Easy and delicious, this addictive, sweet Puppy Chow recipe is perfect for all holidays! The classic Muddy Buddies…with the option to add in holiday colored candies!
Everyone loves easy desserts. Whip up some fancy Chocolate Dipped Oreos in minutes. Or dunk your grahams and make these delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Graham Crackers!
Chex Mix Puppy Chow
It depends on where you live, but some people call this recipe Muddy Buddies, reindeer chow, or monkey munch in different regions. I grew up calling it Puppy Chow in the Midwest!
Regardless of the name, it’s an addictive sweet treat, for adults and children.
NOT FOR PETS. I need to mention this because if you follow me online, you’ll notice someone always says I’m bad for giving chocolate to dogs.
Perfect for parties, you can change up the color and flavor of this easy Puppy Chow Recipe with just a few simple swaps!
- Simple, no-bake dessert.
- Serves a crowd, or bag it up for goodie bags.
- You can keep puppy chow fresh for up to one week, and you can make it in advance!
- Add festive candies for the holidays!
If you love today’s recipe you’ve got to try my Snickerdoodle puppy chow and peppermint puppy chow too!
How to Make Puppy Chow
This recipe for puppy chow with chex cereal is so easy!
- In a double boiler, or microwave, melt chocolate chips with butter. When melted, mix in peanut butter.
- Measure out the rice Chex cereal into a large bowl. Pour melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and stir until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar over the mixture and mix until you coat the cereal evenly.
PRO TIP: You can also add the cereal to a ziploc bag after adding the peanut butter and chocolate. Add the powdered sugar to the bag, zip it closed, and shake!
- Once fully coated, add in any festive touches, if desired. Mini marshmallows, marshmallow bits, and chocolate candies. Add sprinkles for a festive touch of color.
Recipe FAQs
To use a double boiler, add about an inch of water to the bottom. Set over high until until it comes to a boil, the turn heat down to medium-low.
Set a metal mixing bowl on top of the sauce pan and add in chocolate and butter (to the empty pan on top). Stir until completely melted and smooth, this takes a couple minutes. Remove from heat.
Puppy Chow stays fresh for up to one week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
You can substitute other seed butters, nut butters, etc for the peanut butter. You can also use Biscoff, which is nut free too!
Substitutions
Original Muddy Buddies. 1 cup of milk chocolate chips (or semi-sweet or dark chocolate) and 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter. Melt smooth and continue directions.
Peanut Butter Puppy Chow. Swap out the chocolate morsels for peanut butter morsels. Fold in 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter.
Candies. Use any color or variety of flavored M&M’S for a unique treat. Add holiday sprinkles!
Peppermint Puppy Chow. Uses Andes Mints and candy canes!
Thin Mint Puppy Chow. No Girl Scout cookies needed for this recipe!
- Can I use a different cereal? Absolutely! Crispex, Golden Grahams and Cinnamon Toast Crunch all work great. Chex is unique though in it’s ability to “house” the chocolate filling inside!
- What kind of chocolate is best? We love using semi-sweet chocolate, but milk and dark chocolate work great too! Use a quality brand for best results. And always buy fresh!
More Easy Dessert Recipes
- Rice Krispie Treats
- Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
- Chocolate Cheesecake
- No Bake Cookies
- Avalanche Cookies
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs
- Bunny Chow
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Puppy Chow Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a double boiler, or microwave, melt chocolate chips with butter. When melted, stir in peanut butter until combined.
- Measure out the rice Chex cereal into a large bowl. Pour melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and stir until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar and mix until combined and cereal is coated evenly.
- Allow to set, about one hour.
Notes
- You can also add the cereal to a ziploc bag after adding the chocolate. Add the powdered sugar to the bag, zip closed, and shake!
- Store in airtight container for up to one week.
- For a spring/ Easter version, add 1 cup mini marshmallows, 1/2 cup marshmallow bits, and 1 cup pastel colored chocolate candies.
- Can I use a different cereal? Absolutely! Crispex, Golden Grahams and Cinnamon Toast Crunch all work great. Chex is unique though in it's ability to "house" the chocolate filling inside!
- What kind of chocolate is best? We love using semi-sweet chocolate, but milk and dark chocolate work great too! Use a quality brand for best results. And always buy fresh!
Nutrition
Sweet, addicting Puppy Chow or Muddy Buddies Recipe.
Does this Puppy Chow recipe freeze in order to make ahead? If not, are there any ways to store? Thank you-can’t wait to try this!!
I would not freeze this snack. Store in airtight container or ziploc bag.
1/4 C. serving size? Even Chex gives you a 1/2 C. Which is still ridiculous. I challenge anyone to eat less than a cup!