This Christmas Puppy Chow is the crunchy, chocolate peanut butter snack I make every December. It comes together in minutes, then gets a snowy powdered sugar finish and a sprinkle of red and green cheer.
Christmas Puppy Chow
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Microwave-safe Bowl
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Large zip-top bag
- 1 Baking Sheet
- 1 Parchment Paper
- 1 Saucepan or double boiler (optional, for stovetop method)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 9 cups rice or corn crispy cereal
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 0.5 cup creamy peanut butter
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar to coat; use 1 1/2 to 2 cups to taste
- 1 cup red and green candy-coated chocolates
- 1 cup mini pretzels (optional)
Instructions
Make the Christmas Puppy Chow
- Add the cereal to a very large mixing bowl. Line a baking sheet with parchment for cooling later.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 20 to 30 second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. Stir in alcohol-free vanilla.
- Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently fold with a spatula until every piece looks glossy and coated.
- Transfer the coated cereal to a large zip-top bag with powdered sugar. Seal and shake until the pieces are evenly dusted. Add more sugar if needed for a snowy look.
- Spread the puppy chow on the lined baking sheet to cool and set. Once dry to the touch, toss with red and green candies and mini pretzels.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Puppy Chow
- Fast and easy no-bake treat that is perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Classic chocolate peanut butter flavor that everyone reaches for first.
- Festive colors make it ready for cookie trays and gift tins.
- Scales up beautifully for parties and potlucks.
- Simple pantry ingredients with plenty of fun mix-ins.
Christmas Puppy Chow Ingredients & Substitutions
- Rice or corn crispy cereal: the classic base, about 9 cups. Use any plain square crispy cereal you love.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: melty and rich. Swap with milk chocolate for sweeter, or dark chocolate for deeper flavor.
- Creamy peanut butter: helps the chocolate coat the cereal. Try almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different twist.
- Unsalted butter: a little goes a long way for silky texture. Coconut oil works too.
- Alcohol-free vanilla extract: rounds out the chocolate and peanut butter.
- Powdered sugar: 1 1/2 to 2 cups, for that snowy finish.
- Red and green candy-coated chocolates: for color and crunch. Use mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies instead.
- Mini pretzels: optional salty crunch that pairs well with the sweet coating.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Christmas Puppy Chow
Step 1: Prep the cereal
Add the cereal to a very large mixing bowl. Line a baking sheet with parchment for cooling later.
Step 2: Melt the coating
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 20 to 30 second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. Stir in alcohol-free vanilla.
Step 3: Coat the cereal
Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently fold with a spatula until every piece looks glossy and coated.
Step 4: Shake with sugar
Transfer the coated cereal to a large zip-top bag with powdered sugar. Seal and shake until the pieces are evenly dusted. Add more sugar if needed for a snowy look.
Step 5: Cool and add mix-ins
Spread the puppy chow on the lined baking sheet to cool and set. Once dry to the touch, toss with red and green candies and mini pretzels.
Tips for Success
- Use a large bowl so you can fold gently without crushing the cereal.
- Do not overheat the chocolate. Warm and smooth is perfect.
- Work quickly after melting so the coating stays fluid while you mix.
- Add powdered sugar in batches for even coverage.
- Let it cool completely before storing so it stays crisp.
Variations of Christmas Puppy Chow
- Peppermint white chocolate: use white chocolate and a drop of alcohol-free peppermint extract, then add crushed peppermint candies.
- Spiced mocha: add a pinch of instant coffee and ground cinnamon to the melted chocolate.
- Cookie butter: swap peanut butter for cookie butter for a warm spice note.
- Nut-free crunch: use sunflower seed butter and skip nut mix-ins, then boost texture with extra pretzels.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Christmas Puppy Chow
- Hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or a steamy latte for cozy movie nights.
- A dessert board with fresh berries, pretzels, and shortbread.
- Gift bags and tins lined with parchment for neighbors and teachers.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Room temperature: store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw uncovered to keep it crisp.
- Refresh: if it softens, spread on a sheet pan and let it air out for 20 minutes.
Memories Made Around the Table
Every year my niece helps shake the bag while laughing at the powdered sugar cloud. We snack as we fill tins, and somehow there is always just enough left to bring to the tree-lighting.
FAQs
Can I make this without peanut butter? Yes. Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter. The texture stays similar and the coating sets nicely.
Can I use the stovetop instead of the microwave? Absolutely. Melt chocolate, peanut butter, and butter over low heat in a saucepan or double boiler, then stir in alcohol-free vanilla.
Why is my coating grainy or thick? It was likely overheated. Stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of neutral oil and mix gently to smooth it out.
How far ahead can I make it? Up to 5 to 7 days. Wait to add candies or pretzels until the day you serve to keep everything crisp.
Can I double the recipe? Yes. Use an extra large bowl and shake the powdered sugar in batches for even coverage.
Final Thoughts
Christmas Puppy Chow is the easiest win for holiday snacking and gifting. Keep a batch on the counter, and watch it disappear one happy handful at a time.