. This mixture will add a sweet, chocolaty dusting to the coated cereal.
- Combine and Shake: Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into the bag with the sugar-cocoa mixture. Seal the bag tightly and shake vigorously until the cereal is well coated with the powder mixture, ensuring an even, sweet finish.
- Add M&Ms and Pretzels: Pour the coated cereal onto a large baking sheet or into a spacious bowl. Gently fold in the holiday M&Ms and thin pretzels to incorporate vibrant color and crunchy texture throughout the mix.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the Christmas Puppy Chow to cool and set at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Once set, serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to a week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For best results, use creamy peanut butter to ensure smooth coating.
- Store the Puppy Chow in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.
- You can substitute the M&Ms with your favorite holiday-themed candies or skip nuts if allergic.
- Mix the cereal gently after coating to avoid crushing the pieces.
- This recipe is perfect for gifting during the holiday season; package in festive bags or jars.
Keywords: Christmas Puppy Chow, holiday snack, chex mix, peanut butter snack, festive treat, holiday recipe, easy snack