This Christmas Puppy Chow is a fun, no-bake treat that’s perfect for the holidays.
It’s crunchy, sweet, and has that festive pop of color that makes it feel extra special.
You just mix, melt, shake, and snack.
That’s it. It’s one of those treats that disappears fast, so make a double batch if you can.
What You’ll Need
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup red and green M&M’s
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles
- 2 large gallon-sized zip-top bags
- Large mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Microwave-safe bowl
Why I Love This Recipe
I’ve made this recipe every Christmas for the past ten years. It started as something quick I could throw together before a party, and now it’s the one thing my friends always ask for. I love it because:
- It takes less than 15 minutes
- No baking, just melt and mix
- It looks super festive without extra effort
- Stays crunchy even after a couple of days
- Makes a great gift in cute little holiday bags
Servings and Time
Makes: 10 servings
Total Time: 15 minutes
Macros Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 13g
- Carbs: 42g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 4g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Rice Chex cereal holds its shape and texture really well because it’s made with rice flour and has a firm crunch. When you coat it with melted chocolate, peanut butter, and butter, it gets a rich layer that hardens slightly as it cools. The powdered sugar helps keep it from sticking and gives that sweet finish without making it soggy.
Common Mistakes
- Using too much chocolate mix: It’ll clump the cereal and make it soggy. Stick to the measurements.
- Skipping the bag shake: The powdered sugar needs to coat everything evenly. A zip-top bag does the trick fast.
- Pouring chocolate onto cereal while too hot: Let it cool a few seconds so it doesn’t crush the cereal.
- Not mixing gently: Stir slowly so you don’t crush the cereal into powder.
What to Serve With
- A mug of hot cocoa or peppermint mocha
- Chocolate-dipped pretzels or candy canes
- Add it to a dessert charcuterie board
- Serve in festive bowls for movie night
FAQ
Can I make this nut-free?
Yes! Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
Can I freeze it?
Not recommended. It can get soggy after thawing.
How long does it stay fresh?
Up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just make sure to shake in batches so everything coats evenly.
Do I need to refrigerate it?
Nope! Store it at room temperature in a sealed container.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use almond butter instead of peanut butter
- White chocolate chips for a sweeter twist
- Add pretzel sticks or mini marshmallows for crunch
- Use peppermint M&M’s for a minty version
- Add crushed candy canes for extra holiday flavor
Make Ahead Tips
- You can make this up to 2 days ahead
- Store in a zip-top bag or airtight container
- Wait to add sprinkles or M&M’s until just before serving so colors stay bright
How to Make Christmas Puppy Chow
Step 1: Measure cereal into a bowl
Pour 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
Step 2: Melt chocolate, peanut butter, and butter
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, and 1/4 cup unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth and melted. Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract at the end.
Step 3: Pour over cereal
Slowly pour the melted mixture over the cereal in the large bowl. Gently stir with a rubber spatula until all cereal pieces are coated evenly.
Step 4: Shake with powdered sugar
Transfer the coated cereal into 2 large zip-top bags. Add 3/4 cup powdered sugar to each bag. Seal and shake until all cereal is covered and looks snowy white.
Step 5: Add M&M’s and sprinkles
Pour the puppy chow into a clean bowl. Add 1 cup red and green M&M’s and 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles. Gently stir to combine.
Step 6: Serve
Scoop into a round serving bowl and enjoy, or package it in gift bags.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Microwave-safe bowl
- 2 gallon-sized zip-top bags
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving bowl
Leftovers and Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temp
- Lasts up to 5 days
- Don’t refrigerate — it’ll lose its crunch
- Great for gifting in little treat bags
Wrap Up
This Christmas Puppy Chow is one of those recipes that feels like a holiday tradition the moment you make it. It’s quick, crunchy, and packed with that sweet chocolate-peanut butter flavor that everyone loves. I hope it brings some holiday cheer to your kitchen. Let me know how it turned out for you in the comments — and don’t be shy with the sprinkles!
