Jolly Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe: Sweet Holiday Magic

Festive holiday snacking reaches new heights with this delightful christmas puppy chow that sparkles like winter magic.

Sweet powdered sugar coats every morsel of crispy cereal and chocolate goodness.

Crunchy, decadent bites promise to delight everyone at your seasonal gathering.

Each handful delivers a playful mix of chocolatey crunch and sugary sweetness.

Kids and adults will dance with joy over these irresistible morsels.

Tiny treasures of pure delight await you in this simple yet spectacular treat.

You won’t be able to resist sharing these charming little bites that capture pure holiday joy.

Why Christmas Puppy Chow Is Always a Hit

• This festive puppy chow transforms a classic snack into a merry treat that screams Christmas spirit.
• Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe perfect for busy holiday bakers who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Kids can easily help mix and coat the cereal, turning preparation into a delightful family bonding activity that spreads joy and creates sweet memories.
• Packaged in cute holiday tins or cellophane bags, this puppy chow becomes an amazing homemade gift or crowd-pleasing dessert for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and cookie exchanges.

Ingredients List for Christmas Puppy Chow

• Rice Chex: A classic crispy base that provides a light and crunchy texture perfect for coating with sweet mixtures.

• Chocolate Chips, Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Melts smoothly to create a rich, decadent chocolate layer that binds to the cereal.
• Peanut Butter: Adds creamy richness and helps the chocolate adhere to the cereal, creating a smooth coating.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a sweet, snow-like dusting that gives the puppy chow its signature festive look and extra sweetness.
• Optional Festive Sprinkles: Adds color and holiday cheer to the final treat, making it more visually appealing.

Making Christmas Puppy Chow from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Cereal Base

Pour Rice Chex cereal into a spacious mixing bowl, creating a fluffy foundation for your holiday snack. Ensure the cereal is evenly spread and ready for transformation.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate Magic

• Chocolate chips
• Peanut butter
• Butter

Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 3: Create Chocolate Coating

Gently pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal. Use a rubber spatula to fold and coat every single piece of Chex, ensuring complete coverage with a delightful chocolate embrace.

Step 4: Dust With Powdered Sweetness

Sprinkle powdered sugar generously over the chocolate-coated cereal. Seal the mixture in a large zip-top bag and shake vigorously until each piece is completely blanketed in a snowy white layer.

Step 5: Chill And Enjoy

Spread the puppy chow on a baking sheet to let it set. Allow the treat to cool and solidify for about 15 minutes. Break apart any clumped pieces and serve in festive holiday bowls.

Store in an airtight container for maximum crunchiness and enjoyment throughout your Christmas celebrations.

Top Tips for Christmas Puppy Chow Success

• Crush Carefully: Use a gentle touch when mixing to prevent breaking the delicate cereal pieces, maintaining their original shape and texture.
• Melt Smoothly: Microwave chocolate and peanut butter in short bursts, stirring between each interval to create a perfectly smooth coating without burning.
• Shake with Precision: When adding powdered sugar, use a large sealed container or heavy-duty zip-lock bag to evenly distribute the coating, ensuring each piece gets fully covered.
• Chill for Crispness: Let the puppy chow cool completely before serving to allow the chocolate to set and create a satisfying crunch that'll make everyone love this treat.
• Store Smartly: Keep the puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, preventing moisture from making the cereal soggy.

How to Store Christmas Puppy Chow

• Store leftovers in an airtight container with a tight-sealing lid to maintain freshness for up to 1 week.
• Pack the puppy chow in freezer-safe ziplock bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Keep the treat in a sealed container at room temperature for 5-7 days, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Always let the puppy chow cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup and preserve its crispy texture.

Festive Pairings for Christmas Puppy Chow

• Warm, rich hot chocolate perfectly complements the sweet, chocolatey crunch of puppy chow, creating a cozy holiday treat that melts in your mouth.
• The cool mint and espresso notes of a peppermint mocha cut through the sweetness, offering a refreshing contrast to the sugary snack.
• Warm, aromatic apple cider with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg provides a comforting background that enhances the festive flavor profile of the puppy chow.
• Smooth, creamy vanilla latte creates a harmonious blend with the chocolate and powdered sugar coating, making each bite more indulgent.

Variations on Classic Christmas Puppy Chow

• Gluten-Free Holiday Mix: Replace Rice Chex with gluten-free certified Rice Chex or quinoa cereal for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Festive Treat: Swap butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based version suitable for vegan diets.
• Nut-Free Winter Crunch: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or alternative seed spreads for those with nut allergies.
• Keto-Friendly Seasonal Snack: Use low-carb alternatives like almond flour, sugar-free chocolate, and powdered erythritol to transform the recipe into a ketogenic-friendly version.

Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe

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4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas Puppy Chow delights winter gatherings with its irresistible sweet crunch. Holiday flavors blend chocolate, powdered sugar, and peppermint for a merry treat you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 9 cups rice chex cereal
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup peanut butter
• ¼ cup unsalted butter

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating and Decorative Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup red and green M&Ms
• ½ cup holiday sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Pour cereal into a spacious, clean mixing vessel, creating a stable base for the upcoming transformation.
2. Melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring at 30-second intervals until smooth and glossy.
3. Drizzle the warm, velvety chocolate mixture evenly over the cereal, gently folding to ensure complete and uniform coating.
4. Transfer the chocolate-drenched cereal into a large resealable plastic bag containing powdered sugar.
5. Seal the bag securely and shake vigorously, tumbling the contents until each cereal piece is completely enrobed in a frosty white layer.
6. Spread the sugared mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing it to rest and set for a few minutes.
7. Break apart any clustered pieces, creating individual, bite-sized morsels of sweet, crunchy goodness.
8. Store in an airtight container at room temperature, ready to delight holiday guests or package as a festive gift.

Notes

• Swap traditional Rice Chex for gluten-free versions if you have dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy this festive treat.
• Use white chocolate chips with peppermint extract for an extra Christmas-themed flavor twist that will make the puppy chow more seasonal.
• Sift powdered sugar gradually for a more even coating, preventing clumpy or uneven coverage on the cereal mix.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, making it perfect for holiday gift giving or party snacking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg