Name: Christmas Puppy Chow
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 stick salted butter; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 5 cups Rice Chex Cereal; 1 cup mini pretzel sticks; 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 cups holiday M&Ms

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Every holiday season, my family and I gather around to whip up our favorite treats, and Christmas Puppy Chow is always on the list. The first time I made it, I was just a kid, standing on a chair to reach the countertop, eager to stir the melting chocolate and peanut butter. The moment that mix hit the crunchy cereal and pretzels, I knew we were onto something special. The sweet, creamy coating combined with the crunch of the Rice Chex and mini pretzel sticks creates a delightful texture that’s hard to resist. Over the years, this recipe has brought countless smiles to our faces, whether we’ve enjoyed it during cozy movie nights or packed it into holiday gift bags for friends and family.

One of the things I love most about making Christmas Puppy Chow is how simple it is. Kids can easily help out, shaking the bag and getting their hands a little messy. And let’s be honest, who can resist sneaking a few bites along the way? The vibrant colors of the holiday M&Ms make it not just delicious but also visually appealing, perfect for festive gatherings. Plus, it’s a no-bake treat, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday spirit. Whether you’re making it for a party or just to snack on while wrapping presents, I can guarantee this treat will be a hit!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
15 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
210 kcal

Protein:
3 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
10 g

Tools Used:
Mixing Bowl, Wooden Spoon

Why We Love This Christmas Puppy Chow

Perfect for Any Occasion

There’s something about Christmas Puppy Chow that makes it a versatile treat. Whether it’s winter holidays, birthday parties, or just cozy nights at home, this recipe fits right in. The festive colors and flavors brighten up any dessert table, making it a favorite for young and old alike.

Easy to Make

This recipe is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for anyone, regardless of culinary skill. You can whip it up in a matter of minutes, and it requires no baking. All you need is to melt a few ingredients, mix them, and let the magic happen. It’s ideal for busy holiday schedules!

Kid-Friendly Fun

Kids love to help out in the kitchen, and Christmas Puppy Chow gives them the chance to get involved. They can mix the ingredients, shake the bag, and even sneak a few pieces while you’re not looking. It’s a great way to create lasting memories together.

Customizable to Your Taste

While the classic version is fantastic, you can easily customize Christmas Puppy Chow to suit your tastes. Add different candies, nuts, or even a sprinkle of holiday spices for a unique twist. You can make it your own!

Perfect for Gifting

Who doesn’t love receiving a homemade gift? Christmas Puppy Chow makes a delightful treat to package up for teachers, neighbors, or friends. Just put it in a festive bag or jar, and you have a sweet gift that everyone will appreciate.

Long-Lasting Treat

Once you make it, you can store Christmas Puppy Chow in an airtight container, and it lasts for weeks. It’s perfect for prepping ahead of time for gatherings or just keeping on hand for whenever the sweet tooth strikes!

Main Ingredients for Christmas Puppy Chow

The ingredients in Christmas Puppy Chow work together beautifully to create a sweet and crunchy snack that’s simply irresistible. The combination of the creamy butter and peanut butter with chocolate chips results in a luscious coating that binds everything together. The Rice Chex Cereal provides the perfect crunch, while mini pretzel sticks add a delightful salty contrast. Finally, the dusting of powdered sugar gives it that snowy, festive touch, making it a treat you can’t resist.

1 stick (8 tablespoons) salted butter: Provides the creamy base for the coating and helps bind all the ingredients together.
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Adds richness and a nutty flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient for a sweet and satisfying coating.
5 cups Rice Chex Cereal: The crunchy base that gives structure to your puppy chow.
1 cup mini pretzel sticks: These add a fun crunch and a touch of saltiness to balance the sweetness.
2 cups powdered sugar: Used for coating, it gives a sweet finish and makes the treat look festive.
2 cups holiday M&Ms: These colorful candies not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a burst of chocolatey goodness.

