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This Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe is sure to bring joy to your holiday celebrations! A delightful mix of Chex cereal coated in a rich chocolate-peanut butter blend, this treat is perfect for snacking during festive gatherings.

Why This Recipe Is Special
Christmas Puppy Chow is more than just a snack; it’s a cherished tradition in many households. This recipe stands out not just for its wonderful taste but also for its festive presentation. The crunchy texture combined with sweet chocolate and a hint of peanut butter creates a symphony of flavors that embodies the warmth of the holiday season. Perfect for parties or cozy nights in, it’s easy to make yet impressive enough to share with friends. For more festive treats, check out our desserts section.
Flavor & Texture
Imagine taking a bite of this delightful treat: the chocolate coating melts pleasantly in your mouth, while the crispy Chex adds a satisfying crunch. The smooth peanut butter enhances the flavor, and the light dusting of powdered sugar completes the experience with a sweet finish. The addition of colorful festive sprinkles not only elevates the visual appeal but adds a slight crunch, making every bite an adventure of flavors and textures.
Convenience & Time Savings
One of the best aspects of this Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe is its convenience. In just about 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch that will satisfy a crowd. It requires minimal ingredients and even less kitchen equipment, making it an easy choice for busy holiday planning. This is perfect when you need a quick sweet treat that doesn’t require a lot of fuss.
Ingredients
To get started on this delectable treat, gather the following key ingredients:
- 9 cups Chex cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup festive sprinkles
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s dive into the fun part: creating your own batch of Christmas Puppy Chow. Follow these simple steps for a delightful treat:
- Measure out the Chex cereal and place it in a very large mixing bowl. Set this aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, chocolate chips, and peanut butter together, stirring constantly to create a smooth mixture.
- Once melted and combined, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for a burst of flavor.
- Pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the Chex cereal in three stages, gently folding each time to ensure every piece is coated without breaking the cereal.
- In a large, airtight plastic bag, combine the powdered sugar and festive sprinkles. Shake to mix them together.
- Gradually add the coated Chex cereal to the sugary mix, tossing gently to cover each piece.
- Transfer the treats to a wax paper-lined rimmed baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer.
- Chill for about an hour, allowing the chocolate coating to set.
- After chilling, your Christmas Puppy Chow is ready to be enjoyed! Keep it at room temperature or refrigerated for a cool snack.
Tips & Tricks for Success
To elevate your Christmas Puppy Chow experience, consider these helpful tips:
- Use a silicone spatula when folding the mixture to prevent breaking the cereal.
- Customize your sprinkles according to your holiday theme – think red and green for Christmas or pastel colors for spring celebrations.
- Add a pinch of sea salt when melting the chocolate for a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
Pairings & Serving Suggestions
This holiday treat goes wonderfully with different beverages. Serve it alongside a warm cup of cocoa or some spiced apple cider for that perfect festive touch. You can also package small portions in festive bags as gifts for neighbors and friends, spreading holiday cheer in every bite.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Christmas Puppy Chow can be made in advance and stored for up to two weeks in an airtight container. For the best texture, keep it at room temperature. If you want to prepare it even earlier, consider freezing portions before they set. Just thaw in the fridge a few hours before serving.
Nutrition & Health Benefits
While Christmas Puppy Chow is undoubtedly a treat, it can also provide some light nutritional benefits. The Chex cereal is a source of whole grains and fiber, which can aid in digestion. Opting for dark chocolate chips can be a healthier alternative as well, providing antioxidants. Always enjoy in moderation, especially during the indulgent holiday season. Learn more about healthy holiday snacking at Eat This Not That.
FAQs
Q1: Can I substitute other cereals for Chex?
Absolutely! While Chex is traditional, feel free to use any favorite cereal like Rice Krispies or even granola for a different texture in your Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe.
Q2: How long can I store Christmas Puppy Chow?
Your treats can last up to two weeks in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, consider freezing.
Q3: Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, using natural peanut butter will still work well, but be aware that it may change the texture slightly due to less sugar and oil in comparison to commercial brands.
Q4: What’s the best way to serve Christmas Puppy Chow?
You can serve it right out of a bowl for a casual gathering, or package small portions in festive bags to share as gifts!
Personal Closing Thought + Call-to-Action
I’m excited to share this Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe with you because nothing brings people together quite like good food. Don’t forget to bring this treat to your holiday gatherings, or keep it handy for those cozy nights at home. If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it turned out – we love hearing your holiday stories!
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Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe
A delightful mix of Chex cereal coated in a rich chocolate-peanut butter blend, perfect for festive snacking.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 9 cups Chex cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup festive sprinkles
Instructions
- Measure out the Chex cereal and place it in a very large mixing bowl. Set this aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, chocolate chips, and peanut butter together, stirring constantly to create a smooth mixture.
- Once melted and combined, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for a burst of flavor.
- Pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the Chex cereal in three stages, gently folding each time to ensure every piece is coated without breaking the cereal.
- In a large, airtight plastic bag, combine the powdered sugar and festive sprinkles. Shake to mix them together.
- Gradually add the coated Chex cereal to the sugary mix, tossing gently to cover each piece.
- Transfer the treats to a wax paper-lined rimmed baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer.
- Chill for about an hour, allowing the chocolate coating to set.
- After chilling, your Christmas Puppy Chow is ready to be enjoyed!
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Can be frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg





