The air smells like cinnamon and cocoa, and my kitchen feels like Christmas morning. Every year, I whip up a giant batch of Holiday Puppy Chow (also called Muddy Buddies, Reindeer Chow, or Monkey Munch). It’s sweet, crunchy, and coated in powdered sugar magic. Best of all, it’s no-bake and ready in minutes, perfect for sharing or gifting in sparkly tins.
Table of Contents
What Is Holiday Puppy Chow?
This classic treat started as a humble snack made with Chex cereal, melted chocolate, and peanut butter. Over time, it earned many names and even more fans. The “puppy chow” nickname comes from its look, not its flavor—it’s totally human-friendly and delicious. Around the holidays, this simple mix turns festive with red and green sprinkles, making it a seasonal must-have at every cookie table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll adore how fast this Holiday Puppy Chow comes together. It’s a no-bake, 15-minute wonder that fills your home with chocolate-peanut butter aroma. Kids can help with the shaking part, and it’s great for filling snack bowls or holiday tins. Also, it’s the perfect mix of crunchy, sweet, and salty—ideal for parties, movie nights, or Christmas cookie swaps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Core Ingredients
- Chex cereal (rice or corn)
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Creamy peanut butter
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar
Festive Add-Ins
- Christmas sprinkles
- Optional: holiday M&Ms, pretzels, or mini peanut butter cups
How to Make Holiday Puppy Chow
Melt & Mix the Chocolate Coating
In a saucepan, melt butter, chocolate chips, and peanut butter over medium heat. Stir until smooth, then remove from heat and mix in vanilla.
Coat the Cereal Gently
Place the Chex cereal in a large bowl. Pour the chocolate mixture over in three stages, folding gently each time. Every piece should get a shiny, chocolatey hug.
Shake with Sugar & Sprinkles
Next, combine powdered sugar and sprinkles in a big plastic bag. Add the cereal in batches and shake until each piece turns snowy white. This step feels just like shaking a snow globe.
Chill to Set & Serve
Spread the coated cereal on a parchment-lined tray and chill for about an hour. Once set, store in airtight containers at room temperature or chilled for extra crunch.
Variations & Fun Twists
You can easily switch things up. Try white chocolate for a wintery look, or use colored candy melts for a themed party. Almond or cashew butter works well if you’re avoiding peanut butter. You can even add pretzels for crunch or mini peanut butter cups for indulgence. Sprinkle crushed candy canes for a peppermint twist that looks like confetti.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Keep your Holiday Puppy Chow in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze it for up to six months. If you freeze it, let it come to room temperature before serving. Glass jars or tins make it perfect for gifting, and it stays crunchy and bright through the holidays.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Can I make this without peanut butter?
Yes! Use almond butter, sunflower butter, or cookie butter for a nut-free option.
Why is my puppy chow soggy or sticky?
It likely wasn’t coated or cooled enough. Always chill it for at least an hour so the chocolate firms up before storing.
Can I color the powdered sugar?
Liquid or gel colors don’t work well, but powdered food coloring does. You can also add colored dust or fine sprinkles for a bright effect.
Holiday Puppy Chow Recipe Card
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Holiday Puppy Chow Recipe | Easy, Festive & Addictive Snack
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A no bake, festive version of traditional puppy chow made with Chex cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and Christmas sprinkles. Ready in 15 minutes and perfect for gifting and parties.
Ingredients
Chex cereal (preferably corn or rice)
Semi sweet chocolate chips
Creamy peanut butter
Butter
Vanilla extract
Powdered sugar
Festive Christmas sprinkles
Optional add ins: Holiday M&Ms, mini peanut butter cups, pretzels
Instructions
1. Measure cereal and place in a large mixing bowl.
2. Melt butter, chocolate chips, and peanut butter over medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. Stir in vanilla once melted.
4. Pour chocolate mixture over cereal in 3 stages, folding gently each time to coat.
5. Combine powdered sugar and sprinkles in a large plastic bag.
6. Add cereal in stages to the bag, shake to coat, and transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet.
7. Spread in a single layer and chill for 1 hour to set.
8. Store at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
Powdered sugar cannot be colored with liquid or gel food coloring; use powdered food coloring or dust instead.
Fine sprinkles work best, and a generous amount creates the best visual effect.
Recipe adapted from Genius Kitchen.
Highly addictive and great for gifting or party snacks.
Variations: swap white chocolate or colored melts; try almond or cashew butter; add pretzels, Holiday M&Ms, or mini peanut butter cups.
Storage: refrigerate in an airtight container up to 1 week; freeze up to 6 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Christmas Cookies
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe
- Calories: 416
- Sugar: 42
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 78
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 11
More Such Recipes
You might also love my Easy Christmas candy clusters with peanuts,
or try Festive sugar cookie bars for holiday parties.
If you crave chocolate, make Chocolate Christmas brownies with peppermint frosting.
And for dessert tables, don’t miss the No-bake Christmas cheesecake slab for dessert tables.
Final Thoughts
There’s something comforting about a bowl of Holiday Puppy Chow shared around the fireplace. It’s easy, nostalgic, and full of sparkle. Pack it in jars with ribbons, share it with friends, or sneak a handful while wrapping gifts. For more festive snack ideas, visit me on Pinterest or join our cozy kitchen chats on Facebook.