Step by Step Guide for Christmas Puppy Chow

Making Christmas Puppy Chow is a fun and easy process that anyone can master! Gather your ingredients and let’s get started. This recipe comes together quickly, so you’ll want to have everything prepped and ready to go. Follow these steps for a delicious treat that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Start by melting together the butter, peanut butter, and chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in intervals of thirty seconds, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. You want it to be velvety with no lumps. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
Once melted, take a large bowl and combine the Rice Chex Cereal and mini pretzel sticks. This mix will be the base of your puppy chow. Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the cereal and pretzels, stirring carefully to coat everything evenly. You want to see a nice glossy coating on every piece!
Now, take a large Ziploc bag and pour in your chocolate-coated cereal and pretzel mix. Add the powdered sugar to the bag, seal it tightly, and give it a good shake! This step is crucial for achieving that snowy coating. Shake until all the pieces are well-coated and have a light dusting of sugar.
Once everything is coated, spread the mixture out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool down. Allow it to dry thoroughly. You can take a moment to enjoy the aroma wafting through your kitchen as it sets!
After it has cooled, gently fold in the holiday M&Ms so they’re evenly distributed throughout the puppy chow. This colorful addition makes it festive and fun!
Finally, transfer your Christmas Puppy Chow to an airtight container. It can be stored for up to two weeks, but I doubt it’ll last that long! Enjoy it as a snack or share it with friends and family.

Things Worth Knowing

Use quality chocolate: Good chocolate makes a significant difference in flavor, so opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Mix it up: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite nuts or even swapping in different candies.
Make ahead: Christmas Puppy Chow can be made in advance and stored, making it a great holiday treat to have on hand.
Keep it dry: Ensure your ingredients are fully dry before mixing; moisture can cause the mixture to clump together.

Helpful Notes about Christmas Puppy Chow

Here are some tips to help you create the best Christmas Puppy Chow possible. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned pro, these pointers will elevate your treat-making game!

Storage: Keep your Christmas Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain freshness.
Freezing: You can freeze it for longer storage. Just ensure it’s in a sealed container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Pairing: This treat pairs wonderfully with hot chocolate or a festive beverage. It’s perfect for snacking during holiday movie marathons!
Gift giving: Package your puppy chow in festive bags or jars for an easy homemade gift that friends and family will love.
Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment with your mix-ins. Try adding dried fruits, nuts, or even flavored popcorn for a twist!

Side Dish Ideas for Christmas Puppy Chow

When serving Christmas Puppy Chow, consider pairing it with these delightful options to create a well-rounded festive snack table.

Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of hot cocoa complements the sweet and crunchy nature of puppy chow beautifully.
Cheese Platter: A cheese platter with assorted cheeses and fruits can provide a savory balance to the sweetness of the puppy chow.
Seasonal Fruits: Serve with vibrant seasonal fruits like pomegranates or citrus slices for a refreshing contrast.
Cookies: Pair with a selection of holiday cookies for a delightful sweet spread at your gatherings.
Popcorn Mix: Create a popcorn mix with caramel and nuts to serve alongside your puppy chow for added crunch.
Fruitcake: For a traditional touch, offer a slice of fruitcake as part of your holiday treat ensemble.

FAQ

Christmas Puppy Chow is a sweet, no-bake treat made from a combination of crunchy cereal, melted chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. It’s often enhanced with festive additions like holiday M&Ms and pretzels, creating a delightful snack perfect for the holiday season. This treat is adored for its sweet, creamy flavor and crunchy texture.

Absolutely! One of the best things about Christmas Puppy Chow is that it can be made ahead of time. In fact, it stores well in an airtight container for up to two weeks. This makes it a perfect treat for busy holiday schedules or for gifting to friends and family.

You can customize your Christmas Puppy Chow in many ways! Feel free to add different kinds of candy, nuts, or even flavored popcorn. Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give it a holiday twist. The possibilities are endless, so make it your own!

Store your Christmas Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about two weeks. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in a sealed container or freezer bag. Just make sure to let it thaw at room temperature before enjoying it again.

Conclusion

The Christmas Puppy Chow is a beloved holiday treat that brings joy and nostalgia to many. With its perfect blend of sweet and salty, it’s hard to resist this delightful snack. I encourage you to try making it this holiday season, whether for yourself or as a gift for someone special. Enjoy the memories made and the smiles that come with sharing this delicious treat!